Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall joins the show to discuss his journey from living in a camper while working in Minor League Baseball to leading one of baseball’s most fascinating front offices. Nick reflects on his early days around the Moneyball-era Athletics, the mentors who shaped him, and what it takes to build and sustain a small market franchise in today’s game.

Nick and Thad also dive into the realities of trading star players, building pitching depth in Cincinnati, navigating ownership conversations, drafting Hunter Greene, winning the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery, and the art of evaluating other organizations around the league. It’s an inside look at roster building, trades, scouting and leadership from one of baseball’s top executives.

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Coach James Rowson joins Rosters to Rings to break down the art and science of building a championship offense in the Bronx. Rowson sits down with Thad Levine to discuss the pressure that comes with coaching under the lights of New York Yankees. From clubhouse communication to helping elite hitters make adjustments at the highest level, and the added pressure of working with the players own hitting coaches, Rowson offers a rare inside look at what it takes to keep one of baseball’s most iconic lineups producing.

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Ron Washington returns for Part 2 to relive the highs, heartbreak and brotherhood of the iconic Texas Rangers teams he managed alongside Jon Daniels and Thad Levine. Wash opens up about the 2009 season, the support he received from his clubhouse, the fearless mentality those Rangers teams carried, the pain of losing the 2011 World Series, and the relationships that defined his managerial career. Plus, stories on Cliff Lee, George W. Bush, Moneyball, Joe West and more.

Thad also answers listener questions to cap off the show!

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In Part 1 of a two episode special, Ron Washington returns to familiar company, reuniting with his former Texas front office of Thad Levine and Jon Daniels. From his early days in the game to a 50-year career in the majors, Wash shares the stories, lessons, and edge that defined his path, while Thad and JD take you inside the hiring process that made him a cornerstone in Texas.

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Thad is joined by longtime MLB reporter and insider Ken Rosenthal for a wide-ranging conversation on his journey covering Major League Baseball, how he approaches Hall of Fame voting, and what it takes to land scoops in today’s fast-moving media landscape.

They also break down the recent managerial firings in Boston and Philadelphia, revisit how Ken helped uncover the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal, and discuss why he believes a 2027 MLB lockout could be on the horizon.

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In Part 2 with Jerry Dipoto, Thad and Jerry discuss his rise from interim GM to leading the Los Angeles Angels, the difficult decision to step away, and how that path led him to the Seattle Mariners. Jerry shares what it takes to take over a franchise, the early days of building in Seattle, the trades you make and the many you don't, and the bold deal for Luis Castillo in 2022 that helped shape one of baseball's best pitching staffs. 

Plus, Thad and Producer Jason break down the Mets’ losing streak, how GMs handle media chaos, and the record $3.9 billion sale of the Padres.

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Former NBA GM Tommy Sheppard joins the show to break down the evolving situation with the Milwaukee Bucks, the realities of tanking and the pressure facing contenders this postseason.

Plus, a full NBA Playoff preview including upset watch teams, breakout candidates, and the matchups that could define this year’s run.

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Thad sits down with longtime colleague and Seattle Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto for Part 1 of a wide-ranging conversation on his journey through the game.

Before becoming one of baseball’s most active front office leaders, Dipoto was a big leaguer with a deep understanding of the game from the clubhouse. He shares his sports origin story, experiences as both a pitcher and switch hitter, and what it was like navigating the realities of being traded as a player - insights that now shape how he operates as a general manager.

Jerry also reflects on playing alongside and learning from legends of the game, including Jack Morris, Bobby Valentine, Mike Hargrove, Buddy Bell, Jim Leyland, Don Baylor and more. 

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Thad is joined by Duke football GM Binuk Kodituwakku for an insightful conversation on today's college sports landscape. From building Australian football teams to now building a roster in the NIL era, Binuk breaks down how Duke evaluates talent, uses analytics, navigates the transfer portal, and balances elite academics with winning football. A real look at what it takes to build a Blue Devil today.

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Thad sits down with longtime MLB journalist and author Ken Davidoff to dive into the evolution of baseball on and off the field. From covering the New York baseball market to stepping away from the game due to burnout, Ken shares how the media landscape has changed and some of the moments that defined his career.

They also get into some of baseball’s biggest debates today, including how Aaron Judge should be viewed in Yankees history, what it really takes to succeed in New York, and why the steroids-era Hall of Fame conversation still isn’t settled.

Plus, Ken breaks down key lessons from his new book, 101 Lessons from the Dugout, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the mindset, habits, and stories that shape the game at the highest level.

👉 Grab Ken’s book here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/101-lessons-from-the-dugout-9798765163016/

👉 Follow Ken: https://x.com/KenDavidoff

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