Baseball Connection
1,362 episodes - English - Latest episode: 19 days ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsYour Dose of All Things Baseball
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Episodes
Arraez Hits for the Cycle | How Baltimore Built a Squad | Walker Watch
April 12, 2023 12:39 - 8 minutes - 6.41 MBLuis Arraez is a complete package at the plate. Arraez won the 2022 AL batting title and now he's become the first Marlin to hit for the cycle. Do the Orioles have a fearsome lineup all of a sudden? Jordan Walker & the Rays extended their season-opening streaks. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Cruz Out 2 Months | Phillies Ambush Alcantara | Jordan Walker’s Hit Streak
April 11, 2023 11:35 - 17 minutes - 12.7 MBOneil Cruz will be sidelined for two months with a fractured ankle after undergoing surgery on Sunday night. Cruz and the Pirates were off to a strong start. Similarly, Adam Duvall will miss 6-8 weeks for the Red Sox after suffering a fractured wrist. Duvall has been one of the hottest bats in the game so far. Jordan Walker has a 10-game hit streak to start his career. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Rays Boost Run Differential | Philly Special | Trout Powers Up
April 09, 2023 18:12 - 10 minutes - 7.75 MBThe Rays are 8-0 and have the best run differential to start a season that we've ever seen. The Phillies scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth en route to a walk-off victory over the Reds. Nick Lodolo shoved for Cincinnati and Bryon Stott continued his hot hitting at the plate. Mike Trout is off to a powerful start to the season. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Bounceback Bats & Surprising Performers | Hitters Off to Hot Starts
April 08, 2023 19:40 - 9 minutes - 7.34 MBIt's important for a hitter to get off to a strong start at the plate. It eases tension and builds confidence moving forward. Is Gleyber Torres all the way back or will the Yankees "sell high" on him this year? Wander Franco is healthy and mashing. Will Adam Duvall make Boston forget about losing Bogaerts? We discuss the 10 hottest bats to start the 2023 season.
May Day for LA | Vladdy’s Outlook | The Reality for Chris Sale
April 07, 2023 13:44 - 8 minutes - 5.99 MBDustin May looks like an upgraded pitcher now that he's fully back from Tommy John Surgery. May will be a top-line ace in short order. Can Vladimir Guerrero return to his 40-HR power numbers? Chris Sale logged his first win since 2021. How good is he at this stage of his career? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Tampa Extends Streak | Who is Josh Jung? | deGrom & Cole Rack Up K’s
April 06, 2023 15:09 - 7 minutes - 5.77 MBThe Rays are 6-0 and making it look easy. They're outpitching and outhitting their opponents by a wide margin. Josh Jung hit his second HR of the year for the Rangers. Who is the young 3B in Texas? Jacob deGrom fanned 11 and Gerrit Cole fanned 8 as both aces looked sharp in their second start of the year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Grayson Rodriguez Called Up | Complete Game Sandy | Rays Undefeated
April 05, 2023 14:37 - 7 minutes - 5.53 MBThe Orioles are calling up their top pitching prospect, Grayson Rodriguez. Rodriguez is the no. 7 prospect in baseball and will take a crack at the Rangers in his home state of Texas. Sandy Alcantara threw a complete game shutout as the Marlins beat the Twins 1-0 in a blistering 1 hour 57 minutes. Tampa Bay remains undefeated. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Dahl & Kim Lift San Diego | Rays Rotation Dominance | Homers Aplenty For San Francisco
April 04, 2023 13:00 - 15 minutes - 11.4 MBDavid Dahl and Ha-Seong Kim hit back-to-back home runs to create a walk off victory for the Padres. San Diego's lineup is loaded but most wouldn't have anticipated that from the no. 8 and 9 hitters. The Rays are 4-0 to start the year thanks to dominant starting pitching. Homers were flying out of the yard in Chicago as the Giants teed off on Michael Kopech and the White Sox. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Rangers Make Statement | Senga Sharp in Debut | Stolen Bases are Back
