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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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the Cubs 10th Anniversary of the 2016 World Series Championship.  Joe attended a weekend event in Chicago with the team and recalls having some of his players together again.  The Red Sox have turned things around in a major way.  Plus, MLB and the Blue Jays mourn the passing of Duane Ward. 

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci recap the 96th All-Star Game in Philadelphia.  Joe talks about the pregame festivities while Tom focuses on the power of the pitching.  Tom explains why he thinks this is the best All-Star game in all of sports.  Joe describes what a manager can learn from being surrounded by the best players in the game.  Looking ahead to the 2nd half of the season, what's to come for the Dodgers? Tom reveals when he expects to see the trade market heat up and which teams will be very active. 

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci dive into the stories of baseball this season including another milestone for Shohei Ohtani.  Tom looks at the surprising feat of Royals outfielder Tyler Tolbert. Kyle Schwarber tells Tom how he struggles with 'catcher's brain' versus his 'hitter's brain'.  31 year old Matt Seelinger makes his MLB debut with the Mets, but it didn't go as planned.  Plus, the little known story of Nick Testa and his MLB connection to 9/11. 

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the struggles of the Mets this season and problems with the team that may not be apparent. Joe wants to know why league stats are so mediocre while new methods of teaching with analytics are supposed to be so much better. Tom points out the shocking turnover with managers in MLB.  Tom asks Joe about the current state of the Angels and what elements of success have been missing for a long time.  Plus, what can the Blue Jays do to help fix the issues of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.? 

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci welcome Guardians 2B Travis Bazzana to discuss All-Star voting and his amazing rookie season.  Tom puts this season into perspective with how Travis' numbers stack up historically.  Travis recalls playing cricket and baseball simultaneously while growing up.  Tom wonders why Travis' numbers have improved since coming up from the minors. Travis talks about the Guardians' success and his approach to hitting in the majors.  

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the possibility of the Angels trading Mike Trout and what kind of deal it would take.  Joe explains the Angels approach to making moves like this and what was learned from how they handled Shohei Ohtani.  Which teams know it's time to start making deals? Tom gives one team he believes is ready!  Plus, after seeing a game last just 112 minutes..how do fans feel about really fast MLB games?

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss how the Yankees move forward without Aaron Judge for at least a couple of months.  Tom reveals what he learned from a conversation with manager Aaron Boone. As a former catcher, Joe comments on the current state of catchers and the surprising batting averages around MLB.  Plus, players have to adapt to the game as they get older.  But how has analytics changed that process?

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