Baseline Baseball

Baseline Baseball returns and there's really just one subject: How the Winter Meetings in Orlando were nothing short of a disaster for the New York Mets. Pete Alonso is in Baltimore, Edwin Diaz is a Dodger, and the Mets now must fill a lineup while also figuring out who's pitching next season.

Plus, Josh's thoughts on new Giants manager Tony Vitello, Dante's weigh-in from Baltimore following Pete Alonso's decision, and James lambasting the Pirates per usual

Baseline Baseball returns from Thanksgiving with a recap of what's been a surprisingly busy MLB offseason thus far.

The guys delve into Devin Williams signing with the Mets despite his struggles with the Yankees. Plus, how much did the Blue Jays overpay Dylan Cease and will it come back to haunt them?

And moreover, hear why the Brandon Nimmo-Marcus Semien trade is really just a wash with no winner.

The MLB offseason is in full swing before the holidays as Josh Naylor decided early to re-sign with the Mariners...and the Pirates might have been the next-best offer?

Plus, how Trent Grisham complicates the Yankees' outfield math for 2026 and James' interesting theory on Kyle Tucker's free agency

Baseline Baseball is back to discuss a World Series that nobody expected going to seven games, let alone being so competitive down to the last minute!

James ponders Addison Barger's baserunning mistake, the legendary performance of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and the true end of the Clayton Kershaw Era.

Plus, new manager hires in Minnesota, Atlanta, and Baltimore. Which one the guys actually *like* will surprise you

With all due respect to the Blue Jays...go Dodgers

Baseline Baseball is back to discuss both Championship Series in MLB. Will the Brewers' passion alone be enough to get past the mighty defending champion Dodgers? Moreover, after an epic 15-inning Game 5 against Detroit, how gassed out will the Mariners be in Toronto?

Plus, a way too early look at the Yankees' offseason, plus next year's World Baseball Classic!

Josh and James are back to discuss the insane good matchups and performances from the first day and a half of Wild Card Week. Tarik Skubal is unfairly good, Garrett Crochet even more so.

Plus, could the Yankees have done anything better against Crochet in Game 2? Moreover, how does it look that they're back in the playoffs, and Juan Soto's Mets are not?

Baseline Baseball returns to dissect the absolute minefield that is the MLB playoff race? Will the Tigers blow a 15.5 game lead in the AL Central and fall out of the playoffs? Will the Mets, baseball's best at one point this year, miss out on October despite investing heavily in Juan Soto?

Plus, the Yankees are sneaking up on the Blue Jays, and how we can now officially work towards putting Luis Gil in the bullpen.

Baseline Baseball returns as Josh & James give the latest news around MLB with the playoff races tightening up. In doing so, the two discuss the "Two-And-A-Half Player" proof: how a championship team essentially needs one top star player, plus two-and-a-half star-caliber supporting teammates.

Which playoff teams have this going for them, and will it even matter in October? Plus, the Mets' offseason collapsing on them and how the Phillies might be the team to beat over the Dodgers.

Baseline Baseball returns and the race for the AL East is at the forefront. The Yankees are knocking out some of the worst teams, while the Red Sox have to do without Roman Anthony for the rest of the race.

Plus, Juan Soto's resurgence, and just how bad will the Rockies' run differential be at season's end?

Baseline Baseball returns to answer the question: Is Aaron Judge or Cal Raleigh the lock for American League MVP? Furthermore, what's the state of the Cy Young races with Zack Wheeler and Nathan Eovaldi out for the season?

Plus, some good old fashioned Rafael Devers schadenfreude!

Baseline Baseball returns to recap the trade deadline but, more importantly, how both leagues' Western Divisions are suddenly competitive again. The Dodgers and Padres are tied up in the National League, while the Mariners have finally caught up with the Astros in the American.

Plus, crucial stretches coming up for the Mets and Yankees, Shohei Ohtani's in trouble again, and the Milwaukee Brewers just keep on winning.

Baseline Baseball is back with A LOT to cover this week. What Bryce Harper and Rob Manfred's salary cap blowup actually means, plus Josh proposes a compromise that could benefit both sides.

Plus, Ke'Bryan Hayes to the Reds and who could be on the move next, and potential movement on next year's Hall of Fame Ballot.

Baseline Baseball returns to discuss the upcoming trade deadline and just where star third baseman Eugenio Suarez will land: the Mariners? The Yankees? Somewhere else?

Plus, the Dodgers' pitching woes continue to haunt them after they were swept by the Brewers not just over the weekend, but for the SEASON.

