Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney

Tim Kurkjian joins Buster to discuss the passing of Twins bench coach Mike Bell, the Red Sox scratching Eduardo Rodriguez as its Opening Day starter, Luke Voit’s partial meniscus tear, a seemingly imminent deal for Francisco Lindor, the lack of extension talks for the Cubs’ stars, Joc Pederson’s great spring and if Shohei Otani will bat second. Then, Buster asks Dave Martinez about protecting Juan Soto in the lineup. Later, The Athletic’s Rob Biertempfel previews the 2021 Pirates.

Karl Ravech joins Buster to discuss Eloy Jimenez and Nick Anderson’s injuries, why this season could be a war of attrition, and his playoff picks. Then, it’s the debut of the podcast’s feature series with a story on Alex Verdugo. Next, Todd Radom with Forgotten Franchises on the Chicago Whales and the weekly quiz. Later, The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Bobby Nightengale Jr. previews the 2021 Reds.

Alden Gonzalez joins Buster to discuss Lance McCullers signing an $85 million extension, Carlos Correa turning down a $120 million offer from the Astros, MLB trying to identify egregious offenders of the foreign substance rule and its attempt to also get rid of the traditional mud that players use on baseballs. Then, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with notes on Aaron Nola, Ian Anderson as a dark horse Cy Young candidate and her chalky award picks. Next, Tim Kurkjian goes Rapid Fire with Mookie Betts. Later, FOX Sports Wisconsin’s Sophia Minnaert previews the 2021 Brewers.

David Schoenfield joins Buster to discuss more pitchers getting hurt while batting, MLB using analytics to police foreign substances used by pitchers, Scott Servais throwing shade a Trevor Bauer and ESPN’s top 100 players of 2021. Then, Hembo stops by to talk about Jacob deGrom vs. Gerrit Cole, his playoff teams and which pitchers MLB may keep tabs on as it looks into foreign substance use. Later, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Derrick Gould on the 2021 Cardinals.

Sarah Langs joins Buster to discuss bullpen breakout candidates for the Blue Jays with Kirby Yates sidelined for multiple weeks, Tim Anderson as a potential MVP candidate, the best outfield arms in the game and a reset for Gary Sanchez. Then, author Andrew Maraniss stops by to talk about his new book “The Singled Out: The True story of Glenn Burke,” the inspiring and tragic story of the first openly gay player in MLB. Later, Marquee Sports Network’s Taylor McGregor previews the 2021 Cubs.

Tim Kurkjian joins Buster to discuss the Royals extending Salvador Perez and GM Dayton Moore’s thinking behind the move, the battle for the Dodgers’ fifth starting spot, Shohei Otani pitching and leading off, Jacob deGrom’s perfect pitcher’s body, and Vanderbilt’s Jack Leiter throwing a no-hitter. Then, Buster goes rapid fire with Andrew McCutchen. Later, The Dallas Morning News’ Evan Grant previews the 2021 Rangers.

Karl Ravech joins Buster to solve MLB’s problems, discussing the lack of central authority and decision making in baseball on fans in the stands, the baseballs themselves, the lack of a universal DH and why it seems like none of last year’s changes will be implemented. Then, Todd Radom returns for his new segment “Forgotten Franchises” spotlighting the Hartford Dark Blues and the weekly quiz. Later, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jessica Kleinschmidt previews the 2021 Athletics.

Jesse Rogers joins Buster to discuss the specifics of in-game video returning to the dugout, the uncertainty surrounding the universal DH and if it could be implemented at the 11th hour, and the expectation of injuries after a short season. Then, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with notes on a fantasy baseball recommendation, Jose Alvarado’s Spring Training and Bobby Witt Jr. Later, the Seattle Times’ Ryan Divish previews the 2021 Mariners.

David Schoenfield joins Buster to discuss LeBron James buying into the Red Sox and the clear need more minority owners, Cody Bellinger’s batting new stance, the Royals’ willingness to play Bobby Witt Jr., and which top prospects could make Opening Day rosters. Then, Hembo stops by to talk about who shows poorly in the Crush Quotient and March Madness comparisons for the upcoming season. Later, radio analyst Steve Sparks previews the 2021 Astros.

Tim Kurkjian joins Buster to discuss Sixto Sanchez making his Spring Training debut, Ryan Braun’s legacy as he considers retirement, Nick Markakis setting up a ping pong table in the Orioles’ locker room and Shohei Otani launching two home runs. Then, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with notes on Buster’s Crush Quotient, the Astros’ Opening Day win streak and Mike Trout’s absurd career WAR. Later, Matt Vasgersian previews the 2021 Angels.