Baseball Connection
1,367 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsYour Dose of All Things Baseball
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Kerry Wood Strikes Out 20 | The Most Dominant Start Ever
April 16, 2020 14:13 - 10 minutes - 23.1 MBAs a hard throwing right-handed pitcher from Texas taken as the #1 overall pick in the draft, Kerry Wood was bound to draw a lot of comparisons to Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens. He was a highly touted prospect, but nobody knew what he could do when he'd finally put it all together. He did that on May 6, 1998 of his rookie year against a potent Astros squad. Wood set a MLB record with 20 strikeouts in complete game shutout with one hit and no walks. This was the most dominant start in baseball...
Jackie Robinson Day | The Origin of 42
April 15, 2020 13:47 - 6 minutes - 15.7 MBJackie Robinson was a pioneer. He didn't just break baseball's color barrier, he put together a legitimate Hall of Fame career with the Brooklyn Dodgers. We celebrate his legacy on Jackie Robinson Day each year, but it wasn't until 2009 that everybody in a MLB uniform began to wear his number 42 on this day. How did this tradition come about and who started it? All this on today's episode.
Best 3B in History of Each Franchise
April 14, 2020 13:16 - 13 minutes - 30.2 MBThird basemen must fit a unique profile. They need to produce offensively, while also being able to man the hot corner. The elite third basemen are Gold Glove winners who hit in the middle of the lineup. Who is the best third baseman in the history of every franchise. All this on today's episode.
Scoreless-Inning Streaks
April 13, 2020 13:15 - 8 minutes - 19.9 MBThrowing a complete game shutout is an impressive feat. What about throwing six in a row? That's what Don Drysdale did during the second-longest scoreless-inning streak of all time. Bob Gibson's 47 scoreless-inning streak happened in the middle of a stretch of eleven straight complete games. Something must be in the water in LA, because four of the ten longest scoreless-inning streaks belong to Dodgers pitchers - Hershiser, Drysdale, Greinke, and Kershaw. All this on today's episode.
Longest Games in MLB History
April 12, 2020 13:57 - 9 minutes - 21.2 MBOne great thing about baseball is that a comeback is always possible. Unlike most sports, there is no clock, so a team with a lead must get all 27 outs in order to secure the win. As a result, we get extra inning games that can sometimes turn into a marathon. What are some of the longest games in MLB history? All this on today's episode.
Switch Pitching | The Pat Venditte Rule
April 11, 2020 14:59 - 10 minutes - 23.5 MBSwitch pitchers are rare. So rare, that there was no rule that anticipated what would happen if a switch pitcher faced a switch hitter. This occurred in June 2008 in a minor league game, and it led to a cat-and-mouse game between the batter and pitcher. That pitcher, Pat Venditte, eventually made it to the MLB in 2015, and the official rule for this has been nicknamed after him. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Mark Reynolds Hangs 'Em Up | The MLB Hotbed in Virginia Beach | Former Cardinal Becomes Doctor
April 10, 2020 14:45 - 8 minutes - 19.4 MBMark Reynolds announced his retirement. Reynolds was one guy who you could often find among the league leaders in both home runs and strikeouts. Advanced metrics weren't fond of his game, but he stuck around for a lengthy 13-year career. Reynolds is among several MLB players who hail from the Virginia Beach area. Former St. Louis Cardinals 1B Mark Hamilton has repurposed himself and become a doctor. He'll begin his residency on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. All this (and more)...
Ripple Effects of the Fallen Wilmer Flores Trade
April 09, 2020 14:27 - 13 minutes - 31.8 MBWilmer Flores started his career with the Mets and was a household name and fan favorite for a few years. Shortly before the 2015 Trade Deadline, Flores was told that he was traded along with Zach Wheeler to the Brewers in exchange for Carlos Gomez. This happened in the middle of the game, but the deal fell apart minutes later after issues were found in Gomez' medical records. If that deal went through, would Josh Hader have stayed an Astro? Would Cespedes ever become a Met and lead them to ...
