Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the Nationals naming 33 year old Blake Butera as their new manager!  Joe reflects on his days as an early manager and the process of getting started.  We dive into the differences between Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh and how Judge ultimately won the AL MVP.  What are some of the coming offseason moves we should expect to see?  Plus, Tom notes the death of one of Joe's former players.  

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the gambling issues that have found their way into Major League Baseball.  Leagues try to keep gambling away from the teams and players while bringing it closer to the sport as a sponsor and advertiser.  Tom notes how fans are not only upset about their team losing, but losing money changes the civility in sports.  We move onto the Padres hiring a new manager without any previous experience.  Joe explains how we've seen a culture shift in most things that used to value experience and wisdom.  It's Awards Week and we debate who is the MVP.  Plus, Joe comments on Kyle Hendricks announcing his retirement.

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci recap the Dodgers Game 7 win over the Blue Jays. Joe notes how 'off-script' the last few games went and how both teams adjusted and delivered an entertaining series. Tom explores the biggest play of the series and believes a huge mistake was made.  Tom and Joe highlight some of the side stories and blink moments from the World Series!

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci talk about the Blue Jays putting up a fight against the Dodgers.  How much was Toronto underestimated going into this matchup?  Tom explains what has happened in these games that has the series tied at 2! Tom notes the unbelievable play of Shohei Ohtani in this series, but you could see the wear starting to show.  Tom points out some of the big performers in the Series while Joe explains what he's really loved seeing from the Blue Jays!

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci begin their coverage of the 2025 World Series!  The Dodgers are heavily favored, but how can the Blue Jays win 4 games against LA?  How will both teams handle their pitching rosters in this matchup?  Tom notes Shohei Ohtani making history coming into his first World Series and how that carries over against the Blue Jays.  Tom and Joe comment on the Giants hiring Tony Vitello as their new manager.  Plus, we get our World Series picks!

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci are picking their favorite parts of the LCS series we're watching.  The Dodgers have become the team that everyone was expecting all season.  Tom explains what the Brewers need to change and the tough task they're facing.   Joe looks back at his playoff experience and talks about how teams are handling these moments and the players that deliver.  Has Tom changed his opinion on who is the MVP in baseball? Plus, some thoughts on a surprise managerial opening in baseball!

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci start with the Dodgers' 2-0 lead over the Phillies.  This hasn't been about what Philly isn't doing, we're just seeing the Dodgers play up to their potential.  The Cubs could be in trouble as the Brewers are rolling.  Onto the AL, the Blue Jays' bats have come alive against the Yankees.  Tom has a front row seat for the Tigers and Mariners, as the only series that sits tied at 1-1.  We look at the pitching so far in the postseason and how scientific the teaching has become. 

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci are ready for the MLB playoffs and Tom thinks the keyword for the postseason is 'power'.  Joe talks about his philosophy in the playoffs and how some managers change routines or gameplans.  Tom looks at the four teams with byes and how they'll spend the time off.  We discuss every playoff matchup and the managerial matchups we've seen with possibly more to come.

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci eye the last few days of the MLB regular season.  Could this be the tightest MVP race in a long time between Cal Raleigh and Aaron Judge? Who are the hot teams headed into the postseason and which teams have red flags?   Tom notes Shohei Ohtani pitching and his schedule lining up to start Game 1 in the playoffs. What has happened to the Mets down the stretch and what offseason changes could already be in the works? Tom and Joe pick their favorites down the stretch and discuss how to keep a team in playoff form!

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the final two weeks of the regular season and teams finding their playoff seedings.   How much does home-field advantage and playoff experience matter in the postseason?  Tom points out the young pitchers that are peppered throughout the rosters.  Joe reveals his philosophy going into the playoffs and the messages he would deliver to players.  We note the passing of former player/manager Jim Marshall and his impact on the game of baseball.   Who are your MVP candidates as we come down the stretch? We also react to the breaking news of the passing of Robert Redford.

The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.  

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