Craig Calcaterra (NBC's Hardball Talk) joins us to talk about baseball's stodgy corporate culture, how to be a fresh voice in an increasingly stale media environment, and why the Expos are the In-N-Out Burger of baseball. Find Craig on Twitter @craigcalcaterra.

The Ryan Webb Franchise Report investigates the Chris Davis's rapidly-deteriorating ability to make contact, the rash of recent injuries, and offers praise to the city of Tampa Bay for its Baltimore impression. Sarah Estrella laments the demise of McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket. PLUS: essayist Matt Fried bids a fond farewell to the Cliff Lee Era in Philadelphia.

We're joined by Travis Waldron (Think Progress) to consider the multitude of issues raised by the week's events in Baltimore, and to wonder how we, baseball in general, and America can do better.

At long last! The much-anticipated 2015 Nickname Show, complete with overcomplicated puns and lots of giggling. Every player on the current 40-man roster gets a nickname, except weirdos like Oliver Drake, because really?

Alan files a remote report from the nether regions of North Carolina on the experience of missing out on all the #OpeningWeek #Excitement. 

Sam and Alan lament the murky future of Matt Wieters but celebrate the burgeoning expanding around concussions in the NFL. Chris Luther joins us to bravely attempt to make wrestling sound interesting. PLUS: Henry Urrutia gets sexy.

The ideas are even more dangerous than usual this week, as Mina Kimes (ESPN The Magazine) joins us to advocate for government regulation of the professional sports leagues, and explains why that will NOT end up turning them all into Time Warner Cable. Plus: the Larry Bigbie Franchise Report tries to figure out, among other things, whether or not this is finally the Year of Machado.

The Nelson Cruz Franchise Report considers the legacies of Tom Brady and Craig Biggio, Mike Petriello (Fangraphs, Mike Sciosia's Tragic Illness) joins us to talk about the Orioles possibly-shrewd acquisition of Travis Snider, and Ben Masten casts Sam in the greatest role he's ever played: Alex Rodriguez's PR flunky Wheedly Smedlap.

Sam shares some fond memories of Ben McDonald in a special edition episode.

As the Dan Duquette Departure Drama fades (hopefully) into the rear-view mirror, Sam and Alan endeavor to pick up the pieces and look ahead with just two weeks left before pitchers and catchers report.