Baseline Baseball is joined by two-time All-Star second baseman Orlando Hudson, who represented the Diamondbacks and Dodgers at the Midsummer Classic. Orlando shares memories of sharing the field with a National League squad loaded with talent, including Barry Bonds and a very young Miguel Cabrera. Additionally, the O-Dog reflects on his earliest days in the minors, and what the rise of travel ball is actually doing to the sport.

For once, the guys hit the mics *as* news breaks, with the Yankees releasing DJ LeMahieu right at the start of the show. Baseline Baseball discusses how the Yankees will fill a gaping void at third base with the trade deadline approaching.

Plus, Juan Soto's All-Star snub, Yu Darvish returns, and how Paul Skenes could actually make history in the worst way this seasons.

The Yankees continue to struggle as the calendar turns to July, but it's OK. Trade season is on the horizon and the guys delve into what moves can actually be made. Plus, Shohei Ohtani's surprise velocity, Clayton Kershaw nears 3,000 strikeouts, and just who are the Erie MOON MAMMOTHS??

Also, Happy Bobby Bonilla Day!

Baseline Baseball returns with how the jury in Wander Franco's sexual assault trial royally dropped the ball with his sentencing, and James in particular has some opinions about it. Plus, the eerie similarities between Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski and two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom

Baseline Baseball returns to discuss the Boston Red Sox trading the disgruntled Rafael Devers to the Giants and what it means for both sides. Why now? And how are the Red Sox more of a hot mess than ever?

Plus, Shohei Ohtani returns to the mound, the Padres and Dodgers are fighting again, and the NL West remains the tightest race in baseball...except for the suddenly hot Rockies.

Baseline Baseball returns to discuss news from around the league, namely Aaron Judge's incredible tear at the plate, but there's a bigger problem at hand. The Seattle Mariners have dropped out of first place in the AL West, allowing the Houston Astros to get back on top.

Forget the news from around the league (Which we'll get to), BACKYARD BASEBALL RETURNS! Dante gives the rundown on the classic childhood game's comeback on the App Store, the differences, and just how much fun it still is.

Guys debate the best lineup, and just who the real life Pablo Sanchez could be. Plus, the various multi-team division races throughout MLB.

Baseline Baseball is back with one question: Can Juan Soto PLEASE stop running his mouth? The guys go into Soto's rough season thus far and forgettable Subway Series. What's next for Soto and will he salvage his time with the Mets at all?

Plus, Brandon Hyde, Bud Black, and why both the Orioles and Rockies are just so bad this year.

It's a weird episode on a weird day. Tune in

Baseline Baseball returns with a recap of the first month of the MLB season. Which teams have surprised and disappointed? Whose award picks are in danger?

And just HOW bad are the Colorado Rockies?

Baseline Baseball is joined by 16-year MLB veteran and current MLB on TBS analyst Curtis Granderson for something a little different. It's WrestleMania Week and Curtis joins the show to discuss not only his own pro wrestling fandom, but how sport and wrestling culture often intersects!

Tune in and find out which teammate attended WrestleMania with Curtis many years ago, what his dream wrestling match would be, and just how baseball and pro wrestling come together in the best way

Baseline Baseball returns to dissect the action from MLB Opening Day and where the league currently stands. Whose early success is sustainable, and who's just enjoying the pride before the inevitable fall.

Plus, how the Blue Jays screwed themselves with the timing of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s extension, while the Padres helped themselves with Jackson Merrill's.

Baseline Baseball is joined by New York Times best-selling author Keith O'Brien to discuss his book Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball. Keith talks about growing up a Reds fan in Cincinnati and the complicated legacy of local favorite son Pete Rose, and how he channeled that into his writing the book. The group also discusses Rose's legacy since the rise of sports betting, and just what we've learned since Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara's own gambling scandal a year ago.

Baseline Baseball wraps up its MLB preview by taking a look at the shockingly competitive AL East. James gives a shocking opinion on the Red Sox, while everyone agrees that the Toronto Blue Jays are the hottest of hot messes.

Plus, the guys offer up awards predictions. Who takes home MVP? Or Rookie of the Year? And will Shohei Ohtani win both MVP AND Cy Young?

Baseline Baseball's MLB preview returns with deep dives on both the AL West and Central divisions. The guys discuss how both divisions are about to change significantly, with old dynasties ending and new ones ushering themselves into the ballpark. Who does everyone think wins their division?

Plus, how the Angels are a bad team yet still trying to draw a crowd compared to the directionless White Sox. The Athletics might also not be such a bad team after all. And more importantly, do the Seattle Mariners have a front office problem or a lineup...