10 Legends Who Got a Reunion
April 08, 2020 14:57 - 11 minutes - 26.9 MBNot every player gets to go out on their own terms, but for some who do, they even get to go back to the team where they became established. It's only fitting to consider Ichiro a Mariner or Tom Glavine a Brave. So it made sense to see them end their careers with the teams they where they made a name for themselves. We look at 10 legends who got to end their careers with a reunion. All this on today's episode.
Al Kaline's Legacy | MLB To Play Season in Arizona?
April 07, 2020 13:38 - 11 minutes - 27.1 MBAl Kaline was Mr. Tiger. One of the greatest hitters of all time passed away yesterday. Kaline made his MLB debut just a week after his high school graduation and went on to have a magnificent 22-year career, entirely with the Tigers. MLB has laid out some specific details about potentially starting the season in May. It would mean playing all games in empty ballparks in the Phoenix, AZ area, including the Diamondbacks' Chase Field. All this (and more) on today's episode.
When Adam Dunn Hit a HR Into Another State
April 06, 2020 13:39 - 7 minutes - 17.9 MBAdam Dunn had big-time power. He was the quintessential three true outcome hitter - a home run, a strikeout, or a walk. Dunn was known for his mammoth blasts and he once homered into another state. How did he do it? All this on today's episode.
The Pitcher Who Got Struck By Lightning and Finished the Game
April 05, 2020 15:43 - 8 minutes - 19.8 MBRay Caldwell was known throwing a gem for the Cleveland Indians in a game on Aug. 24, 1919 when he got struck by lightning with one out remaining for a complete game. Or was he? Caldwell was knocked out and laid on the ground for about five minutes before getting back up to secure the final out. What happened that day? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Like Father, Like Son | When The Griffey's Went Back-to-Back
April 04, 2020 16:08 - 8 minutes - 20.2 MBIt's rare enough for a father and son duo to both play in the Major Leagues. It's eye-popping when they play together on the same team. It's remarkable when they hit back-to-back home runs, just as Ken Griffey Jr. and Sr. did in 1990. The younger Griffey was having an outstanding sophomore season, on his way to a Hall of Fame career, while his father was at the twilight of his career. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Tiebreaker Ideas | HR Derby After 10 Innings?
April 03, 2020 13:04 - 7 minutes - 16.2 MBWhat if tied games were decided by a home run derby after 10 innings? Would that make things more exciting and keep fans engaged all the way until the end? Justin Turner thinks so. Turner suggests that baseball should take a page out of hockey's book and have its own version of a shootout. If the game is tied after 10 innings, take the three best hitters from each team and have a home run derby to decide the winner. Each hitter gets five outs or ten swings. Could this idea work? All this on ...
Where's The Money? | Paying Players During a Pandemic
April 02, 2020 11:57 - 11 minutes - 25.5 MBMLB and the MLBPA reached a deal that would give a total of $170 million in advance pay to players on 40-man rosters, injured lists, and players with major league contracts on outright assignments to the minor leagues. The payments vary based on contract and last through May 24, but projected over a full season, the payments would work out to salaries of $888,150, $186,000, $93,000 and $51,150. MLB has pledged $400 per week for all minor league players through the end of May. Shin-Soo Choo h...
The Best First Baseman In The History of Every Franchise
April 01, 2020 13:44 - 15 minutes - 36.4 MBWe go through each franchise's history and discuss who their best first baseman was. Some, like Freddie Freeman or Anthony Rizzo, are still playing. Others, like Todd Helton, are the clear faces of their franchise. Guy like Jimmie Foxx can claim to be the best on two different teams. All this on today's episode.
Grand Slams | Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck
March 31, 2020 13:48 - 8 minutes - 19.9 MBSome hitters feel pressure when they're up to bat with the bases loaded. Other hitters get excited. It's one thing to make good contact with the bases loaded, but there's nothing like a grand slam. It's the most punishing result you can get from one swing of the bat. We take a look at the players who had a knack for hitting grand slams and what set them apart. All this on today's episode.
