Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney

David Schoenfield joins Buster to discuss the consistent force of the Dodgers lineup, Blake Snell being pulled early if he gets into trouble, Dave Roberts’ pitching strategy, why Austin Barnes should start at catcher in game six, Manuel Margot being half an inch away from stealing home, layoffs in ticket offices and Tony LaRussa being rumored for the White Sox job (5:33). Later, Hembo drops by to talk about possible vindication for Clayton Kershaw and Snell’s magic number (21:40).

Dan Shulman joins Buster to discuss calling a chaotic final play in Game 4 of the World Series, why the Rays walking off felt like a college basketball game, Clayton Kershaw’s Game 5, Dave Roberts’ move to replace Kershaw with Dustin May and Tyler Glasnow’s inability to command the strike zone (10:09). Then, Sarah Langs stops by to play The Numbers Game with notes on the cost of failing to steal home, the Dodgers scoring with two outs and Tampa Bay’s homer-centric offense failing them in Game 5. (30:50) Later, Tim Kurkjian hops on to talk about Walker Buehler being the Derek Jeter of postseason pitchers, struggling to describe the Game 4 ending, Manuel Margot’s failed steal of home and Randy Arozarena’s 28 playoff hits (37:16).

Twins pitcher Jake Odorizzi joins Buster to discuss pitching with Kevin Kiermaier as his center fielder, the Rays developmental philosophy, his thoughts on rule changes from the short season possibly becoming permanent and Charlie Morton’s cold-bloodedness (6:54). Then, Chris Singleton hops on to talk about Morton vs. Walker Buehler in game three, if the series pendulum has swung back toward the Rays and the first time he met Cody Bellinger (24:17). Plus, Todd Radom with the weekly quiz (34:31).

Jessica Mendoza joins Buster to discuss why it’s driving her crazy she can’t be in the stadium, Brandon Lowe exhaling after breaking out of his slump and why the Rays need him to win the series, Charlie Morton’s advantage and Walker Buehler’s disadvantage going into game three, Blake Snell pitching in the strike zone, Aaron Loup striking out Cody Bellinger, and MadBum vs. Mr. October (9:19).

Karl Ravech joins Buster to discuss the Rays bringing a knife to a gun fight, Mookie Betts completing the circle with the Dodgers, Tyler Glasnow throwing balls in the dirt, Brandon Lowe’s struggles, Jeff Luhnow again denying he knew about the Astros cheating and Steve Cohen’s official approval to buy the Mets (8:00). Plus, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with notes on Clayton Kershaw, Cody Bellinger and Betts (34:33).

Boog Sciambi joins Buster to preview the World Series, discussing the payroll disparity between the Dodgers and Rays, the Rays bullpen advantage, the potential for the Dodgers to explode offensively, what’s at stake for Clayton Kershaw, and how the Dodgers should pitch to Randy Arozarena (7:13). Plus, Hembo on Arozarena being the toughest out in this World Series, what stands out about both lineups and why he thinks we’ll see some crazy endings (25:56).

Tim Kurkjian joins Buster to discuss an exciting game seven between the Dodgers and the Braves, Mookie Betts’ brilliant defense, Dave Roberts leaving Julio Urías in for the 9th inning, the bright future for the Braves, Charlie Morton’s dominance in game seven against the Astros, Randy Arozarena winning the ALCS MVP, if the off days in the World Series advantages either team and the 2021 class of free agent shortstops (14:56). Plus, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game and talks about the best World Series player of all time (33:28).

Mark Teixeira joins Buster to discuss the regular season-feel to the postseason with teams playing every day, Bryce Wilson attacking the strike zone, Dave Roberts leaving Clayton Kershaw out too long, Kershaw’s legacy, the ying and yang of watching Dusty Baker and the Astros, expectations for the upcoming free agent market, and what he would do with Gary Sanchez this offseason (13:24). Later, the pod’s ballpark tour ends as Todd Radom and the guys visit Sahlen Field in Buffalo and knock out one last weekly quiz (26:42).

Jessica Mendoza joins Buster to talk about her assessment of Jose Altuve, George Springer coming up clutch in game four, how the Braves should arrange its starting rotation going forward in the series and the Dodgers hitters looking relieved (9:45). Then, Twins pitcher Jake Odorizzi hops on to discuss Dusty Baker keeping Zack Greinke in the game, how the Dodgers attacked Kyle Wright, what he would say to Wright after the game three shelling, and what he’ll be watching from Clayton Kershaw as he returns from back spasms (20:31).

Tim Kurkjian joins Buster to discuss Jose Altuve’s fielding yips, the Rays’ suffocating defense, if the Dodgers’ near-comeback was a moral victory, Walker Buehler’s back spasms, Freddie Freeman being locked in and if A.J. Hinch will land with the White Sox (11:25). Later, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with notes on Tuesday night’s games (29:04).