Baseline Baseball takes a break from the MLB Preview for a chat with former Yankees catcher and two-time World Series champion Jim Leyritz! Joining Josh and Dante, Jim gives his thoughts on the Yankees losing Gerrit Cole to Tommy John surgery, and just who he would call to fill his spot in the rotation.

Plus, some good old-fashioned talking shop on hitting and pitching, and some fantastic George Steinbrenner stories!

The Baseline Baseball MLB Preview continues with a full breakdown of the NL East. The guys all concur that the Phillies, Mets, and Braves all have a shot at winning the division, but which is actually the best team? And how much will Juan Soto actually cost his new New York team? Plus, how the Nationals might be the best-run bad team in baseball, and the Marlins just take up space in Miami. RIP Jose Fernandez

Baseline Baseball returns with a look at what could be the toughest division in baseball this year: the NL Central. James notes that the Milwaukee Brewers' quiet offseason could provide a lane for the Pirates or Reds to win the Central. Meanwhile, the Cubs might not be close enough even with Kyle Tucker, and the Cardinals are rebuilding.

Plus, notes from spring training and some way-too-early World Baseball Classic talk.

The Baseline Baseball MLB Preview is back in action as the guys kick off with the NL West! Josh, James, and Dante discuss how the World Series might be the Dodgers' to lose. Meanwhile, the rest of the division can't really keep up.

Plus, the Yankees finally have beards again! And no matter how you spin it, Alex Bregman needs the Red Sox more than they need him

Pitchers and catchers have reported, so what better time for former Bleacher Creatures Yankees Podcast co-host Allison Case to swing by?? Allison and James recap co-hosting the podcast together before Josh took over, plus the ongoing mystique of Brett Gardner.

Plus, the Padres finally add someone whoisn't a former shortstop. Alex Bregman remains unsigned, and just what will the 2025 New York Yankees season look like?

Dante may be on vacation, but that can't stop Josh and James from dishing on how Pete Alonso re-upping with the Mets was inevitable. But what does the rest of his career look like after this contract?

Plus, Ha-Seong Kim heads to Florida, Jack Flaherty heads back to the Tigers, and just what is going on with Alex Bregman?

Baseline Baseball returns with a full breakdown of the National Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The guys vent about how Ichiro Suzuki fell just short of 100%, the rare legacy of CC Sabathia, and just how special Billy Wagner actually was as a closer.

Also: Who we can expect to be enshrined in the coming years, plus a look at an upcoming stacked 1st-ballot class down the road. More importantly, Roki Sasaki makes the Dodgers unfair and how Anthony Santander is just another Pete Alonso.

Baseline Baseball remembers Bob Uecker and not just what he meant to his hometown Milwaukee Brewers, but to baseball in general. The guys match the Hall of Famer up with his contemporary Vin Scully, and discuss how broadcasting has become too stiff and serious today.

Plus, Roki Sasaki's eventual California Dream, and how Pete Alonso's Mets departure may not be as imminent as we think.

A new year means a new offseason as Baseline Baseball is back with its first new episode of 2025! Today, the guys spend a lot of time discussing how Corbin Burnes signing with the Diamondbacks changes the landscape of the NL West, the ongoing Padres drama, and how Justin Verlander signing with the Giants officially puts the future Hall of Famer in "compiler" territory.

Plus, why Luis Arraez is actually a terrible fit for the New York Yankees, the Orioles getting older, and how Pete Alonso returning to the Mets seems more and more likely.<...

Despite all efforts to keep things national, Baseline Baseball is back right on the cusp of yet another Yankees story. Josh, James, and Dante discuss the recent acquisition of Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs and how he fits into the Bronx mix.

Plus, the Orioles' continual lateral moves under a new owner, and what should the Steve Cohen Mets be doing now?

Juan Soto is a New York Met, Kyle Tucker is a Chicago Cub, and James is having himself a rough offseason. Dante seems at peace with Soto's move to Queens, while Josh recaps news from the Winter Meetings in Dallas.

Plus, Max Fried's fit in the Yankees rotation, how the Nestor Cortes trade was inevitable, and did Josh actually break some news??

MLB free agency is in full swing as the Juan Soto sweepstakes continue, but hold up. A Golden At-Bat? The guys have lots of opinions over Rob Manfred's latest gimmicky idea for baseball, and James has some strong words in particular.

Plus: Blake Snell in LA, the Red Sox overpaying Aroldis Chapman, and how the Mets overpaid Frankie Montas even worse.

Baseline Baseball returns to discuss the start of what should be a highly exciting MLB offseason. Josh, James, and Dante dive deep into Hal Steinbrenner understanding the Yankees' assignment re Juan Soto. Similarly, should the rival New York Mets really be making Soto their priority when they're desperately starved for pitching?

