Batting Practice Podcast

The Dodgers have become the ultimate MLB super-team… but does dominance automatically make you the most hated team in baseball? In this episode of Batting Practice, we debate whether L.A.’s dynasty is bad for baseball, what a potential three-peat would mean, and how stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman changed the league forever.We also talk:– How long it takes for a team to become “hated”– Why success fuels jealousy across sports– The Edwin Díaz signing and the Dodgers’ loaded bullpen– Whether L.A. could win without Ohtani– Who could stop the Dodgers in 2026 (AL East contenders?)Drop your take in the comments:Do you WANT the Dodgers to three-peat… or are you rooting against them?Use my Sorare sign-up link for $50 in credit toward building the fantasy team of your dreams!!🧢 https://sorare.pxf.io/batting-practiceMake sure to check out our podcast: 🧢 https://open.spotify.com/show/5d4zze7iN7pLjR9dTtVmkCWe cover MLB, NBA, and soccer and love debating the ins and outs of fantasy sports with a focus on the platform Sorare! Check out our other socials!🧢 Twitter- https://twitter.com/batpracticepod🧢 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/battingpracticepod1~ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@battingpracticepod#losangelesdodgers #shoheiohtani #mlbpodcast #baseballpodcast #dodgersthreepeat

This week on Batting Practice, we’re back from the holidays — and yes, we finally saw each other in person. After a little “Xolfing” at American Family Field, we break down a surprisingly warm MLB hot stove. The A’s actually made moves, the Pirates quietly got better, the NL Central is shifting, and Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai is still unsigned with the posting deadline looming. We also debate the ultimate question: what’s the worst weather to play sports in — rain, snow, or bitter cold?We wrap up with Pickle, win total predictions, and a friendly wager on the A’s vs. White Sox. Subscribe and get in the box with us.Use my Sorare sign-up link for $50 in credit toward building the fantasy team of your dreams!!🧢 https://sorare.pxf.io/batting-practiceMake sure to check out our podcast: 🧢 https://open.spotify.com/show/5d4zze7iN7pLjR9dTtVmkCWe cover MLB, NBA, and soccer and love debating the ins and outs of fantasy sports with a focus on the platform Sorare! Check out our other socials!🧢 Twitter- https://twitter.com/batpracticepod🧢 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/battingpracticepod1~ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@battingpracticepod#MLB #MLBOffseason #HotStove #BaseballPodcast #BaseballTalk #BattingPracticePodcast #MLBNews #Athletics #PittsburghPirates #NLCentral #WinterSports #ColdWeatherGames #SportsPodcast #NewEpisode #listennow

Munitaka Murakami signs a surprise 2-year deal with the Chicago White Sox—are we witnessing divine intervention or just smart roster building? Josh, Jacob, and Andrew break down the shocking move, the contract details, and what it means for the White Sox's future (and Luis Robert Jr.). Then, minutes before recording, Wilson Contreras is traded to the Red Sox—are Boston now a legit AL East threat? The guys debate that, predict the AL Central standings, and discuss the curse of Andrew’s live sports attendance record. Plus: are the White Sox now a 70+ win team? Will the AL East send 3 teams to the playoffs? You just attended batting practice—now you're ready to get in the game.Use my Sorare sign-up link for $50 in credit toward building the fantasy team of your dreams!!🧢 https://sorare.pxf.io/batting-practiceMake sure to check out our podcast: 🧢 https://open.spotify.com/show/5d4zze7iN7pLjR9dTtVmkCWe cover MLB, NBA, and soccer and love debating the ins and outs of fantasy sports with a focus on the platform Sorare! Check out our other socials!🧢 Twitter- https://twitter.com/batpracticepod🧢 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/battingpracticepod1~ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@battingpracticepod#MLB #BaseballPodcast #WhiteSox #Murakami #RedSox #WilsonContreras #MLBTrades #ALCentral #ALEast #BaseballTalk #MLBHotStove #BattingPracticePodcast #MLB2025 #DontFightThePope #AndrewIsCursed