April 03, 2023 14:46 - 8 minutes - 6.63 MBThe Rangers made a statement by sweeping the Phillies in the opening weekend of the season. It's to early to make whispers of a World Series hangover in Philadelphia but Texas hopes to build off this momentum. Kodai Senga looked sharp in his first start, making his MLB debut for the Mets. We're seeing an uptick in stolen bases this year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Duvall Saves the Day in Boston | HR Hat Trick for Trayce | Yankees CF Experiment
April 02, 2023 17:47 - 9 minutes - 7.13 MBOrioles LF Ryan McKenna dropped a fly ball with 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth inning. Two pitches later, Adam Duvall blasted a walk-off HR over McKenna's head. Trayce Thompson hit 3 home runs and drove in 8 runs, carrying the Dodgers to an easy win. Can Isiah Kiner-Falefa hold down CF for the Yankees? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Padres Extend Cronenworth | Kwan Stacks RBIs | Rendon Confronts Fan
April 01, 2023 16:24 - 12 minutes - 9.93 MBThe Padres and Jake Cronenworth agreed to a 7-year, $80 million extension that will take him through his age-36 season. Cronenworth is a 2-time All-Star and perhaps the most versatile player in baseball. Steven Kwan lifted the Guardians over the Mariners with a 5-RBI day. Anthony Rendon confronted a fan after hearing some heckles he didn't like. All this (and more) on today's episode.
All Rise! | Rutschman & Springer Love to Hit | Astros Streak Ends | Opening Day Recap
March 31, 2023 13:21 - 7 minutes - 5.96 MBAaron Judge started his 2023 MLB season off with a bang by hitting a home run. What's in store for the reigining AL MVP? Adley Rutschman and George Springer are seeing the ball well already as each tallied 5 hits. CJ Cron has quietly been mashing for a few years will anyone notice? The Astros' Opening Day win streak came to and end. All this (and much more) on today's episode.
A New Era Begins | Eight New MLB Developments in 2023
March 30, 2023 12:45 - 7 minutes - 6.05 MBBaseball as we knew it, is gone. We'll see a new and revamped game in 2023 with faster tempo and more action. Opening Day is here with a full slate of games.
Underrated Infielder Gets Paid | End of Spring Moves
March 29, 2023 13:44 - 7 minutes - 5.16 MBAndrés Giménez seemed like and afterthought in the Francisco Lindor trade. Not anymore. Giménez is coming off a monster 2022 season and the Guardians have rewarded him with a 7-year, $106.5 million extension. Did Cleveland win the Francisco Lindor trade? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Guardians Staff Dealt Big Blow | Cubs Lock In Swanson/Hoerner Combo | Brewers Round Out Roster
March 28, 2023 13:42 - 8 minutes - 6.34 MBTriston McKenzie will be shut down from throwing for two weeks as he rests a right shoulder strain. He could be out for eight weeks. How will Cleveland manage this in the meantime? Nico Hoerner and the Cubs have agreed to a 3-year, $35 million extension. It'll be a Swanson-Hoerner double play combination in Chicago for the foreseeable future. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Key Rookies Make Opening Day | Why Verlander Won’t Pitch Until Game 3
March 27, 2023 12:39 - 8 minutes - 6.51 MBAnthony Volpe and Jordan Walker will start for their teams on Opening Day. Volpe (shortstop) will become the first Yankee to make his MLB debut on Opening Day since Hideki Matsui in 2003. Walker (left field) is making the jump from AA to MLB thanks to his big bat. Max Scherzer will start on Opening Day for the Mets but Justin Verlander won't pitch until Game 3. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Rookies Ready for Debut? | Anthony Volpe & Jordan Walker | Mikolas Extended
March 25, 2023 15:26 - 10 minutes - 7.73 MBThe Yankees have a shortstop battle at Spring Training this year and Anthony Volpe is leading the way. Jordan Walker has been turning heads at Cardinals camp all spring. Will he make the Opening Day roster? St. Louis extended Miles Mikolas with a 2-year, $40 million extension. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Phillies Lose Hoskins For Season | Veteran 2B Retires | When Will Soroka Return?
