Baseball Connection

The Mets are closing in on a new managerial hire. Buck Showalter and Joe Espada are two of the final candidates but many think it's Showalter's job to lose. Is his no-nonsense attitude something the Mets need? The Nationals signed Maikel Franco and Dee Strange-Gordon to minor league deals. 2022 will be a rebuilding year in DC so both should get ample opportunity to make the team out of Spring Training. All this on today's episode.

There is a market for fringe MLB players to continue or resurrect their careers while still making a strong salary. It means going overseas to Korea or Japan and some notable players are doing it this winter. What are the pros and cons of this strategy? All this (and more) on today's episode.

The Pirates endured another 100+ loss season in 2021. On the bright side, Bryan Reynolds blossomed into an All-Star center fielder and Jacob Stallings won a Gold Glove. Pittsburgh isn't quite ready to take the next step yet, which is probably why they traded Stallings already. How much longer will it be until they can contend? All this on today's episode.

The 2021 Texas Rangers were the first team to open their gates to fans at full capacity after a pandemic-long absence. With a shiny new ballpark, expectations began rising in the organization. The Rangers only won 60 games this year, but they're poised to make a big jump in 2022. Help is already on the way thanks to some big moves in free agency. All this (and more) on today's episode.

A few teams have been linked to free agent shortstop Trevor Story, most recently including the Red Sox and Astros. If so, what is Xander Bogaerts' long term outlook in Boston? Do the Astros trust their up-and-coming shortstop prospect Jeremy Pena? The Mets have made huge splashes but they still need a manager. All this (and more) on today's episode.

It's Hall of Fame voting season. As we get ready to announce a new class from the regular ballot, let's note the old-time players who just got inducted through a special committee. There are "veterans committees" formed to represent players from different eras of baseball history. The era due for voting rotates on an annual basis. Who got in this year? All this on today's episode.

The Diamondbacks had a forgettable season. It was a long summer in the desert and wins were hard to come by. What went wrong for Arizona, who has potential there, and how can they move forward? All this on today's episode.

The Orioles finished 2021 tied for the worst record in MLB. They struggled on all major fronts including offense, pitching, and defense. There were some bright spots in Baltimore including Cedric Mullins' All-Star season and Trey Mancini's comeback. Baltimore will likely call up two of their top prospects in 2022: Adley Rustchman and Grayson Rodriguez. What else must they do to start moving in the right direction? All this (and more) on today's episode.

What caused MLB to implement a lockout? What does a lockout even mean? The owners and MLB Player's Association will have to settle their differences about the economics of free agency, service time manipulation, tanking, and more. All this on today's episode.

A flurry of deals poured in as the clock ticked towards Wednesday's 11:59 pm EST deadline. Chris Taylor returned to the Dodgers on a 4-year, $60 million deal. Stroman became a Cub for 3-years, $71 million, and the Red Sox and Brewers pulled off a surprise trade. Because no agreement was reached between the owners and player's union, MLB has entered a lockout. What does this mean? All this (and more) on today's episode.