The baseball offseason just exploded — and we’ve got all the takes. Hosts Josh and Andrew dive deep into the biggest MLB free agency and trade moves of the week, including Pete Alonso’s shocking deal with the Orioles, the Dodgers going full Thanos mode with Edwin Díaz, and the Phillies re-signing Kyle Schwarber for $150M. Is Schwarber worth $30M a year as a DH? Did the Mets just lose the offseason? Are the Orioles the next big thing in the AL East? From LOL Mets to sleeper trades like Isaac Collins for Zerpa, it’s all here.We also hit on fantasy football heartbreak, baseball salary cap rants, the Dodgers’ AMEX strategy, and how warm weather cities win in free agency. Plus: Royals pitcher Noah Cameron gets some unexpected love.If you're into MLB trade rumors, team strategy, offseason winners and losers, or just want raw, funny takes from two passionate fans, this one’s for you.Subscribe now and join the discussion:Which move was the biggest shock of the offseason?#MLBOffseason #BaseballTrades #PeteAlonso #MLBFreeAgency #Dodgers #Phillies #Mets #Orioles #FantasyBaseball #HotStove #BaseballPodcastUse my Sorare sign-up link for $50 in credit toward building the fantasy team of your dreams!!🧢 https://sorare.pxf.io/batting-practiceMake sure to check out our podcast: 🧢 https://open.spotify.com/show/5d4zze7iN7pLjR9dTtVmkCWe cover MLB, NBA, and soccer and love debating the ins and outs of fantasy sports with a focus on the platform Sorare! Check out our other socials!🧢 Twitter- https://twitter.com/batpracticepod🧢 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/battingpracticepod1~ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@battingpracticepod

In this episode of Batting Practice, Josh and Andrew break down the early action in the 2025 MLB offseason, covering key signings, surprising trades, and which AL teams are making the smartest moves so far. From the Blue Jays' massive Dylan Cease deal to the Orioles’ big swing for Taylor Ward, it's a division-by-division breakdown of winners, losers, and what it means for 2026.They also dive into:-Why rivalries make sports better (and more personal)-Free agent moves shaping the AL playoff picture-Whether the Yankees, Red Sox, or Astros can keep up-Late-season momentum vs. long-term strategy-Who's quietly building a contender in the AL Central?Plus, they play the fan-favorite "Pickle" game and call out the Tigers, Twins, and White Sox. It’s a fun, casual, and opinionated dive into baseball’s business side.Subscribe for weekly baseball banter, offseason updates, and deep dives from a fan’s perspective.#MLB #BaseballPodcast #FreeAgency #MLBOffseason #BlueJays #Orioles #Yankees #RedSox #BattingPractice #BaseballAnalysisUse my Sorare sign-up link for $50 in credit toward building the fantasy team of your dreams!!🧢 https://sorare.pxf.io/batting-practiceMake sure to check out our podcast: 🧢 https://open.spotify.com/show/5d4zze7iN7pLjR9dTtVmkCWe cover MLB, NBA, and soccer and love debating the ins and outs of fantasy sports with a focus on the platform Sorare! Check out our other socials!🧢 Twitter- https://twitter.com/batpracticepod🧢 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/battingpracticepod1~ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@battingpracticepod

With the introduction of ABS (automated ball strike system) for the 2026 MLB season, we should expect many different strategies involved with the challenges that come with it. From designating players that can use challenges (will Shohei Ohtani or Aaron Judge be allowed to challenge more?) to the type of situation and inning to use them in (bases loaded, bottom of the 9th), ABS will impact the game whether we are ready for it or not. Also, on a more general topic, which sport would benefit most from robot referees?

Welcome to episode 43 of Batting Practice season 3, and it's that time of year to look back at the season that EVERY team had, from Dodgers to Rockies, and rank them with an S-F tier of a season. Some teams may have a higher/lower rank than you would have put, so let us know your tier list!

