Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney

Tim Kurkjian joins Buster to talk about no one being voted into the Hall of Fame, Curt Schilling requesting to be removed from the ballot, why the Hall should act as the moral arbiter not the writers, the Yankees’ latest moves and Marcus Semien signing in Toronto. Then, Jeff Passan hops on to discuss joining Buster in not voting for the Hall, J.T. Realmuto re-signing with the Phillies, who is left to sign Trevor Bauer and the league barreling toward a work-stoppage. Later, Hall of Fame Jim Palmer stops by to share stories of Hank Aaron, Al Kaline, Bob Gibson and Tommy Lasorda. Finally, Hembo on Realmuto, his favorite Aaron stat, and George Springer’s big contract.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president Bob Kendrick and Tim Kurkjian join Buster to remember the life of Henry Aaron. Kendrick shares how Aaron was his childhood idol growing up in Georgia, stories from time they spent together, and the weight Aaron carried performing at a high level while facing hatred and death threats. And Kurkjian details the time Aaron joined him and the ESPN team in the broadcasting booth. Then, Eduardo Pérez stops by to talk about telling his father — Hall of Famer Tony Pérez — the news of Aaron’s passing, his memories of that night in the broadcast booth with Aaron, Aaron’s front office legacy, what he’ll remember about him as a player, asking for his autograph and the doors Aaron opened for others.

Jess Mendoza talks to Buster about the Mets firing Jared Porter for sexually harassing a reporter, the emotions she felt when the story broke, why more women don’t speak up similar situations, the need for structural changes in the sport and her belief that things will be different going forward (6:40). Next, Tim Kurkjian stops by to talk about life as a grandparent, Porter, the Blue Jays signing George Springer, if the Yankees are done making additions, his top five teams right now and the passing of Don Sutton (25:46). Then, Sarah Langs shares her thoughts on the Porter situation and teams under the most pressure to make moves before the season (41:41). Finally, Padres manager Jayce Tingler on when he heard the Blake Snell news, the dynamic between the Padres and Dodgers, how Fernando Tatis Jr. can push himself to be even better and building on the 2020 season (52:55).

Jesse Rogers joins Buster to discuss Spring Training starting on schedule, Corey Kluber trying to prove that he’s healthy and the Mets trading for Francisco Lindor. Then, 12-year MLB veteran Alex Avila hops on to talk about his godfather Tommy Lasorda, staying patient in free agency, his outlook on another pandemic season and catching for Justin Verlander in Detroit. Later, Hembo quibbles with Buster’s top 10 position rankings.

Boog Sciambi joins Buster to discuss to being named the new play-by-play voice of the Chicago Cubs, his run-in with Harry Caray in a restroom, the Padres looking like a superhero team-up and the slow winter market. Then Alden Gonzalez stops by to talk about when Spring Training may start, the arms race between the Padres and Dodgers and if Los Angeles will re-sign Corey Seager or Cody Bellinger. Later, Hembo on no players being inducted into the Hall of Fame, Yadier Molina and the Cardinals at an impasse and Trevor Story.

David Schoenfield and Buster discuss the Negro League’s recognition by MLB, Cleveland officially dropping the “Indians” nickname, the Mets, Phillies and Ranges hiring new GMs, standout moves from the offseason thus far and the continued labor strife. Then, Sarah Langs gets into Curt Schilling likely falling short of the Hall of Fame, Ke'Bryan Hayes’ under-the-radar season and another astounding Juan Soto stat. Later, Yankees reliever Adam Ottavino talks about his published photos from the pandemic-shortened season, his favorite pictures and D.J. LeMahieu.

Jesse Rogers joins Buster to discuss free agency, the official dismantling of the Cubs World Series core, the Yankees tendering Gary Sanchez and Charlie Morton’s one-year deal with the Braves (2:50). Then, Dan Shulman hops on to talk about what the Blue Jays will do this offseason, which free agents would fit the best in Toronto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s weight loss (17:48). Later, Hembo stops by to hit on Kyle Schwarber, frontrunners in NL East and Central and if there’s any hope for the Angels under new management (26:44).

SNY’s Steve Gelbs joins Buster to discuss new Mets owners Steve Cohen declaring war on the NL East, the excitement level of Mets fans and who the team could land in free agency with its new resources (6:40). Then, Jeff Passan stops by to talk about Devin Williams winning NL Rookie of the Year, the non-tender date being a ticking time bomb, which teams are going to spend money this winter and the Phillies confusing front office situation (14:29). Plus, Hembo on why he thinks the writers got the MVPs wrong (39:10).

Jesse Rogers joins Buster to discuss Justin Turner refusing to stay isolated during the postgame celebration, his take on the Blake Snell situation after covering the Rays during the World Series and free agency already looking ugly for the players (8:15). Then, Tim Kurkjian hops on to talk about the wackiest season ever, giving credit to the teams for adapting to an usual lifestyle while playing, their concern for the sport and if Turner will be suspended (22:33). Next, Hembo stops by to be the only person in civilization to defend Kevin Cash (35:14). And finally, Todd Radom administers the last quiz of the season (42:31).

Karl Ravech and Buster discuss Kevin Cash’s decision to pull Blake Snell, how analytical decisions are dividing baseball fans, if the championship means more to Dave Roberts or Clayton Kershaw, and Justin Turner returning to the World Series celebration after a positive COVID test (12:55). Then, Jake Odorizzi talks about what he saw in Snell’s stuff early on, if he thought Cash would pull Snell, if the decision will cause a rift between player and manager, and where the game is as an entertainment product (31:41). Later, Sarah Langs stops by to play The Numbers Game with notes on the Dodgers’ winning percentage, Mookie Betts’ home run and her favorite stat of the entire season (45:08).