Plus, Luis Gil's runaway Rookie of the Year campaign, big news from the business side of the minor leagues, and Hall of Fame ballots.

The results are in as Baseline Baseball dishes on what went wrong and right for the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. Josh, James, and Dante give their notes on how the Yankees can both improve their basic fundamentals and shore up holes on the roster. Plus, do the Yankees or Mets have the edge in signing Juan Soto? Oh, and some tangential basketball talk too.

A Yankees-Dodgers World Series preview needs a special guest. And so Josh, James, and Dante are joined by LA fan extraordinaire Jake Reiner of the famous "The Incline: Dodgers Podcast."

Jake discusses his lifelong Dodgers fandom as well as his family's and offers his own excitements and concerns over this marquee matchup. The four also give their World Series predictions, share superstitions, and also point out how baseball's two biggest markets facing off is quite a good thing.

If you love baseball, especially the Yankees-Dodgers rivalry, this one is...

The guys are back in the thick of the playoffs, with the Mets already punching a ticket to the NLCS. On the Yankees' side, what's keeping Aaron Judge from performing like his usual MVP self and how can New York deal with his vanishing in the playoffs?

Plus, can anyone stop AJ Hinch and the Detroit Tigers? And how much does Dave Roberts' future hinge on his Los Angeles Dodgers eliminating the San Diego Padres?

Baseline Baseball is back, and this time during the playoffs! The guys discuss the state of the playoff race, what's stood out in the Wild Card round, and what the Astros' elimination means for the rest of the AL field. Plus, how should Major League Baseball address the sad and complicated legacy of the late Pete Rose?

It's a wild sprint to the finish of the 2024 MLB season, starting with James' San Diego Padres. The Friars just triple-played the rival Dodgers, whose pitching is so weak that it may actually cost them the division.

Plus, the A's say good-bye to Oakland, a popular face retires, and new details on the Chicago White Sox dysfunction emerge.

It started like any other MLB Grab Bag episode, and then Josh realized: The Oakland A's far surpassed their win total from 2023. James & Dante then weighed in and all three asked: With disastrous moves to Sacramento and Las Vegas looming, does this new A's core even matter?

The guys break with tradition and shift away from traditional baseball coverage. Instead, they talk some literal inside baseball from life on the beat to behind the scenes in TV/radio. Plus, the Dodgers' grip on the NL West is loosening, and it's another baseball card show!

The show is back early because, per usual, the New York Yankees can't rely on closer Clay Holmes. The former All-Star has 11 blown saves on the cusp of free agency, and James surprises everyone when he reveals why.

Baseline Baseball returns as we embark on the final month of the season. James, Josh, and Dante discuss the playoff picture, which teams are dead or alive, and which September call-ups could prove the most exciting. Also, where the hell is Jasson Dominguez?

Baseline Baseball returns with yet another special guest: Former MLB All-Star outfielder and longtime New York Yankees broadcaster—and also Dante's dear old dad—Ken Singleton!

Ken shares tons of stories about the underrated Yankees-Orioles rivalry of the 1970s, and how it's since resurfaced not once but twice since. Learn just how the Yankees were viewed in Baltimore before the Orioles arrived, and plenty of great Earl Weaver stories.

Amid the Dog Days of August, the guys lament the dumpster fire that is the Chicago White Sox organization. What can be done to save this once-storied franchise, and can anything be done at all? Plus, Aaron Judge vs. Bobby Witt Jr., the state of the NL Wild Card, and the usual baseball grab bag.

Baseline Baseball is back to do a full recap of Tuesday's MLB Trade deadline. The Yankees did great in acquiring Jazz Chisholm Jr., but Josh thinks another team made an under-the-radar pickup with major long-term potential. Additionally, James & Dante wonder just what Baltimore was thinking with their moves.

Plus, now that the Yankees have swept the Phillies, should the Orioles be scared?

The gang is back from a lengthy unintentional absence as they break down the upcoming trade deadline and other happenings from after the All-Star Break. Which teams will buy and sell, and how will the Yankees make the most of a weak trade market? Which managers are on the hot seat?

Plus, listen to Josh's take on the Pittsburgh Pirates after taking in two games at PNC Field

Josh & James, despite missing Dante's calming presence, find a way to keep their cool about Pirates rookie Paul Skenes starting the All-Star Game, the latest Yankees-Orioles beef, and the Astros' interest in Pete Alonso.

And just for good measure, the NL Wild Card race is back on!

Aside from the usual baseball talk, the guys deviate mid-show to discuss the rise of their favorite basketball team: The New York Knicks! Plus, Aaron Judge keeps chasing history, a quick look at the trade deadline, and are the Cubs threatening to blow it all up already?