The Best Pitchers To Never Win a Cy Young
March 30, 2020 13:24 - 11 minutes - 26.5 MBWhen looking at some of the best pitchers who never won a Cy Young award, some names might surprise you. Although he's known as one of the greatest, Nolan Ryan never won one. Competition was tough in the late 90's and early 2000's, so neither did Mike Mussina or Curt Schilling. Among active pitchers, Gerrit Cole is probably the most likely player on this list to eventually win one. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Torii Hunter the Home Run Thief | The Emergence of Spiderman
March 29, 2020 14:01 - 7 minutes - 18.1 MBThere's no better stage to make a name for yourself than the All-Star Game. That's what Torii Hunter did in '02 when he robbed Barry Bonds of a home run at Miler Park, to create one of the most memorable catches in All-Star Game history. Spiderman was born. Hunter would win nine straight Gold Gloves and became a household name after that moment. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Dan Uggla's Improbable Hit Streak
March 28, 2020 14:47 - 8 minutes - 18.6 MBDan Uggla was an all-bat, power-hitting second baseman not too long ago. Because he wasn't known for his contact skills, it was a surprise to most people when he went on a 33-game hit streak in the summer of 2011. Uggla was in the first year as a Brave and he was hitting just .173 before the hit streak. How would Uggla's game translate to today's MLB? All this on today's episode.
Cody Ross' 2010 Playoff Run | Waiver Claim to NLCS MVP
March 27, 2020 14:03 - 8 minutes - 19.2 MBCody Ross went from being a late-season waiver wire pickup to leading the Giants to a World Series victory in 2010. Ross was a late injury replacement to the Giants' postseason starting lineup, but he exceeded all expectations. His five postseason home runs all seemed to come in huge moments, including two in the same game off the great Roy Halladay. All this on today's episode.
Preparing for a Return to Play | Christmas World Series?
March 26, 2020 13:37 - 10 minutes - 23.2 MBMLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has said that "baseball will be back". But when? At this point, MLB executives believe the best case scenario appears to be June, but July seems more likely. Scott Boras has offered proposals for each scenario, which would include several doubleheaders and expanded rosters in order to maximize the number of games played. Under his proposals, the playoffs would extend into December. We discuss the benefits and drawback of different strategies. All this (and more) ...
Thor to Get Tommy John | A Blessing In Disguise?
March 25, 2020 13:34 - 8 minutes - 18.6 MBNoah Syndergaard will be getting Tommy John surgery. He'll be out for all of the 2020 season and most likely part of the 2021 season. Is this a blessing in disguise for Thor? He's set to become a free agent after the 2021 season, so his return next year will be a big audition for him. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Cal Ripken Jr.'s Streak | The Iron Man
March 24, 2020 13:08 - 10 minutes - 23 MBIt would take a player a little more than 16 straight seasons of playing every single game, to break Cal Ripken Jr.'s streak of 2,632 consecutive games played. It's probably safe to say that won't ever happen. Ripken became the the all-time leader in consecutive games played on September 6, 1995 when he passed Lou Gehrig. It was a unique type of record because everybody knew exactly when it would occur. What was that season like in Baltimore? All this on today's episode.
Classic Baseball Moments | Reframing the GOAT Conversation | Impact of a Shortened Season
March 23, 2020 13:44 - 54 minutes - 62.5 MBAs we're joined by some special guests today, we take advantage of the extended offseason to discuss some hot button topics. Who is one player that hasn’t lived up to their potential due to injuries? Was the Astros tanking method a brilliant strategy, or were they just lucky in the draft? Mike Trout has the best overall skillset in baseball history, but he is arguably not the GOAT. Who is? When will we see baseball start back up again? A shortened season could finally allow us to see expande...
The Buster Posey Rule | History of Collisions at Home Plate
March 22, 2020 13:41 - 8 minutes - 18.6 MBIn May 2011, Buster Posey suffered a season-ending injury due to a collision at home plate from Scott Cousins of the Marlins. Cousins was trying to knock the ball loose and score on a sac fly. He succeeded. Posey suffered a fracture and tore ligaments, but was fortunately able to bounce back in a big way the following year - he won the MVP and batting title while leading the Giants to their second World Series victory in three years. Buster Posey's injury prompted MLB to implement a new rule...