March 24, 2023 13:44 - 9 minutes - 6.53 MBRhys Hoskins has been diagnosed with a torn ACL, which will put him out for the season. The Phillies were already set to begin the season without Bryce Harper so this news comes as another big blow. Philadelphia will need a new first baseman immediately and they'll lean on Turner, Realmuto, Castellanos, and Schwarber. Jed Lowrie has retired after 15 MLB seasons. Michael Soroka has been sent down to AAA. When will he be back in the majors? All this on today's episode.
MLB Tweaks New Rules | Likeliest Award Winner on Each Team
March 23, 2023 10:15 - 14 minutes - 10.5 MBMLB's new set of rules have shaved off 25 minutes from the average Spring Training game this year. With Opening Day around the corner, MLB has made some tweaks to the rule changes. We discuss each change in full detail. Who is the likeliest major award winner on each team? All this on today's episode.
Japan Wins World Baseball Classic | Epic Ohtani vs. Trout At-Bat
March 22, 2023 12:17 - 8 minutes - 6.48 MBJapan defeated USA 3-2 to win the 2023 World Baseball Classic. It ended in storybook fashion with Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout. Few pitchers have ever struck out Trout on three swings-and-misses but Ohtani made it happen with triple-digit fastballs and a textbook slider. Ohtani's legend continues to grow. All this on today's episode.
Japan Walks Off on Mexico | WBC Final Preview | Profar Joins Rockies
March 21, 2023 10:17 - 12 minutes - 9.09 MBJapan defeated Mexico in a thrilling semifinal matchup in Miami. Mexico fought hard with the bats but Japan completed a comeback in the bottom of the ninth with back-to-back doubles from Shohei Ohtani and Munetaka. Japan faces USA in what looks to be a marquee championship game. Jose Altuve will undergo surgery for his fractured thumb. What will this mean for the Astros? Jurickson Profar has signed with the Rockies. Will he be ready for Opening Day? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Mexico Stuns Puerto Rico | USA vs. Venezuela Preview
March 18, 2023 09:54 - 4 minutes - 2.65 MBMexico earned a comeback victory over Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic quarter finals. Isaac Paredes led the charge with 3 RBI to set up a semi final bout with Japan on Monday. USA vs. Venezuela is next and some of the game's biggest stars will be on full display.
PR Defeats DR | Trout Rises to Occasion | Quarter-Final Stage Set
March 16, 2023 12:35 - 9 minutes - 5.52 MBPuerto Rico defeated the Dominican Republic to advance to the WBC quarterfinal stage. It was a bittersweet win because Edwin Diaz got injured during the celebration. The Mets and Puerto Rico await news on the extent of his knee injury. Mike Trout lifted USA to victory over Colombia. USA plays red-hot Venezuela in the quarterfinal on Saturday in Miami. All this (and more) on today's episode.
D-Backs Bet Big on Corbin Carroll | Venezuela Tops DR | Japan Advances
March 12, 2023 12:00 - 9 minutes - 5.83 MBThe Diamondbacks have made a big bet on their young center fielder, Corbin Carroll. Both sides agreed to an 8-year, $111 million deal, the largest contract in history for a player with less than 100 days of service time. Carroll hit the ground running as one of the best prospects in baseball in 2022. His plus speed, power, and defense create an elite blend of skills. An 8-game slate of the World Baseball Classic did not disappoint Venezuela beat Dominican Republic and Japan punch their ticke...
NED, AUS, and JPN Start Strong | Czech Baseball | Nats Extend Keibert Ruiz
March 11, 2023 10:37 - 12 minutes - 7.84 MBThe Netherlands, Australia, and Japan are off to 2-0 starts in the World Baseball Classic. The Miami and Phoenix-based pools begin play on Saturday, and there will be some heavyweights involved. The star-studded lineups of USA, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela will take the stage. The Nationals extended Keibert Ruiz on an 8-year, $50 million deal. Ruiz, 24, is already one of the better offensive catchers in baseball. All this (and more) on today's episode.
