Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander

By FOX SportsSports News Sports News Baseball

Favorites
60
Followers
Typical duration
24 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander episodes

May 18Tarps Off in STL is the Best Thing in Sports Right Now + Phillies Are Back & Mariners struggles
On this week’s episode we dive into the 3 biggest stories in baseball right now:
Tarps Off in STL — The best fan energy in all of sports right now. How a group of college kids from Stephen F. Austin started a shirtless movement that has taken over Busch Stadium and even got manager Oliver Marmol buying out sections for fans.

The Phillies Are Back — After a slow start, Philadelphia is rolling under Donnie Baseball. Christopher Sanchez is the Cy Young favorite, Zack Wheeler is dealing, and Kyle Schwarber already has 20 homers.

What’s Wrong with the Mariners? — My preseason AL West and AL Champion favorite is struggling badly. We break down their terrible offense, the Cal Raleigh regression, and why their pitching hasn’t been enough to save them.
Plus full MLB Power Rankings and Team of the Week.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:29 Rivalry Weekend Recap
2:45 Shirtless in St. Louis?!
6:12 Phillies are ROLLING
10:31 Mariners Surprising Struggles
15:34 MLB Power Rankings
26:48 Team of the Week
32:15 Outro

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
36 min
May 16 John Smoltz on Bobby Cox: Legendary Stories After the Passing of His Hall of Fame Manager
John Smoltz opens up about the passing of his legendary manager Bobby Cox — one of the greatest managers in MLB history and a true father figure to so many players.
In this heartfelt conversation, Smoltz shares incredible stories, memories, and lessons from his years playing under Cox with the Atlanta Braves. From Cox’s intense competitiveness and leadership style to funny moments, life lessons, and what made him so special behind the scenes.
We discuss:
What Bobby Cox was really like as a manager and person
His impact on Smoltz’s career and the Braves dynasty
Hall of Fame legacy and why he meant so much to generations of players
Rest in Peace, Bobby Cox. One of the all-time greats.
What’s your favorite Bobby Cox memory or story? Drop it in the comments below.
#BobbyCox #JohnSmoltz #AtlantaBraves #MLB #flippinbats
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:00 John Smoltz on Bobby Cox
13:26 Outro

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
17 min
May 12 Cubs Are Legit World Series Contenders! Astros Injury Nightmare + Junior Caminero is a STAR
The Chicago Cubs are off to one of the best starts in franchise history — multiple 10-game win streaks, leading MLB in OBP, wRC+, and WAR, and the best defense in baseball. Are they real World Series contenders who can beat the Dodgers and Braves?
Plus, we break down why Junior Caminero is already a superstar at just 22 years old — 45 HR last season, 10 HR already in 2026, and looking like a future MVP.
And the Houston Astros continue to be the most unlucky team in baseball — 16 players on the IL this year after setting the record for most injured team in MLB history in 2025. What’s going on with this injury curse?
Full MLB Power Rankings + Team of the Week breakdown included.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:39 Are the Cubs World Series contenders?
5:20 Junior Caminero is a superstar
8:46 Bad luck Houston Astros
13:04 MLB Power Rankings
22:44 Team of the Week
27:43 Outro

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
31 min
May 07 John Smoltz on Tarik Skubal injury and Framber Valdez meltdown + Ted Turner and John Sterling stories
John Smoltz on Tarik Skubal’s Elbow Procedure, Framber Valdez Meltdown & Sign Stealing Rumors
John Smoltz joins Ben Verlander for a candid conversation on the biggest stories in MLB right now.
We discuss Tarik Skubal’s elbow procedure and what it means for the Tigers’ ace. Then we break down Framber Valdez’s ugly ejection after giving up 7 earned runs, throwing at Trevor Story after back-to-back homers, and the ongoing mental side of his game. The Tigers desperately need Framber to step up as the leader of their staff, can he handle it?
Plus:
Sign stealing rumors and how prevalent it was during Smoltz’s playing days
Remembering broadcasting legend John Sterling — Smoltz shares fun stories
Remembering Ted Turner — classic stories from Smoltz’s time with the Braves
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
1:18 - John Smoltz Joins
1:25 - Smoltz on Skubal Elbow Surgery
5:11 - Can Framber Valdez lead a staff?
7:14 - Smoltz discusses sign stealing
11:30 - Smoltz remembers John Sterling
12:37 - Smoltz remembers Ted Turner
14:44 - Outro

