Bat Flips And Nerds

The guys revisit their pre-season predictions to find only one of them knows anything about baseball. Unfortunately, it's the one who did a live bat flip during the podcast...

They also ponder precisely who David Bote was apologising to, with a side order of 19th Century French literature. Just another normal podcast.

Our very first active Major Leaguer, Phil Hughes, joins Tom just before he "ships out" to Miller Park to face the Brewers and attempt to take the series.

They talk about Phil's favourite team growing up, his World Series championship in 2009, what he learned from Rivera, how the K/BB record affected his game, his very active twitter profile and if his name is the least baseball name in baseball. They finish off by exploring some excellent listener questions.

You can follow Phil's very active twitter account on http://www.twitter.com/pjhughes45

Brittany Ross Jr, wife of former Red Sox and Rangers pitcher Robbie Ross Jr, and her Partnerships Director Courtney Evans join us to talk about their charity Mission 108; it's ambition to raise awareness of human trafficking and women's rights issues in the USA and India.

Brittany also talks about life as a 'baseball wife', how this offers opportunities to use a platform to make a difference, and how her and Robbie are far from the average 'baseball couple'. She also spills the beans on the Red Sox clubhouse, including the best hugger and the hardmen who are secret softies!

John, Ben and Darius discuss a busy run up to the deadline, the awful orioles, Trout hypotheticals and mull over your trade suggestions.

John is joined by reps of the Phillies, Braves, Mets and Marlins to discuss the 2018 NL East. Topics inclde the form of the unrepresented Nats, whether Machado will be a Phillie and the future fates of the big three - deGrom, Harper and Adam Conley. Thanks to Bob Bamber (Braves), Les McCaughan (Mets), Peter Pratt (Marlins) and Dave Shaw (Phillies) for the insights.

The always brilliant Carlos Peña, a 14 year MLB veteran, joins John (and Darius, a bit later on!) to talk about the state of baseball in 2018 including epic rants on hazing, shifting and the All Star Game. He also answers listener questions on the science of hitting and plans for a new ballpark for his beloved Tampa Bay Rays. This is one not to miss!

John has a feature length interview with former Blue Jays pitcher Scott Richmond on his long road to the Majors, his current role with Nettuno in Italy and his globetorotting baseball career. Scott also offers some pitching advice to fans, and answers your questions on his teammates including Roy Halladay and Jose Bautista.

Tom is joined by British based baseball fans; Michael Ivory (Cubs), Craig Hurring (Brewers) and James Feldman (Pirates) to talk all that is good (and very bad) in the NL Central.

They go from the depths of the Reds, to the current battle between the Cubs and Brewers for the top spot and everything inbetween (Including the Cardinals Voodoo Magic)

Darius talks to former Oakland A's player Nate Freiman about his Fancred show 'The Launch Angle' and his foray into the world of analytics and coding. They discuss Nate's major league experience, including what it was like to be a Rule 5 pick, Josh Donaldson, the Yoenis Cespedes trade, and the infamous 2014 wild card game. They also touch on Nate's time in the Mexican leagues, the viability of a franchise in Mexico City, and then go in-depth on his time with Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic, from facing Team GB to playing Japan in the Tokyo Dome, and learning from Shawn Green.

Jen McCaffrey digs into her conversations with Red Sox and MLB brass on their hopes for next year's MLB London Series. She and John also address a resurgent Chris Sale and first day nerves for Jalen Beeks.