In this special year-end episode of the Batting Practice Podcast, the crew hands out 2025 MLB superlatives—including MVP, Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, Breakout Stars, Busts, and World Series Champs. The episode dives into Shohei Ohtani’s Hall of Fame eligibility if he retired today, highlights surprise rookie performances like Nick Kurtz and Drake Baldwin, and debates the most disappointing and most content teams of the season. Plus, there's plenty of baseball banter, local trivia, and a wild Wisconsin connection to MLB history.This episode helps answer:Should Shohei Ohtani make the Hall of Fame before 10 MLB seasons?Who were the biggest breakouts and busts of the 2025 MLB season?Which rookies stood out most in 2025?What teams overperformed, underperformed, or surprised fans?Great for MLB fans looking for smart, casual takes on award winners, predictions gone wrong, and a fun wrap-up of the season.#MLB2025 #ShoheiOhtani #MLBAwards #BattingPracticePodcast #BaseballRookies

0. SummaryIn this episode of the Batting Practice podcast, the crew dives into Sorare MLB season reflections, the rise of NBA Pick’Em, and the ethics of wearing college merch from schools you didn’t attend. It’s a mix of fantasy sports strategy, sports fan culture, and good-natured banter.2. Topics CoveredWearing college merch from schools you didn’t attendSorare MLB 2025 season recap: rewards, strategy, featuresEnergy and essence mechanics in Sorare gameplayDaily gameplay and vault missions in MLBNew NBA Pick’Em game with hot streak payoutsPersonal bowling adventures and scoresSports culture: fandom, merch, and rivalriesOffseason Pick’Em and sneaky playersHistorical trivia: Berlin Wall reference3. Questions This Video Helps AnswerIs it acceptable to wear college apparel if you didn’t go to the school?What changed in Sorare MLB 2025 compared to previous seasons?How do vaults, missions, and energy work in Sorare?What is the new Sorare NBA Pick’Em and how do you win?Why is Sorare gameplay feeling more like a strategy game than fantasy?4. Jobs, Roles, and Responsibilities MentionedFantasy sports playerPodcasterSports fan / team supporterContent creatorGame designer (implied via critiques of Sorare mechanics)5. Key TakeawaysSorare MLB’s 2025 season brought valuable improvements, especially vaults and missions.Rewards now feel more top-heavy, making podium finishes essential for big wins.NBA Pick’Em’s hot streak gameplay adds exciting potential for real money rewards.Energy and essence are helpful, but some feel they dilute the excitement of wins.Wearing college merch is acceptable to most — unless it’s a direct rival or lacks personal connection.6. FAQQ: What’s the difference between vaults and missions in Sorare?A: Vaults store unused cards that can earn essence or prizes through passive challenges. Missions reward performance milestones for extra benefits.Q: Is Sorare NBA’s new Pick’Em feature worth playing?A: Yes — with escalating rewards and daily chances to win market credit or even $2,000, it's one of the most engaging new formats.Q: Did any of the hosts win real money this MLB season?A: Yes — podium finishes brought in up to $107 and top-tier cards like Kyle Schwarber.Q: What’s the issue with energy in Sorare?A: Some players feel energy rewards aren’t exciting and prefer more impactful, high-stakes gameplay mechanics.Q: How does merch loyalty differ in college vs. pro sports?A: Pro teams allow more fan flexibility, while college merch often carries a stronger tie to alumni or regional affiliation.7. Quoted Highlights“I want a game like Sorare to feel like a huge rush… not like a savings account.” – Andrew [25:53]“If your guy hits a home run, you win five bucks. That’s just free money.” – Josh [28:31]“Sorare’s new NBA Pick’Em is by far the best gameplay I’ve played on the platform.” – Andrew [33:05]“My first game using spin, I got a 94. But then I hit 156!” – Josh [12:12]“One of us needs to win actual money this season. I’m shooting for two hundo.” – Jacob [39:17]8. Timestamps[00:00:00] Podcast opens with greetings and banter[00:50:00] Debate: Wearing college gear from schools you didn’t attend[09:45:00] Bowling weekend stories and scores[16:00:00] Sorare MLB 2025 season recap and results[25:02:00] Discussion on energy and essence mechanics[28:14:00] Praise for vaults and missions gameplay[32:59:00] New Sorare NBA Pick’Em gameplay and $2,000 reward path[37:07:00] Critique of common wheel and gameplay gaps[41:03:00] Wrap-up of MLB season and goals for NBA hot streak[50:25:00] Offseason Pick’Em with surprise twist: Denzel Clark is Canadian