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
18 min
May 06 Shohei Ohtani (大谷翔平) News: Cy Young pitching CONTINUES but WHERE is the offense?!
Shohei Ohtani delivered his longest pitching performance of 2026 — going 7 innings for the first time this season and as a Dodger (since his second elbow surgery).
He struck out 8, walked zero, and threw 89 pitches with 15 whiffs in a dominant outing.
Yet the Dodgers continue to give him ZERO RUN SUPPORT! They’re just 2-7 in his last 9 starts and have scored nothing in his last 19 offensive innings on the mound. Ohtani now has a ridiculous 0.70 ERA (just 4 earned runs in 51.2 innings).
On the offensive side, Shohei busted out of a major slump: 0-for-18, his second-longest hitless drought of his career, and 0-12 in one series.
Am I worried? Will he be fine? Should he focus on one or another? Ben will answer it all this episode!
Plus: Ohtani’s honest (and mature) comments on his slump, NL Pitcher of the Month honors, and more.
#FlippinBats #MLB #shoheiohtani #dodgers #shohei #ohtani
SUBSCRIBE to get the latest Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander content which includes a WEEKLY "This Week in Shohei Ohtani News": https://www.youtube.com/flippinbatspod?sub_confirmation=1
CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro
1:06 - Shohei Ohtani pitching performance
9:13 - Shohei Offensive Struggles
11:04 - Ben Verlander Guarantee
12:00 - Shohei Offensive Struggles
15:55 - Dramatic HBP
16:53 - NL Pitcher of the Month
17:47 - Outro

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
21 min
May 04 Ben Rice the best hitter in MLB?! Yankees SURGING + Shohei Ohtani (大谷翔平) stars in Team of the MONTH!
Ben Rice Is the Best Hitter in Baseball?! Murakami Leads MLB in HRs + Cardinals Surprise
Ben Rice has taken over the Yankees, the former platoon hitter is now dominating with a 219 wRC+, leading MLB in OPS, SLG, and OBP while hitting .327 with 10+ homers. Is he the best hitter in baseball right now?
Munetaka Murakami is a STUD. The White Sox believed in him when no one else would, now he leads all of MLB with 13 home runs in his first 32 career games (3rd-most ever) and has a 159 OPS+.
The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the biggest surprises in baseball at 20-14 in a rebuild year! Jordan Walker has completely figured it out. How?
Plus:
Latest Power Rankings (Yankees climb. Dodgers drop.)
Team of the Month highlights (Ohtani, Mason Miller, Aaron Judge, Yordan Alvarez & more)
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:55 - Munetaka Murakami
4:53 - Cardinals hot start
9:20 - Ben Rice is a star
12:13 - Power Rankings
25:58 - Team of the Month
33:34 - Outro

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
37 min
May 02 John Smoltz on Red Sox Chaos, Phillies Firing Rob Thompson & Power Rankings Debate (Braves, Dodgers or Yankees?)
John Smoltz on Red Sox Chaos, Phillies Firing Rob Thompson & Power Rankings Debate
John Smoltz joins Ben Verlander for his weekly breakdown of the biggest storylines in MLB.
We dive into the Boston Red Sox drama: What’s really going on with the organization after their coaching shakeup?
Then we ask the tough question on the Philadelphia Phillies: Was firing Rob Thompson the right move, or is it still too early to panic on this talented (but struggling) roster?
Plus:
Power Rankings debate — Braves, Dodgers or Yankees at #1 right now?
Smoltz shares his funniest mound visit story of all time
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
2:19 - Red Sox Fiasco
7:38 - Phillies Bad Start
11:29 - Smoltz #1 Team in Power Rankings
13:40 - Funniest Mound Visit Story
16:21 - Outro