How Raul Ibanez Became a Yankees Postseason Legend
March 21, 2020 15:12 - 7 minutes - 18 MBRaul Ibanez was a very good player. He had a long, consistent career and provided great offensive value. By 2012, Ibanez was near the end of his career, but he put the Yankees on his back in the playoffs. We take a look at how Raul Ibanez became a Yankees postseason legend. All this on today's episode.
Tommy John Surgery for Chris Sale | Were the Signs There?
March 20, 2020 13:30 - 10 minutes - 24.1 MBChris Sale will undergo Tommy John surgery. The Red Sox left-hander just hasn't looked the same for over a year. He's dealt with a myriad of injuries and setbacks now, and this is an opportune time to get such a surgery because the status of the 2020 season is still unknown. Was this predictable and is Sale simply over the hill? The Giants announced that Tyler Beede will also be getting Tommy John, as he was looking to become a truly established big-leaguer this year. All this (and more) on ...
World Series Miscues | Bill Buckner vs. Nelson Cruz | Who Did it Worse?
March 19, 2020 13:04 - 10 minutes - 24.8 MBBill Buckner will always be remembered for his error in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. Most of that blame was unfair because the game was tied and there was no guarantee the Red Sox would have won even if he did make the play. He became a scapegoat for a frustrated fanbase dealing with the "Curse of the Bambino". How does that moment compare to Game 6 of the 2011 World Series, where the Texas Rangers were one strike away from winning it all, but David Freese hit a game-tying triple just be...
2011 MLB Draft - The Greatest Class of All Time?
March 18, 2020 16:16 - 7 minutes - 17.1 MBA look at the list of Major Leaguers who came from the 2011 MLB Draft class is eye-popping. Many of the game's biggest stars today were drafted that year. It's not unusual for first rounders to never make the MLB, so it's surprising when the majority of them from one class turn out to be household names. Arguably the best player in that year's draft - Mookie Betts - wasn't drafted until the fifth round. All this on today's episode.
Jose Bautista Made Baseball Fun Again | A Bat Flip for The Ages
March 17, 2020 13:58 - 8 minutes - 19.1 MBJose Bautista's bat flip in Game 5 of the 2015 ALDS was nothing ordinary. It was an exclamation point on a controversial inning and was an epic "ball don't lie" moment. Since then, bat flipping has become more widely accepted and fewer pitchers act salty about it. Did Bautista's bat flip impact baseball etiquette and culture? All this on today's episode.
"The Bug Game" | 2007 ALDS | Indians Home Field Advantage over Yankees
March 16, 2020 13:23 - 8 minutes - 19.4 MBDid a swarm of insects impact the course of Yankees history? Game 2 of the 2007 ALDS is remembered as "The Bug Game" because of the insects that invaded Jacobs field and particularly tormented Joba Chamberlain as he tried to pitch in relief of a close game. The Indians would win that series and Joe Torre would lose his job as Yankees manager. All this on today's episode.
Armando Galarraga's (Im)Perfect Game | Baseball Without Instant Replay
March 15, 2020 13:27 - 10 minutes - 23.8 MBArmando Galarraga threw a perfect game once. It doesn't show up in the record books, but everyone knows he did it. With two outs in the ninth inning, Galarraga's perfecto was taken away by a blown call at first base by umpire Jim Joyce. There was no instant replay in baseball at the time. Should the Commissioner have overturned the call? All this on today's episode.
George Brett Pine Tar Incident | Unpacking the Controversy
March 14, 2020 14:49 - 8 minutes - 20.6 MBGeorge Brett was an elite player throughout his career. He's a Hall of Famer. However, most people who know of him primarily do because of the Pine Tar Incident. After hitting a go-ahead home run for the Royals with two outs in the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium, Brett was called out for having too much pine tar on his bat. This led to a massive outburst and the game was eventually protested, resumed, and won by the Royals the following month. What went into the League's decision? How did th...
