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The MLB All-Star ballot has opened, and we're diving deep into our picks for baseball's midsummer showcase in Atlanta! This episode features our annual tradition of revealing who we believe should start the All-Star Game, position by position, in both leagues.

The American League features some fascinating races this year. At catcher, we debate between Seattle's Cal Raleigh's 23 home runs versus Adley Rushman's star power despite his down year. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leads a crowded field of first basemen, while Detroit's unexpected dominance has us highlighting several Tigers, including Glaber Torres at second base.

Over in the National League, the conversations get even more spirited. Pete Crow-Armstrong earns our unanimous support for the outfield, with both of us agreeing he's on an MVP trajectory if he maintains his current pace. We analyze Freddie Freeman's incredible season at first base despite playing through ankle issues, and debate whether Mookie Betts or Francisco Lindor deserves the starting shortstop nod.

Beyond the ballot, we celebrate Tarek Skubal's dominance (16 innings, 4 hits, 20 Ks in his last two starts) as the Tigers maintain baseball's best record. We also update our "White Sox Watch" with the news that Colorado finally won their first series since September, sweeping the Marlins to close the gap on last year's historically bad Chicago team.

Who will be the overall vote leader this year – Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani? Will the Cubs and Dodgers dominate the National League roster? Text us through your podcast app and let us know your All-Star picks! We'll read your message on air in our next episode.

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When the stakes are high in Major League Baseball, sentimentality takes a backseat to performance – a harsh reality we're witnessing across the league this season.

The Los Angeles Dodgers made headlines by releasing longtime contributors Chris Taylor and Austin Barnes, signaling their urgent approach to maintaining dominance in a competitive NL West. "This division is really competitive and really tough," acknowledged Andrew Friedman, explaining why promising prospects like Dalton Rushing and Hesung Kim forced difficult roster decisions. Clayton Kershaw's challenging return from multiple surgeries adds another layer of complexity for a team accustomed to October success.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs continue their surprising surge, with Pete Crow-Armstrong establishing himself as MLB's WAR leader and a true five-tool player. The Cubs' offensive explosion – scoring 10+ runs in ten of their first 49 games, their most since 1898 – has positioned them as legitimate contenders. Our hosts debate whether Chicago should immediately pursue a long-term contract with PCA, recognizing him as "the heart and soul of that organization."

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we track the Colorado Rockies' historically disastrous season. At 8-40 with a -153 run differential, they're performing significantly worse than last year's notoriously bad White Sox, prompting darkly humorous speculation about when mathematical elimination might occur. The managerial carousel continues spinning too, with three teams already making changes before June, most surprisingly the underperforming Orioles dismissing Brandon Hyde.

Not all baseball talk needs to be serious, though. We celebrate Boston's Green Monster-inspired City Connect uniforms as a creative triumph and share our enthusiasm for the Yankees' new stadium-shaped popcorn bucket ($14.99 with unlimited refills through the 7th inning). Because sometimes, baseball's simple pleasures – "when the sun goes down, the air conditioning's right, you're just full enough of food, you got a nice cold drink, and you're watching a good game" – remind us why we love this sport in the first place.

What team has surprised you most this season? Share your thoughts wherever you listen to your podcasts!

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When veteran leadership meets championship aspirations, baseball becomes a masterclass in team chemistry. This week, we're digging into the fascinating dynamic of how experienced players transform contending teams – from Justin Turner's clutch contributions with the Cubs to Clayton Kershaw's imminent return to the Dodgers rotation.

Turner delivered one of the season's most dramatic moments with a walk-off home run, silencing critics who questioned his value. At 40, his impact extends far beyond that single swing – it's about showing younger players how to navigate pressure situations and maintain composure when games hang in the balance. While the Cubs' bullpen faces significant challenges with closer Ryan Presley struggling, their first-place standing demonstrates how veteran presence can elevate an entire roster.

The Dodgers continue demonstrating unparalleled organizational depth while managing a seemingly endless string of injuries. Freddie Freeman's extraordinary season deserves MVP consideration as he leads MLB in nearly every significant offensive category while playing through ankle issues that require extensive pregame treatment. Meanwhile, shocking news broke during our recording as the team called up top prospect Dalton Rushing while designating long-time backup catcher Austin Barnes for assignment.

We also explore several fascinating storylines developing across baseball: the historically bad Rockies after firing manager Bud Black, Rafael Devers' uncomfortable standoff with the Red Sox over a potential position change, and Javier Báez's remarkable resurgence with the Tigers after moving to center field. Plus, exciting news about the World Baseball Classic with Aaron Judge and Paul Skenes committing to Team USA.

Whether you're fascinated by team-building philosophies, player development, or simply love hearing passionate baseball conversation, this episode delivers deep insights into what makes certain organizations consistently successful while others struggle to find their identity. Join us for this exploration of baseball's ever-evolving landscape.

