Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney

David Schoenfield joins Buster to discuss why Joe Morgan was the perfect player, the White Sox basically firing Rick Renteria and if they’d considering hiring A.J. Hinch, the Braves’ no longer middling pitching, the Dodgers’ bullpen, the Rays taking control of the series, and Jose Altuve’s defense (11:37). Plus, Hembo hops on to talk about Morgan having greatest two-year stretch of any modern infielder, and his takeaways from Monday’s games (29:17).

Tim Kurkjian joins Buster to discuss Tampa Bay’s win over Houston in game one of the ALCS, how the Rays finally halted the Astros’ offense, the palpable tension in game 5 of the ALDS, what’s next for the Yankees this offseason, the Braves’ chances to beat the Dodgers in the NLCS and Alex Anthopoulos’ patience bearing fruit (6:11). Plus, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game (25:47).

Michael Kay joins Buster to discuss game five of the ALDS between the Yankees and Rays, why he’s confident in Gerrit Cole on short rest, how a win tonight will rescue Aaron Boone’s game two platooning, what he expects from Tyler Glasgow, Tampa needing Brandon Lowe to breakout and the Astros advancing to the ALCS (12:41). Later, Todd Radom hops on to talk about his new hockey (?!) book, baseball needing a polarizing villain like Houston and if the AL teams should fear the Dodgers or Braves more (24:02).

Karl Ravech joins Buster Olney to discuss calling games on the radio for the first time since college, the emotion of Dodgers-Padres, the A’s coming back from the dead, Randy Arozarena’s tear, second-guessing Aaron Boone’s decision to platoon his pitchers in game two and Ian Anderson’s confidence (16:19). Later, The Los Angeles Times’ Bill Shaikin hops on to talk about the hunger for a title in L.A., MLB’s plan to allow fans in the stands at the World Series and the reorganization of the minor leagues (39:47).

Minnesota Twins pitcher Jake Odorizzi joins Buster to discuss putting himself in place of a pitcher when watching the postseason, the Yankees overthinking using Deivi García as an opener, the challenge of playing without days off in a series, how to pitch to Giancarlo Stanton when he’s on a tear, why he’s not surprised the Astros are on the verge of another ALCS, Ronald Acuña Jr. getting hit and the market for his services this offseason (15:33). Plus, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game (40:07)

David Schoenfield joins Buster to discuss Theo Epstein signaling he’s in the twilight of his time with the Cubs, the Brewers cutting payroll, the Yankees raking through three playoff games, the Rays’ bullpen management, Deivi García starting for New York in game two, Houston’s bullpen bouncing back and Fernando Tatis Jr. vs. the Dodgers’ pitching (11:57). Later, Hembo drops by to talk about major offseason changes looming for the Cubs, Marlins-Braves, Padres-Dodgers and what kind of GM he’d like to see with the Phillies (28:17).

Tim Kurkjian joins Buster Olney to discuss the passing of Cardinals legend Bob Gibson, renaming the MVP award for Frank Robinson, Phillies GM Matt Klentak “resigning,” the big questions facing the Cubs in the offseason and the division series ranked by animus between the teams (7:10). Plus, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game and gives her picks for the division series (33:02).

Matt Vasgersian joins Buster to discuss the Padres’ comeback win, how a homer in an empty ballpark plays differently, vintage Clayton Kershaw, Matt’s relief the A’s won an elimination game and calling two marathon playoff games in one day (11:55). Later, Todd Radom hops on to analyze a clip of Lou Gehrig “confirming” Babe Ruth called his shot, talk about Target field and administer the weekly quiz (34:36).

Dan Shulman joins Buster to discuss a marathon day of baseball, a spectacular game between the Yankees and Indians, the competitive arrogance of the Rays, Carlos Correa embracing his inner villain, the Twins’ 18-straight playoff losses, and Dinelson Lamet and Mike Clevinger going down for San Diego (13:50). Later, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with notes on the A’s winner-take-all losing streak, the strikeouts in Reds-Braves and Minnesota’s postseason futility (33:29).

Karl Ravech joins Buster to discuss the Yankees shelling Shane Bieber, the Astros surviving against the Twins despite appearing to be on the ropes, Yuli Gurriel signing a one-year deal to stay in Houston, the Rays being the Rays making hitters miss and the White Sox impressing after limping into the playoffs (9:51). Plus, Hembo drops by to give his keys to each of the NL series (26:52).