Baseball Connection

Chris Sale is healthy at the moment. Can he stay healthy throughout 2023? It's been a trying three years for Sale as he's battled injuries every since the end of the 2019 season. The front-line starter has only thrown 57 1/3 innings (including postseason) in that timespan. How can we predict the success of Japanese hitters when they move to MLB? All this (and more) on today's episode.

Zack Greinke will be back on the mound for the Royals in 2023. After a strong season last year, Greinke isn't ready to hand up his cleats yet. What role can he play on a young team still trying to find its identity? Adley Rutschman is coming off a stellar rookie year for the Orioles. Is he already the best catcher in baseball? All this (and more) on today's episode.

The Blue Jays have reached an agreement with top reliever Chad Green on a 2-year deal. Green is on the mend from Tommy John surgery but could be available to pitch in the second half of this season. MLB veterans Darren O'Day and Dexter Fowler announced their retirements. Gunnar Henderson, Corbin Carroll, and Francisco Alvarez are atop MLB Top 100 Prospect list for 2023. What can we expect from them this season? All this (and more) on today's episode.

The Mets extended Jeff McNeil with a 4-year, $50 million deal. McNeil is coming off a 2022 batting title and will be the everyday second baseman in Queens for the foreseeable future. The Rays extended Pete Fairbanks and Jeffrey Springs. New outfield dimensions are coming to Rogers Centre in Toronto this year. All this (and more) on today's episode.

Scott Rolen has been elected into the Hall of Fame. Rolen received 76.3% of the vote (min. 75% required) and will join Fred McGriff for an induction ceremony in Cooperstown this summer. Rolen completed the biggest voting jump from start to finish of any Hall of Famer in history. Who's next in line? All this (and more) on today's episode.

Who will be joining Fred McGriff in this year's Hall of Fame class? It's been Scott Rolen stands the best chance but he has a long way to go to the 75% minimum. Carlos Beltran is on the ballot for the first time and he has a strong case based on playing stats; however, his involvement in the Astros 2017 sign-stealing scandal looms large. All this on today's episode.

The Marlins have acquired reigning AL batting champion Luis Arraez from the Twins in exchange for a package including RHP Pablo Lopez. Arraez will be the everyday second baseman in Miami and Lopez will boost the Twins rotation immediately. As a result of this trade, the Marlins are moving franchise star Jazz Chisholm to center field. Ronald Acuña Jr. is poised for a bounce-back year in 2023. All this on today's episode.

Aroldis Chapman was the best closer in baseball for a decade but his best days are behind him now. Chapman has agreed to a one-year deal with the Royals as he falls from the spotlight. How exactly did he get here? The Cubs are silently adding notable names throughout their roster. Are they a sleeper to contend in 2023? All this on today's episode.

2023 will be a make-or-break year for some players, including former All-Stars and even a former MVP. Will Cody Bellinger's bat come back to life with the Cubs? Who is the real Lucas Giolito? Luis Severino is elite when healthy but how many starts will he make? All this (and more) on today's episode.

The salary arbitration process happens every winter and many big names are involved. What is arbitration and how does it work? Andrew McCutchen is going back to where it all began. McCutchen agreed to a one-year deal with the Pirates, where he brought home the 2013 NL MVP. All this (and more) on today's episode.