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Baseball's middle innings are proving to be the downfall of many promising teams this season. Despite solid starting pitching and reliable closers, clubs like the Braves and Orioles are struggling to bridge that crucial gap, turning potential wins into frustrating losses. This vulnerability raises significant questions about roster construction and bullpen management as we move deeper into the season.

Former Dodgers prospect Gavin Lux has found his stride with the Cincinnati Reds, batting over .300 and thriving in a lower-pressure environment. His comments about having more fun than since high school reflect not a criticism of his former team, but rather the mental freedom that comes with escaping the spotlight of a perennial contender. The Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong continues his meteoric rise, combining Gold Glove-caliber defense with an explosive offensive game that saw him become the first player in Cubs history to record at least six home runs and six stolen bases over a 13-game stretch.

The Dodgers remain baseball's most complete organization despite battling injuries. Yoshinobu Yamamoto has silenced critics with his sub-1.00 ERA and NL Pitcher of the Month award, while Shohei Ohtani stands as the only major leaguer with double-digit home runs and stolen bases. Perhaps most telling is how veterans like Teoscar Hernandez mentor young talents such as Andy Pages, creating an environment where player development continues even at the major league level. Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies are challenging the 2023 White Sox for the title of worst team in MLB history, sparking discussions about implementing a salary minimum rather than a cap to ensure competitive integrity.

Join us next week as we continue tracking these developing storylines and explore how they might impact trade deadline decisions and playoff races as summer approaches. Which surprising performances will sustain, and which early-season struggles will deepen into full-blown crises? Subscribe now and never miss an episode of baseball's most engaging analysis.

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Pour yourself a cold one and pull up a seat as Dallas Danger and Brian Logan dive headfirst into baseball's early-season surprises. At the forefront: the Chicago Cubs, who've stunned the league by dominating the toughest schedule in baseball with a 16-10 record that includes sweeping the mighty Dodgers.

"They haven't weathered the storm—they ARE the storm," Logan declares as they break down the Cubs' historic offensive output (163 runs in 26 games, second-most in franchise history). Pete Crow-Armstrong's defensive wizardry and Kyle Tucker's MVP-caliber play have transformed Chicago into what might be baseball's most complete team.

The Dodgers conversation takes a different tone, with both hosts agreeing the defending champs are built for October, not April. While some might worry about Shohei Ohtani's recent performance, his numbers still dwarf most players' career bests. Meanwhile, Teoscar Hernandez continues delivering clutch hits with seemingly effortless preparation that drives his teammates crazy.

Between innings, our hosts serve up laughs while dissecting outrageously priced ballpark food offerings. Is Miami's $85 "Ultimate Hot Dog Tower" worth the splurge? What about Dodger Stadium's $40 sixteen-inch "Slugger" hot dog? Their verdict might surprise you.

The episode closes with a heartwarming story about the Oakland Ballers independent team receiving a decommissioned BART train car that the departing A's had previously declined. "The Ballers are Oakland's team now," Dallas observes, suggesting the city should partner with them to finally give Rickey Henderson the statue he deserves.

Don't miss this episode packed with early-season analysis, food talk, and authentic baseball passion from two guys who live and breathe America's pastime!

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Baseball's early-season rollercoaster is in full swing, and we're back with a mega-sized doubleheader episode to catch up on everything we've missed! 

The NL Central-leading Cubs have defied expectations, becoming the first team to win at both Dodger Stadium and Petco Park this season. Pete Crow-Armstrong is blossoming into a defensive wizard with newfound offensive prowess, putting himself in early Gold Glove conversations. Meanwhile, Kyle Tucker's power surge raises questions about his future in Chicago beyond this "contract year" performance.

Despite sitting third in the ultra-competitive NL West, the Dodgers remain confident their championship formula will prevail when it matters most. We break down why health remains the priority and how their organizational depth continues to be their greatest advantage in baseball's toughest division.

From the controversial "torpedo bats" making headlines after the Yankees' offensive explosion to the Athletics' widely criticized temporary home in Sacramento (where Cubs players called conditions "a dump"), we dive into the stories making waves across MLB. We examine Jurickson Profar's PED suspension impact on an already struggling Braves team, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s massive $500 million extension with the Blue Jays, and why the Angels might be this year's biggest surprise team.

Plus, we discuss the strangest MLB call-up story of the year (involving an accidental hotel text message) and debate whether the Red Sox new home run celebration mascot head is delightfully weird or pure nightmare fuel. Text us your thoughts on these topics and join the conversation – we're dying to hear from our listeners!

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The crack of the bat, the smell of freshly cut grass, and the roar of the crowd – baseball is back! As the 162-game marathon begins, we dive into what makes this season's opening day so special and what fans can expect from their favorite teams.

The Chicago Cubs have assembled a roster with urgency and purpose, but face an immediate gauntlet in April against playoff contenders like the Diamondbacks, Dodgers, and Padres. We explore how crucial it is for them to weather this early storm and stay competitive until they can face division rivals. With one-year contracts for several key players, this season represents a pivotal moment for the Cubs' front office and their future direction.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers finally have their full A-team lineup intact after health concerns, showcasing perhaps the most intimidating batting order in baseball. Will this star-studded roster translate to postseason success, or will the pressure of expectations become too heavy?