WBC Begins | Astros Talking to Tucker & Valdez | Familiar Names Retiring
March 09, 2023 01:11 - 13 minutes - 7.61 MBThe World Baseball Classic has begun. Netherlands defeated Cuba in the tournament's opening game in Taiwan. The Astros are looking to extend Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez but both sides remain apart in each negotiation. Mitch Moreland and Lorenzo Cain were All-Stars not long ago, but both are now retired. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Shift Loophole Discovered | Soto Extension Coming? | Sleeper MVP Candidates
March 04, 2023 17:00 - 12 minutes - 6.98 MBMLB's new rules have been the talk of camp this Spring but the Red Sox may have found a key loophole to the infield shift rule. Gavin Lux tore his ACL & LCL and will miss the 2023 season. Who will man SS for the Dodgers? Adley Rutschman leads the group of sleeper MVP candidates this year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Machado & Padres Make a Deal | Tie at the Buzzer?
February 26, 2023 17:47 - 9 minutes - 7.5 MBManny Machado and the Padres have agreed to a contract extension after all. It will be an 11-year, $350 million guarantee for the All-Start third baseman. San Diego realizes they have no choice but to spend big if they want to maintain in the NL West. The Red Sox-Braves game ended in a tie after a pitch clock violation forced a strikeout with two outs and the bases loaded. All this on today's episode.
Time’s Up! | New Rules on Full Display in Spring Training
February 25, 2023 19:26 - 7 minutes - 5.55 MBMLB has introduced new rules for the 2023 season and we're seeing them on full display in Spring Training. Many Machado was the first batter to be called for an automatic strike due to a clock violation. We also have larger bases and no more shifts. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Remember Rendon? | Predicting Baseball’s First $500 Million Man | Andrus Changes Positions
February 21, 2023 11:58 - 9 minutes - 6.69 MBAnthony Rendon is coming off two injury-riddled seasons with the Angels. It's been a bitter pill to swallow for Angels fans who watched him star for the Nationals in 2019. Can Rendon return to form? Who will be baseball's first $500 million man? Elvis Andrus signed a one-year deal with the White Sox; he'll play second base for the first time in his MLB career.
Machado’s Plan | Peeking at the Next Free Agent Class | What Is O’Neil Cruz’s Ceiling?
February 19, 2023 15:16 - 9 minutes - 6.24 MBManny Machado announced that he will be opting out of his contract after this coming season. Machado set a February 16 deadline for the Padres to extend him but their offer (10 years, $255 million) came well short of Machado's expectations. What will next winter's free agent class look like? Can a healthy O'Neil Cruz go 30-30 this year? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Yankees’ SS Battle | Phillies Maintain Strong ’Pen | Verlander & Scherzer Reunite
February 16, 2023 15:54 - 7 minutes - 5.39 MBThe Yankees have a battle brewing at shortstop this spring. Top prospect Anthony Volpe is knocking on the MLB door but he faces stiff competition with 3 other players. Philadelphia is keeping their strong bullpen intact they agreed to keep Seranthony Dominguez around for 2 more years. Verlander and Scherzer are back together after over 8 years. All this (and more) on today's episode.
World Baseball Classic Rosters Unveiled | Astros Extend Javier | Padres Extend Darvish
February 11, 2023 13:31 - 13 minutes - 8.76 MBThere will be many stars and familiar names playing in next month's World Baseball Classic. Mike Trout and Mookie Betts lead Team USA while Sandy Alcantara and Manny Machado will be amongst the All-Stars playing for the Dominican Republic. Miguel Cabrera (Venezuela) will have played in every Classic since it began in 2006. Cristian Javier is one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball but the Astros recognize his worth. Is Yu Darvish set to finish his career in San Diego? All this (and m...