The week opens on a somber note as the guys speak on the recent passing of Willie Mays. How much did The Say Hey Kid mean to the game, and on how many levels? Just how great was he?

Plus, the state of the NL Wild Card and general happenings around the league.

Baseline Baseball welcomes the Caught Looking podcast's Max Greenfield, a man who truly knows his baseball. Max joins James, Josh, and Dante to discuss, essentially, what's happening in MLB two months into the season?

The guys recap the Yankees-Dodgers series, the influx of great young pitching from Paul Skenes to Luis Gil, and try and predict the hot mess of the NL Wild Card. Plus, hear Aaron Judge compared to a pretty significant name, and some speculation on where the Mets might trade Pete Alonso.

Baseline Baseball gives Angel Hernandez the sendoff that only MLB's most popular umpire deserves. Plus, James laments how everyone from Corbin Carroll to Blake Snell stinks. And let's open up some baseball cards!

The guys are back in their regular weekday timeslot with their latest baseball beef: Why isn't Kyle Tucker a household name? Josh shares a story about Astros fans who barely notice him and still give all the attention to Jose Altuve. Plus, the Houston Astros are back in the race, but for how long? And can anything slow down Shota Imanaga?

The guys are back and continue singing Paul Skenes' praises in a general hodgepodge of baseball talk. James offers his take on what should happen if the Pirates trade Skenes, plus Juan Soto keeps rolling in New York. And while we're at it, who's more exciting: the Kansas City Royals or Baltimore Orioles?

Baseline Baseball is back with a special episode recorded this past Saturday, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes' major league debut! James, Josh, and Dante break down just how and why Skenes is the most exciting prospect in years. Plus, the San Diego Padres feed the shortstop addiction again with Luis Arraez

What more can the guys say about Mike Trout's injury than their usual Angels rant? Plus, Josh and Dante recap the recent four-game set between the Yankees and Orioles and how Baltimore baseball is alive once again. Ralph's Italian Ices, please sponsor us!

Baseline Baseball is back to discuss the Orioles finally demoting the struggling Jackson Holliday to the minors and the general history of recent No. 1 draft picks. Plus, the first Good Month/Bad Month of the season as the guys get silly on a Saturday recording.

Baseline Baseball returns to discuss MLB's ongoing Angel Hernandez problem. Why is one of the game's worst umpires still employed, and what can be done about bad umpiring down the road? Plus, Tyler Glasnow gets spicy and Jack Leiter graduates from a Big Wheel to a Harley

Baseline Baseball is back after a week off to tackle a wild first week of the 2024 Major League Baseball season. Unfortunately, it all came with too many elbow injuries. Oh, and John Fisher still sucks.

Baseline Baseball returns as the guys pick up where they left off and discuss the ongoing Shohei Ohtani gambling drama. Just how much gambling in sports is too much? Plus, Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell are finally off the market, and which Opening Day games are ones to watch?

Josh, James, and Dante finish up their full MLB preview with plenty of ranting and raving. How can the Los Angeles Angels want to win so bad and yet be so incompetent? Has Oakland/Las Vegas A's ownership ever cared?

Oh, and by the way, Shohei Ohtani's got some gambling drama too.

Baseline Baseball is back with its MLB Preview to cover the NL West. Josh, James, and Dante all agree that first place belongs to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but who finishes second?

Plus: How do the Arizona Diamondbacks get back to the World Series? Are the Padres back in it with Dylan Cease aboard? And what of the skittish Giants and comatose Rockies?

The guys are back to discuss how the NL Central has so much potential, except its teams' owners just don't care. James goes off on the Brewers, Josh crucifies the Pirates, and Dante lambasts the billionaires.

The guys are back again as they begrudgingly preview the MLB-worst AL Central. Josh, James, and Dante slog through the first-place Twins and the rest of the division's also-rans. What's with the Guardians and hitting singles? Is there any hope for the White Sox. If the Royals are the best worst team in MLB, then why are we so excited about the Detroit Tigers?

The boys are back and talking how top heavy the National League Eastern is and will continue to be. What's the Atlanta Braves' secret sauce? How much does Bryce Harper mean to the Phillies? Will the Marlins, Mets, or Nationals win the race to last place?

The Baseline Baseball podcast kicks off with baseball fanatics Josh Benjamin, James Kelly, and Dante Singleton previewing the AL East! Dante offers up how the Baltimore Orioles didn't just overachieve last year. James rails against bunting and the Rays' mishandling of pitching. Josh tees off on Red Sox and Blue Jays management, and of course everyone has thoughts on the Yankees