Baseball's unpredictability remains its most charming quality. As we discuss everything from the fascinating "Curse of the Colonel" in Japanese baseball to the Angels' no-cell-phones clubhouse policy, we're reminded why this sport captivates fans worldwide. It's a game where the fastest and strongest don't always win, where human error creates compelling narratives, and where anyone can beat anyone on any given day.

Whether you're tracking record-breaking pitches in college softball, collecting souvenir cups at ballparks, or simply enjoying the rhythm of a daily baseball schedule, this season promises excitement at every turn. Grab your peanuts and Cracker Jack – baseball time is now!

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The Tokyo Series between the Dodgers and Cubs delivered everything baseball fans could want - electric atmosphere, international stars, and cultural exchange that showcased the sport's global appeal.

Shohei Ohtani stole the spotlight in his homeland, powering the Dodgers to two victories despite the absence of Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. His home run in game two ignited the Tokyo Dome, though not without some controversy about potential fan interference. What became clear throughout the series was Ohtani's Michael Jordan-like status in Japan, where his face appears on everything from green tea vending machines to billboards.

We dive into the fascinating cultural differences between American and Japanese baseball experiences - from the organized chanting during exhibition games to the respectful silence during regular season play that puzzled Cubs broadcasters. Taylor McGregor's adventures navigating Japanese customs (including the surprising lack of public trash cans) provided viewers with delightful insights into the players' off-field experiences.

Beyond Ohtani, young pitcher Roki Sasaki made his MLB debut for the Dodgers, showcasing a devastating splitter that could make him one of baseball's most exciting young arms. Meanwhile, the Cubs' new acquisition Shota Imanaga impressed despite the loss, giving Chicago fans reason for optimism despite the disappointing results.

The episode also explores lighter baseball topics including the new 98-ounce "popcorn bat" concession item coming to Giants and Pirates games, the newly official "Vedder Cup" between the Mariners and Padres, and our ongoing "Joe Ryan Watch" to track Brian's bold Cy Young prediction.

Whether you're following the pennant race or just enjoy the cultural side of baseball, this episode captures what makes America's pastime a truly global game. Subscribe now for weekly baseball conversations from two passionate fans who love the game - both on and off the field.

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As the anticipation builds for the 2025 MLB season, Dallas Danger and Brian Logan deliver a comprehensive preview that's equal parts analysis and friendly debate. From the fiercely competitive American League East to the potentially dynasty-building Dodgers in the West, no division escapes their scrutiny.

The hosts make several bold predictions that challenge conventional wisdom. Despite the Yankees' star power and the Orioles' young talent, they favor the retooled Red Sox and the deadline-focused Blue Jays in the AL East. In the Central, Bobby Witt Jr.'s ascension to superstardom could propel the Royals to division supremacy, while the Rangers look poised to dominate the West with a healthy Jacob deGrom and strategic additions.

National League discussions reveal their excitement for the Juan Soto-powered Mets, who they believe are being underestimated by most analysts. There's rare agreement about the Cubs' potential to claim the NL Central crown, thanks to an improved pitching staff featuring rising star Shota Imanaga. And while the Dodgers remain the obvious choice in the NL West, questions persist about whether the talented but inconsistent Padres will ever fulfill their promise.

The most fascinating segment comes when predicting the World Series matchup. Both hosts surprisingly select the Rangers to emerge from the American League, while differing on the National League representative. Brian backs the Dodgers to repeat as champions, but Dallas, citing superstition, picks the Mets despite acknowledging Los Angeles as baseball's most formidable team.

Their award predictions feature unexpected choices like Garrett Crochet for AL Cy Young and spirited debates about whether anyone can challenge Shohei Ohtani for NL MVP. As the season opener in Tokyo approaches, their palpable excitement captures why 2025 might indeed become "the biggest year for baseball" with more competitive teams than ever before.

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The excitement of baseball returns as we dive deep into our discussion about the ongoing spring training performances of the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers. With the Cubs boasting an impressive undefeated streak, we explore the infectious energy that surrounds their spring camp and the implications it has for the upcoming season. What has changed for the Cubs, and how could this momentum translate into success for the 2024 season?

Conversely, the Dodgers come into spring training with one of the most talented rosters in the league, giving us a candid look into their depth and strategy. We discuss potential standouts, including players like David Bodie, and the role newcomers like Justin Turner play within the team dynamic. 

Amidst our diving into player performances, we also reflect on the contrasting cultures and expectations that define both teams, examining how the spirit of competition influences not only gameplay but fan engagement as well. With a focus on what lies ahead for both franchises, we unpack which teams have the potential to dominate their divisions and how these early performances will shape their narratives. 

Tune in to join the conversation, gain insights from various angles, and get the latest on the energy and stories emerging from baseball’s beloved spring training. We invite you to subscribe, share your thoughts, and engage as we witness another thrilling season unfolding before our eyes!

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