The Book of Joe with Joe Maddon & Tom Verducci

Host Tom Verducci welcomes the coming New Year by celebrating the 90th birthday of Sandy Koufax!   Tom looks back and the accomplishments of Koufax and how his career started and how he ended as a Hall of Famer, 4x World Series Champion, and 3x Cy Young Award winner. Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh wins the SI Breakout Player Award.  Tom documents his career from getting cut in high school to making the Major Leagues. What happens next for Raleigh and how does he respond after his 60 home run season?

Pitchers are throwing faster than ever, but using less fastballs overall.  Tom brings out the data from this season to look at where the use of the fastball is heading.  Throwing 100mph used to be an anomaly, now every team has a pitcher that hits the mark.  The number of 100mph pitches has quadrupled in just the 6 years!  Tom wraps up 2025 with some MLB news on the A's and the future of Alex Bregman.

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

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the recent trade of Willson Contreras to the Boston Red Sox, exploring his potential impact and the dynamics of the Red Sox roster. It's a competitive landscape in the AL East,what are the strengths and weaknesses of the teams? Luke Weaver signs with the Mets and we touch on the evolving role of relief pitchers in today's game. Tom notes Adrian Houser switching to the Carnivore diet, could Joe stick to that menu?  

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci are watching free agency moves and focus on the NL East.  Tom notes the Phillies signing Adolis Garcia and how the team is looking for a turaround.  What does this mean for the future of Nick Castellanos?  Tom moves onto the Braves' depth strategy and the Mets' shift towards a more defensive approach.  What is available in free agency for starting pitchers or other impact players? Tom and Joe also pay tribute to George Altman, reflecting on his diverse career and dedication to baseball.

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the MLB Winter Meetings with Tom joining us from Orlando.  Kyle Schwarber re-signs with the Phillies and Joe explains how both sides fit each other so well.   How did the Schwarber deal help shape the future of Pete Alonso in Baltimore? Edwin Diaz heads to the Dodgers, but how do the Mets respond? Plus, Tom gives an update on the Rays new stadium while they quietly made an impactful deal.  

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci explore players available in free agency and some of the early signings we've seen.  Tom notes reliever Devin Williams leaving the Yankees to sign with the Mets.  The MLB Hall of Fame's 2026 Contemporary Baseball Era ballot features 8 players.  Which three would Joe choose for the Hall? Plus, Joe gives his thoughts on the Rays hiring Brandon Hyde.

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

For more info on Joe's event in Tampa, Fl. please check out:

Joe Maddon's Thanksmas

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci update their weekend of College Football describing their gameday experiences as Joe attended the Lehigh/Lafayette game and Tom saw Nebraska/Penn State.  Back to baseball, Tom notes the moves by the Rockies by retaining Warren Schaeffer while hiring Paul DePodesta as the new President of Baseball Ops.  We focus on the Mets trading Brandon Nimmo and Hal Steinbrenner saying it would be 'ideal' for the Yankees to lower their payroll.  Baseball is about a year away from negotiating a new CBA, how will it affect the game?  

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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!

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

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