This episode of Batting Practice kicks off the offseason with a spirited discussion on Halloween rankings, candy preferences, and a deep dive into the dramatic Game 7 of the World Series. Featuring analysis, banter, and unforgettable moments from the Dodgers-Blue Jays showdown, it’s a jam-packed recap with postseason insights and baseball predictions.1. Speakers and RolesJosh – Co-host, provides commentary and leads discussions with humor and insight.Jacob – Co-host, offers analysis and perspective, especially around gameplay and strategy.Andrew – Co-host, recognized for accurate predictions and deep baseball knowledge.2. Topics CoveredRanking Halloween among U.S. holidaysFavorite Halloween candy picks and trick-or-treating memoriesAnalysis of Game 7 of the World Series: Dodgers vs. Blue JaysPerformance reviews: Max Scherzer, Shohei Ohtani, YamamotoBench-clearing incident during the gameDodgers' bullpen strategy and player highlightsDebate on managerial decisions like bunting and pitcher usagePlayer development stories (e.g., Trey Savage's rise)MVP selection and rationaleOdds and predictions for the 2026 World SeriesHistorical baseball trades: Hank Aaron to the BrewersUpcoming offseason content plans5. Key TakeawaysHalloween ranks mid-tier among holidays for most people on the show.Yamamoto's back-to-back performance across Games 6 and 7 is nearly unprecedented.Game 7 had everything: extra innings, clutch hits, and even a bench-clearing moment.Dodgers won largely through contributions from lesser-known players, not just stars.Managerial decisions, especially around pitching and bunting, significantly impacted the game.Dodgers are already early favorites for the next World Series, with strong depth.The podcast will continue with offseason content, including team evaluations and fun rankings.6. FAQQ: Why did benches clear in Game 7?A: A sequence of inside pitches and visible trash talk led to a heated exchange between Jimenez and pitcher Robleski.Q: How rare is Yamamoto's performance in the World Series?A: Extremely rare—he pitched nearly 100 pitches one day and returned the next to throw additional innings at high velocity.Q: Who were the surprise contributors for the Dodgers?A: Players like Miguel Rojas and Trey Savage stepped up in critical moments, despite not being household names.Q: Was bunting the right call in the 11th inning?A: The hosts debate it, noting that it reduced outs during a crucial rally and might have cost the Blue Jays a win.Q: Will there still be podcast episodes during the offseason?A: Yes, including MLB team evaluations, speculative trades, and even rankings like "best hot dogs in baseball."7. Quoted Highlights“That game had everything. It was great. It was fun to watch.” – Jacob [12:34]“The splitter that Yamamoto throws… it's unbeatable.” – Andrew [27:21]“You can’t write it. It’s exactly what you would expect.” – Josh [35:04]“You literally can’t make it up.” – Jacob [31:22]“Dodgers are inevitable.” – Josh [38:52]8. Timestamps[0:27] Offseason kickoff and daylight savings banter[3:12] Halloween holiday rankings discussion[5:13] Favorite Halloween candy picks[7:00] Weirdest trick-or-treating items ever received[8:06] Game 7 World Series breakdown begins[12:15] Bench-clearing incident after hit-by-pitch drama[16:04] Trey Savage’s storybook journey to the MLB[19:24] Miguel Rojas ties the game with dramatic home run[27:04] Yamamoto’s unprecedented two-day pitching feat[35:04] The controversial bunt in the 11th inning[38:52] Dodgers’ dominance and next year's predictions