755 Is Real: A show about the Atlanta Braves

DOB and EOF dive into The Athletic's Britt Ghiroli's story about the informal scrimmages hosted at Eric Cressey's, New York Yankees Director of Player Health and Performance, facility, which was abundant with top-tier MLB talent; including Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Paul Goldschmidt and Atlanta's own Luke Jackson (7:15). The duo contemplate how thrilling this "Fight Club"/"Prohibition Games" would have been to witness, and detail specifics from the informal games. What if something goes terribly wrong this year? The Bravos Boys use Ken's Rosenthal's recent piece as a springboard to discuss MLB's management of these unique circumstances, and the absence of a distinct "right" way to handle a phenomena like this (18:45). Rosenthal describes the lack of confidence from those within the sport in regards to how team members will conduct themselves once they leave the field (24:15). Lastly, Minnesota is prohibiting coaches Bob McClure and Bill Evers from working games this season. Adding more questions to how to manage those deemed at-risk (28:45).

Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/755isreal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DOB and EOF welcome The Athletic's Washington Nationals beat reporter Britt Ghiroli to today's program (2:15)! The trio tackle player opt outs ahead of the truncated season, including the Nationals' Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross. Ghiroli provides insight into both athletes' decisions to step back from the diamond this season. After, the podcasters discuss the Rockies' Ian Desmond's emotionally charged social media post informing fans of his intention to not play this season (10:30). The trio cite the uncertainty this season holds as one of the reasons players may be electing to sit out. In addition, the gaggle of gabbers highlight other factors that might be detouring players from participating this year (15:45). The triumvirate circle back around to Desmond's comments about clubhouse culture, wherein Eric corroborates some of Desmond's points (32:45). Lastly, the Bravos Boys comb through Atlanta's 60-player pool (42:45).

Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/755isreal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DOB and EOF are overjoyed to have baseball back! The two dish on expanded 60-man rosters and a range of health protocols (:30) before diving into Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich's report on MLB's operation manual. David and Eric answer 12 of the biggest questions about the condensed season (13:15), including but not limited to: Is it possible for a team to run out of players? If so, what happens (17:45); What rule changes will be implemented this year (19:45); Will teams actually make trades (25:30); How will the league handle celebrations, sunflower seeds, etc. (30:30), and how will testing work (38:00)? The guys examine details from Jayson Stark about the structure of team schedules (43:15), and discuss the shortened season's impact on Atlanta (48:00).
 

Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/755isreal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DOB and EOF continue to answer the myriad listener questions submitted during baseball's hiatus. One question asks about Eric's minor league misadventure living in a college dorm while university classes were still in session (7:10). Would Ozuna share information about pitch tipping in last year's NLDS game against St. Louis with Mike Foltynewicz (13:10)? What's the craziest fan comment ever directed at Eric (22:15)? EOF enlightens us about the rigors associated with recovering from Tommy John surgery (37:15). Before calling it a week, the guys thumb through the latest from the MLB labor negotiations (45:30).

Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/755isreal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DOB and EOF remain impressed by your questions and entertain more in today's show (1:30), including: Which players, that David and Eric have seen, have flashed the best fastball, change-up, sinker, et al. (4:15); Could MLB "lockout" its players (12:30) and is Tony Clark's time as Executive Director of MLBPA done (18:35)? The Bravos Boys dig into Rob Manfred's ambivalence regarding a season as well as his, and the owners, public image (23:15). Plus, Trevor Bauer nailed his analysis of MLB's protracted negotiations in a series of searing tweets (40:15).

Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathlet.com/755isreal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally, we have some damn baseball content to discuss and be excited about. DOB & EOF fully flesh out the details of Atlanta's 2020 draft picks, but before then, the duo deliberate the catalyst for the increased volume of college players selected in this year's draft (5:00). The Bravos Boys introduce Atlanta's newest first-round pitching prospect, Jared Shuster, and discuss his arsenal, projected fit in Atlanta's rotation, his struggles early in his career at Wake Forest and what adjustments he made to improve his mechanics (8:00). Why is Atlanta enamored by their fifth-round choice, Bryce Elder, and where does the organization envision him as a sinker/slider hurler (20:45)? Is Jesse Franklin left fielder or the future (28:30), and should Braves fan consider ex-Clemson pitcher, Spencer Strider, a steal (34:20)? Plus, how will collegiate baseball be impacted by MLB clubs only being able to offer a $20K bonus (45:00)?

Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/755isreal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DOB & EOF field more listener questions in today's show, including: What was the worst team David and Eric covered or played on, respectively (2:30); If Atlanta were to win a World Series title under these current circumstances, how would their accomplishment be perceived (23:40); Who was the most talented player the Bravos Boys witnessed that never completely lived up to his potential (31:45); What's the ideal outfield line-up and which position could use an infusion of veteran presence (39:00); What are DOB's and EOF's favorite ballpark foods (43:15) and their top baseball memory (57:45)?

Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/755isreal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DOB & EOF welcome The Athletic's senior baseball writer, Jayson Stark, to the program to evaluate the current position of Major League Baseball. The trio tackle the concept of an illegal strike (2:30) and MLB's tone deaf nature (9:45). Is MLBPA hamstrung by having Tony Clark at the helm (20:30)? What ramifications can we expect when/if the Minor League season is canceled (28:15)? Plus, the ripple effects associated with the condensed MLB Draft (37:30).
 

Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/755isreal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DOB and EOF converse about the players' union's steadfastness in the face of MLB owners' economic proposal despite mounting pressure to start the season (2:30). Eric identifies similarities between his experience with arbitration and the current negotiations (12:00). The duo commiserate over minor leaguers losing their jobs and postulate the implications moving forward of young players' willingness to choose baseball over other sports (25:30). Eric regales us with tales from his minor league days (37:30), including: an impromptu demolition derby, a dry ice bomb fiasco and driving over 150-miles-per-hour outside of Las Vegas.

Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/755isreal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 755 Is Real mailbag never fails to impress. DOB & EOF answer your Braves, baseball and show related questions that were submitted on Twitter (2:30), including: Configuring the 2020 rotation, Eric's craziest clubhouse prank and what pitch would he have added to his repertoire had time/injury not been a factor and more! The Bravos Boys update us on the latest from the MLB/MLBPA negotiations (45:45).

Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/755isreal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.