What Can Chris Sale Still Do? | Moving Talent From Japan to MLB | Guardians Trade
February 09, 2023 13:16 - 7 minutes - 4.51 MBChris Sale is healthy at the moment. Can he stay healthy throughout 2023? It's been a trying three years for Sale as he's battled injuries every since the end of the 2019 season. The front-line starter has only thrown 57 1/3 innings (including postseason) in that timespan. How can we predict the success of Japanese hitters when they move to MLB? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Greinke Returns | Is Adley the Best Catcher In Baseball?
February 04, 2023 16:19 - 14 minutes - 11.1 MBZack Greinke will be back on the mound for the Royals in 2023. After a strong season last year, Greinke isn't ready to hand up his cleats yet. What role can he play on a young team still trying to find its identity? Adley Rutschman is coming off a stellar rookie year for the Orioles. Is he already the best catcher in baseball? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Chad Green to Toronto | O’Day and Fowler Retire | MLB Unveils Top 100 Prospects
February 01, 2023 13:29 - 9 minutes - 6.73 MBThe Blue Jays have reached an agreement with top reliever Chad Green on a 2-year deal. Green is on the mend from Tommy John surgery but could be available to pitch in the second half of this season. MLB veterans Darren O'Day and Dexter Fowler announced their retirements. Gunnar Henderson, Corbin Carroll, and Francisco Alvarez are atop MLB Top 100 Prospect list for 2023. What can we expect from them this season? All this (and more) on today's episode.
How Jeff McNeil Became a Star | Rays Tighten Bullpen
January 28, 2023 14:43 - 6 minutes - 5.11 MBThe Mets extended Jeff McNeil with a 4-year, $50 million deal. McNeil is coming off a 2022 batting title and will be the everyday second baseman in Queens for the foreseeable future. The Rays extended Pete Fairbanks and Jeffrey Springs. New outfield dimensions are coming to Rogers Centre in Toronto this year. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Scott Rolen Vaults Into Hall of Fame | Mondesi Traded to Boston
January 25, 2023 14:19 - 8 minutes - 6.94 MBScott Rolen has been elected into the Hall of Fame. Rolen received 76.3% of the vote (min. 75% required) and will join Fred McGriff for an induction ceremony in Cooperstown this summer. Rolen completed the biggest voting jump from start to finish of any Hall of Famer in history. Who's next in line? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Hall of Fame Preview | Voter Tendencies | Rolen & Beltran’s Cases
January 24, 2023 14:35 - 8 minutes - 6.54 MBWho will be joining Fred McGriff in this year's Hall of Fame class? It's been Scott Rolen stands the best chance but he has a long way to go to the 75% minimum. Carlos Beltran is on the ballot for the first time and he has a strong case based on playing stats; however, his involvement in the Astros 2017 sign-stealing scandal looms large. All this on today's episode.
Marlins Make Big Trade | Jazz Moves to CF | Acuña Rebound Coming?
January 22, 2023 19:49 - 9 minutes - 6.9 MBThe Marlins have acquired reigning AL batting champion Luis Arraez from the Twins in exchange for a package including RHP Pablo Lopez. Arraez will be the everyday second baseman in Miami and Lopez will boost the Twins rotation immediately. As a result of this trade, the Marlins are moving franchise star Jazz Chisholm to center field. Ronald Acuña Jr. is poised for a bounce-back year in 2023. All this on today's episode.
The Decline of an Elite Closer | Cubs Quietly Building a Contender?
January 20, 2023 13:17 - 9 minutes - 7.55 MBAroldis Chapman was the best closer in baseball for a decade but his best days are behind him now. Chapman has agreed to a one-year deal with the Royals as he falls from the spotlight. How exactly did he get here? The Cubs are silently adding notable names throughout their roster. Are they a sleeper to contend in 2023? All this on today's episode.
