The Book of Joe with Joe Maddon & Tom Verducci

The Rays have the best record in baseball but are close to the bottom of the league in home runs?  Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci examine the differences in the AL East and the resurgence of the 'bunt'. Joe explains when he had players swing away on a 3-0 count.  How many pitches does a pitcher really need?  Tom notes Shohei Ohtani's growth as a pitcher.   Plus, a warning that Joe takes very seriously!

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The baseball season is at the quarter pole and hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci point out the surprises we've seen.  What will sort itself out and what is a real issue?  Tom points out a possible hitting 'slump' for Shohei Ohtani and how it affects the Dodgers.  Plus, we honor the legacy of 2x World Series Champion and 4x Manager of the Year Bobby Cox.

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci highlight Joe's road trip from Tampa to PA before diving into some May baseball!  The Tigers are facing some hurdles with the suspensions of AJ Hinch and Framber Valdez and surgery for Tarik Skubal.  Tom explains the Dodgers' plan for Shohei Ohtani and the impact it's having on his outings.  Plus, what happens when you're the SECOND person to make history?

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci begin with the Red Sox parting ways with Alex Cora.  Tom explains what led to the decision and the moves that played a big part.  What are Cora's options moving forward with a couple other teams possibly looking for change? Tom notes a growing trend in the league that is adding time and a different strategy for pitchers.   Plus, we honor the passing of legendary rocker Dave Mason.  

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci begin with a look at the turnaround of the Rays and their stadium improvements.  Tom points out the slow starts from the biggest spending teams, while the lowest payrolls are doing well!  Hitting has been off and Joe explains the adjustments that need to be made.  While thinking of the most dominating pitchers that we've actually seen, Tom could be adding a new name to the list.  Plus, Joe remembers his good friend Garrett Anderson and his impact on baseball and the Angels.

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci look at the slow start of the Mets and wonder if there are bigger issues at play.  Joe points out how time together can help smooth out a lot of issues.  Twins manager Derek Shelton talked about what he learned from a year being in the media that he now uses in the dugout.  Joe reveals his approach to dealing with the media as a manager.  Plus, the legacy of 'flipping the spread'.  What is it and is it gone forever? 

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci know it's early in the season, but how many 'good' teams have ever had terrible starts?  The Red Sox stumbled out of the gate, but can they turn it around? Tom notes the incident with Wilson Contreras and the Brewers and what happens next. Tropicana Field is open once again and Joe recalls his time in Tampa and the stadium.  We're starting to see injuries pop up and Joe talks about managing things early so they don't become a season-long issue. Plus, Tom and Joe bid farewell to the legendary 'Dark Horse' in Boulder, Colorado.

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci dive into the use of the ABS system, which has already had a tremendous impact.  How does Joe think the use of the system changes as the game moves forward?  Tom reveals where the most success comes from with challenges.  How does this affect catchers and their influence on pitching?

The Yankees have had an amazing start to the season.  Tom notes Shohei Ohtani's first start of the year.  Plus, is there any advantage to signing young players to big deals? Tom shows how the current line of thinking is playing out.

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss Opening Day and the need for teams to get off to a good start!  What is the biggest thing a team will see in the first few weeks of the season?  Joe reveals the team he thinks can most challenge the Dodgers in the NL.  Tom talks about the players who will benefit from a solid performance in the WBC.  Following a memorable Babe Ruth story,  Joe and Tom name their World Series teams!

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss Venezuela's win over USA in the World Baseball Classic.  Joe points out the passion from Venezuela and the huge role baseball plays in their country and culture.  Tom asks about USA's hitting and what happened through the tournament. We offer kudos for the showing from Team Italy!  Plus, could there be MORE changes coming to baseball?

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

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