Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci note the change in the weather for playoff baseball.  Joe explains how a manager talks to his team about the differences on the field.  Tom lays out the matchups between the Yankees and Red Sox.  The White Sox and Astros is a matchup of polar opposite teams.  How much concern is there for the Phillies against the Braves?  Tom explains why the Cubs-Padres will be a matchup of the managers! Could we see a team that's never won the World Series go all the way this season?

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci are wrapping up the regular season and discuss what's the plan to get ready for the postseason.  The Angels and Yankees have to plan for the schedules of Ohtani and Judge while making pitching decisions as well.  Tom questions how much overall pitching changes in the playoffs.  Plus, Tom honors the life of Fmr NFL exec Ernie Accorsi and his connection to baseball.

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci begin with the improved play from the Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong.  It's been a full year with the ABS system and Joe weighs in with his thoughts.  How has the system changed the game from the dugout?  Tom highlights Gerrit Cole and what he can do to turn things around on the mound.  Plus, a big reason that Joe needs to get back to reading really big books!

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci talk about Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani being the biggest stories in baseball right now.  Ohtani will not prepare to pitch but the biggest concern is his hitting slump at the plate.  Aaron Judge is cleared to return and Tom notes how well Judge performs in Yankee Stadium.  Why are the Brewers such a fun team to watch? Tom explains why it may seem like every pitcher is throwing 100mph.  

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci welcome September and the feel of playoff weather!  How are teams approaching their run to the playoffs? Joe stresses worrying more about your own team than your opponent.  Tom looks at how the Dodgers can prepare for an attempt at a 3rd straight championship. Is there a better way for teams to handle blowouts for pitchers and hitters? Plus,  the Mariners and Phillies are headed in opposite directions while the Orioles are surprisingly back in the mix!

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci believe the Rays are the best team in the AL and could be looking at a World Series run.  What are they doing that's making the biggest difference from other teams? After another career milestone for Jacob Degrom, Tom asks if the pitcher should be a Hall of Famer. Speaking of pitching, what pitcher is throwing the ball like we've never seen before?  Plus, the Cubs name their all-time team and guess who is on it?

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci are making their way through the dog days of August! The NL MVP has come down to a two-man race.  Joe gives his thoughts on how Dave Roberts can help the struggling Kyle Tucker.  Tom wants to know why so many shortstops are having issues this season.  We take a closer look at what's happening with the Red Sox.  Plus, Tom and Joe remember the life and career of Tommy John.  They both share some memorable stories and wonder why TJ isn't in the Hall of Fame.  

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci look at the current standings and the surprising number of wins that it could take to push into the postseason.  What does Joe think is 'wrong' with the Dodgers at the moment?  Tom looks back at the career of Tim Anderson, who announced his retirement after 10 seasons.  For the first time in 3 years, Shohei Ohtani is not the MVP favorite.  Who is the new favorite and can he win the award?  

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci watched the MLB Trade deadline come and go.  The Yankees need to pivot, so what moves will they be making?  The Dodgers made the biggest move and Tom explains why the deal for Tarik Skubal wasn't just about money.   This year, pitching was a big focus and the Cubs and Padres geared up for postseason hopes.  Tom is also excited to see two active teams that haven't been in the playoff mix for a while. 

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci start with the Tigers possible interest in trading for Tarik Skubal.  Tom highlights two teams that should be trying to make a deal.  Is it worth it for the Padres to find a deal for Mason Miller?  Tom still predicts an active trade deadline and offers up some ideas for the Phillies.  Joe explains how a manager handles new players coming into the clubhouse after a trade.  Tom talks about his time at Cooperstown watching the newest members of the Baseball Hall of Fame.  What were the most impactful moments from the Induction speeches? 

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