Players With the Most to Prove In 2023
January 17, 2023 11:58 - 11 minutes - 9.4 MB2023 will be a make-or-break year for some players, including former All-Stars and even a former MVP. Will Cody Bellinger's bat come back to life with the Cubs? Who is the real Lucas Giolito? Luis Severino is elite when healthy but how many starts will he make? All this (and more) on today's episode.
How Salary Arbitration Works | Cutch Returns to Pittsburgh
January 14, 2023 18:05 - 8 minutes - 6.61 MBThe salary arbitration process happens every winter and many big names are involved. What is arbitration and how does it work? Andrew McCutchen is going back to where it all began. McCutchen agreed to a one-year deal with the Pirates, where he brought home the 2013 NL MVP. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Blue Jays Sign Belt | Trevor Story Gets Sidelined | Correa to Stay in Minnesota?
January 11, 2023 05:11 - 8 minutes - 4.76 MBBrandon Belt's time as a San Francisco Giant has come to an end. Belt was a key cog during the Giants brief dynasty - he earned two rings along the way. Trevor Story underwent elbow surgery and may miss a significant portion of the season. Carlos Correa is now in agreement with the Twins. Is third time the charm? All this (and more) on today's episode.
Will Bauer Pitch In 2023? | Harsh Reality For Correa | Phillies’ Dominant Offseason
January 08, 2023 17:20 - 13 minutes - 10.8 MBThe Dodgers have parted ways with Trevor Bauer following a recent meeting between both sides. Bauer is free to pitch for any team in 2023. Who might sign him? Carlos Correa and the Mets aren't close to finalizing a deal and a new team is back in pursuit of his services. The Phillies have had the best offseason so far as they look to capture a World Series title in 2023. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Red Sox Extend Rafael Devers
January 05, 2023 10:56 - 7 minutes - 5.72 MBRafael Devers and the Red Sox agreed to an extension that will keep the star 3B in Boston for the next decade. It's a 10-year $313.5 million deal that begins after the 2023 season. After letting Betts and Bogaerts leave and facing tremendous backlash from the fanbase, the Red Sox front office finally chose to keep a homegrown star. We do a full breakdown on today's episode.
Marlins’ Shortstop Puzzle | Longoria to Arizona | Red Sox Party Like It’s 2016
January 02, 2023 14:18 - 8 minutes - 5.24 MBThe Marlins have signed Jean Segura to a two-year $17 million deal. Segura will likely play second base in Miami while franchise star Jazz Chisholm slides over to shortstop. The problem is that neither player is a great defensive shortstop so the Marlins are making a conscious tradeoff on defense. How much production does Evan Longoria still have in his bat? The Red Sox put together a pitching staff that would have been dangerous in 2016. All this (and more) on today's episode.
Each Team’s Most Impressive Stat of 2022
December 31, 2022 13:56 - 15 minutes - 9.17 MBWe saw another great MLB season in 2022. Among many moments: surprise teams emerged, some rookies made an immediate impact, and future Hall of Famers reached key milestones. With the year coming to a close, we look back at the most impressive statistic for each team this past season.
Rich Hill’s Crazy Journey | Baseball’s Most Underrated Catcher
December 28, 2022 14:04 - 12 minutes - 7.23 MBNathan Eovaldi has agreed to a 2-year, $34 million deal with the Texas Rangers. It's been another busy offseason for the Rangers. Will it translate into wins? Rich Hill is heading to Pittsburgh for his age 43 season. The Braves like to retain core talent and they just did it again by extending newly acquired catcher Sean Murphy. All this (and more) on today's episode).
Details Emerge in Correa Saga
December 25, 2022 13:30 - 12 minutes - 7.79 MBCarlos Correa's physical with the Mets did not go smoothly. Just like the Giants did a week ago, the Mets found a concern with Correa's physical exam. The issue is related to an injury and surgery Correa suffered as a 19-year old minor leaguer in 2014. What will happen to his deal with the Mets? What is Correa's path to finally settling this saga? All this on today's episode.