Opening Day Delayed
March 13, 2020 12:56 - 7 minutes - 17.9 MBMLB was suspended Spring Training and delayed the start of the regular season by at least two weeks. Opening Day was previously slated to be March 26, but that has been pushed back due to the national emergency created by the coronavirus pandemic. MLB is not alone, as seemingly every sports league in the US has been suspended. All this on today's episode.
Coronavirus Impact on Mariners, A's, & Giants | Opening Day in Jeopardy? | Alonso Gets Hefty Raise
March 12, 2020 13:00 - 7 minutes - 17.6 MBAs several sports leagues around the world suspend play and impose restrictions on fan attendance, eyes are shifting towards Major League Baseball. The MLB season is still slated to kick off in two weeks, but that is not a guarantee at this point. The Mariners, A's and Giants are facing scheduling concerns due to restrictions on public gatherings in their cities. Pete Alonso got a hefty raise from the Mets, giving him the highest salary for any 2nd-year player ever. All this (and more) on to...
Which Spring Training Breakouts Should We Believe?
March 11, 2020 12:43 - 10 minutes - 23.9 MBIt's pretty much safe to say Felix Hernandez will make the Braves rotation now. What kind of season will he have. Did Orlando Arcia suddenly become a consistent hitter? Kenley Jansen has been disappointing for a couple years now, but perhaps his winter at Driveline Baseball has changed that. Noah Syndergaard had a down year in 2019, but the early returns are good so far this Spring. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Lindor Ends Extension Talks | Kershaw Healthy & Throwing Harder
March 10, 2020 12:28 - 9 minutes - 22.1 MBFrancisco Lindor and the Indians have tabled extension talks for now. Lindor made it clear that he wanted to halt negotiations ahead of the season so that it doesn't become a distraction. He'll go where the money is. Clayton Kershaw has been named the Dodgers' Opening Day starter for the 9th time in his career. Buehler and Price will take the #2 and #3 spots, respectively. Kershaw's velocity is up a few ticks so far in the Spring. All this (and more) on today's episode.
How To Steal More Strikes | Coronavirus' Impact on MLB
March 09, 2020 12:24 - 9 minutes - 21.4 MBA good catcher can get more strike calls by receiving the ball well. More catchers are adjusting the stance so that they are on one knee rather than a regular crouch. This makes it tougher to block balls in the dirt, but is the tradeoff worth it? MLB is taking precautions towards protecting players from the coronavirus, but the regular season is still scheduled to begin later this month as planned, with fans in the seats. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Sano Homers in Dominican Homecoming | Braves Look To King Felix
March 08, 2020 19:20 - 7 minutes - 17.5 MBThe Twins and Tigers took part in the first Spring Training game played in the Dominican Republic in 20 years. Miguel Sano, a Dominican native, thrilled the crowd with a two-run home run. MLB is making a concerted effort to play more games outside the US. If he stays healthy, King Felix has a very good chance to make the Braves rotation. All this on today's episode.
The Dilemma of Handling Young Pitchers | Judge Sidelined Again | Bounceback Miggy?
March 07, 2020 19:44 - 9 minutes - 21.6 MBWhy do teams beat around the bush when it comes to young pitchers needing surgery? If it's clear that a pitcher has elbow pain and concerning medical results, it's probably better to get the surgery sooner rather than later. The Angels faced this dilemma with Shohei Ohtani, and they seem to be experiencing the same with Griffin Canning. Aaron Judge has a stress fracture in his rib, but the Yankees are hoping rest will heal it... for now. Travis Demeritte and Miguel Cabrera went back-to-back ...
Moncada Gets Extension | Future MVP Candidate? | Red Sox Sign McHugh
March 06, 2020 13:14 - 9 minutes - 20.6 MBYoan Moncada has agreed to a 5-year, $70 million extension with the White Sox. Moncada enjoyed a breakout year in 2019 where he finally lived up to the lofty expectations he was given as the former #1 overall prospect in baseball. The White Sox are locked and loaded with young talent. The Red Sox signed Collin McHugh, who is only a year removed from a dominant season with Houston. All this on today's episode.