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
19 min
April 28 Red Sox Bloodbath: Cora Fired + Phillies Awful Start | Dodgers drop in new MLB Power Rankings
Red Sox Fire Alex Cora & Most Of Their Coaching Staff… Phillies Are Historically Awful + A brand new MLB Power Rankings with a BIG change at the top!
The Boston Red Sox just fired nearly their entire coaching staff... but kept the people actually responsible. We break down the messy, petty drama: Alex Cora’s IG post,, the “Coaches for Hire” bus, and the awkward press conference where Breslow and Kennedy pointed fingers.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies are in total freefall! The worst record in baseball, worst run differential, worst defense (-17 DRS), and one of the worst offenses despite a $250M+ payroll. Are they living and dying by the home run too much?
Plus:
- Latest Power Rankings
- Team of the Week highlights
- Mexico City Series thoughts
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:40 - Red Sox Fiasco
16:35 - Phillies Awful Start
22:54 - New MLB Power Rankings
32:18 - Team of the Week
36:11 - Mexico City Recap
38:22 - Outro
What’s your take — did the Red Sox fire the right people? Are the Phillies in real trouble? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
41 min
April 21 Mets’ 11-Game Losing Skid, Shohei Ohtani's historic on-base streak continues, AL West is a mess & MLB Power Rankings + Team of the Week
Shohei Ohtani keeps making history his on-base streak is now at 51 straight games (dating back to August 24th of last season). He’s closing in on Barry Bonds, the Dodgers’ all-time record, and legends like Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams.
We also react to one of the most wholesome moments you’ll see all week involving Jake Mangum.
On the darker side: The New York Mets are in the middle of their longest losing streak in 22 years (11 games straight). Sitting at 7-15, they have the worst record in baseball tied with the Royals and are further out of first place than any other team. Is it time to stop giving them the benefit of the doubt?
Plus, the AL West is a complete mess! Only a .500 team is leading the division, the Astros are struggling despite Yordan Alvarez raking, the Mariners look nothing like a contender, and the A’s and Angels are somehow the bright spots.
We break down the latest Power Rankings and our Team of the Week, including standout performances from Mike Trout, Yordan Alvarez, Mason Miller, and more.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:46 - Shohei Ohtani’s 51-Game On-Base Streak
4:03 - Mets’ Historic Losing Streak
9:29 - The Awful AL West
12:40 - New MLB Power Rankings
23:27 - Team of the Week
31:03 - Wholesome Moment of the Week
32:20 - Outro
What’s your biggest takeaway this week? Ohtani’s streak, the Mets collapse, or the AL West disaster? Let us know in the comments!
SUBSCRIBE for weekly MLB breakdowns with Ben Verlander & John Smoltz:
https://www.youtube.com/flippinbatspod?sub_confirmation=1
#ShoheiOhtani #Mets #ALWest #MLB #PowerRankings #FlippinBats
Like Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flippinbatspod/
Follow Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander on TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@flippinbatspod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Follow Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@flippinbatspod
Follow Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinBatsPod
Follow Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flippinbatspod/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
35 min
April 19 John Smoltz on Shohei Ohtani and Miller Cy Young Cases, Are the Braves Back? & Mets Concerns
John Smoltz joins Ben Verlander for a full breakdown of the biggest storylines in MLB right now.
We dive deep into Shohei Ohtani’s Cy Young chances, how realistic is it for him to win one as a two-way superstar, and what would he need to do to take home the award?
Can Mason Miller actually win the Cy Young as a closer? Smoltz shares his Hall of Fame pitcher perspective on what it would take for a reliever to win the award for the first time since Eric Gagné in 2003.
Plus:
- Are the Braves legitimately back after their brutal 2025 season?
- The Mets’ early struggles, should we be worried?
Smoltz gives his unfiltered takes on all of it, including his thoughts on pitching dominance, team identity, and what stands out early in the 2026 season.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:40 - John Smoltz joins the show
2:00 - Can Shohei win Cy Young?
8:28 - Can Mason Miller win Cy Young?
12:33 - Worried about the Mets?
15:59 - Are the Braves back?
18:11 - When will the Braves build a statue?
20:28 - Brewers baseball on display
23:47 - Outro
What do you think — can Ohtani win Cy Young this year? Could a closer like Mason Miller actually take home the award? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
SUBSCRIBE for weekly MLB conversations with John Smoltz and so much more: https://www.youtube.com/@FlippinBatsPod

#JohnSmoltz #ShoheiOhtani #MasonMiller #Braves #Mets #MLB #CyYoung #FlippinBats #baseball

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
27 min

About Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander

From the publisher's feed

Flippin' Bats is a fun baseball podcast bringing you everything you want from around the league! You'll hear from Hall of Famer John Smoltz every week, you'll hear from the game's best players, and…