Mic'd Up Players | Genius Broadcasting or a Distraction? | A Second Cespedes Coming Soon
March 05, 2020 13:04 - 10 minutes - 24 MBWe've been seeing a lot of players get mic'd up during games, and it's been a big hit. Being able to hear conversations between players and broadcasters adds plenty of content to games and kills dead time between plays. Can this kind of set-up be used in the regular season, or will it be too much of a distraction? Yoelkis Cespedes has officially been declared a free agent. What does he bring to the table and when will he sign? All this on today's episode.
Brewers Extend Yelich | Underpaid or Fair Deal?
March 04, 2020 12:43 - 9 minutes - 22.2 MBChristian Yelich and the Brewers are nearing a 9-year, $215 million extension. While this is certainly a hometown discount, both parties will be glad to lock things down for the long term. Yelich is the second-best hitter in baseball and a fan favorite in Milwaukee. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Now Pitching... Anthony Gose | Jose Bautista Too?
March 03, 2020 12:15 - 8 minutes - 20.1 MBIf you no longer interest teams as a position player, maybe it's time to become a pitcher. That's what Jose Bautista and Anthony Gose are doing. Bautista, the former Blue Jays slugger, is attempting to make a comeback as a two-way player. How much does he have left in the tank at age 39? Anthony Gose is much younger at 29, and he's already been on the mound for the Indians in Spring Training. He can run his fastball up to 98 mph and has a filthy slider from the left side. All this on today's...
Spring Training Position Battles | Filling Out Rosters and Depth Charts
March 02, 2020 13:03 - 9 minutes - 22.2 MBThere are some interesting position battles taking shape in Spring Training. Whether it's filling a void created by injury, or deciding whether or not to unleash your top prospect, there are usually tough decisions to be made for every ballclub in the Spring. We take a look at the most intriguing position battles this year.
Chris Davis' Revenge Tour? | Maeda Requested Trade For Personal Goal
March 01, 2020 15:59 - 9 minutes - 21.8 MBDon't look now, but Chris Davis is on a hot streak. Yes it's just Spring Training, but anything will do after two straight years of hitting below the Mendoza line. Davis says he gained 25 lbs during the offseason in an attempt to get back to his old self. Will he provide any real value to the Orioles this year? Kenta Maeda asked for a trade because he wants to win 200 games between both Japan and the MLB. Can he average 14 wins per year for the next 4 years? All this (and more) on today's ep...
2020 Olympic Baseball | Top Prospects Will Now Play?
February 29, 2020 16:48 - 8 minutes - 19.9 MBPlayers on 40-man rosters (but not in the Major Leagues) will now be allowed to compete in the Tokyo Games as well as the two qualifying tournaments before it. This means top prospects such as Wander Franco, Cristian Pache, Jo Adell, and Nate Pearson will be allowed to play for their countries. Baseball is returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2008, and this will increase the talent level across the board. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Why Lorenzo Cain Will Bounce Back in 2020
February 28, 2020 12:08 - 9 minutes - 20.6 MBLorenzo Cain is a prime bounce-back candidate for 2020. Coming off a career year in 2018, Cain had a steep drop-off in offensive production in 2019. A deep dive into advanced metrics show that Cain was actually hitting the ball harder than ever and had a similar batted ball profile to the previous year. His sprint speed was down, but was that due to age, his nagging injuries, or both? What can we expect from Lorenzo Cain this year? All this on today's episode.
Yankees Can't Catch Break | Tebow The Filipino Bambino?
February 27, 2020 11:58 - 8 minutes - 18.9 MBJust the day after Luis Severino was announced to be getting Tommy John surgery, the Yankees announed that Giancarlo Stanton suffered a Grade 1 calf strain. Stanton's status for Opening Day is in jeopardy. The Brewers have extended Freddy Peralta to a 5-year, $15.5 million deal. Tim Tebow will represent the Phillipines at the World Baseball Classic. All this (and more) on today's episode.