On this episode of Dirt From The Dugout, Karl Ravech and Justin Musil sit down with Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander on the eve of the playoffs, with Tampa Bay sitting atop the American League. 

Neander traces his rise from a Cal Ripken-loving kid near Cooperstown to an unpaid internship that had him sleeping in a coworker's walk-in closet for four months. He breaks down how the Rays blend scouting and analytics, why the Randy Arozarena trade showed the value of trusting your own evaluation, and how fatherhood has shaped the way he leads.

Check out our 2026 Playoff Merch Collection! 

On this episode of <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-from-the-dugout/id1895617382">Dirt From The Dugout</a>, Karl Ravech and Justin Musil sit down with Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander on the eve of the playoffs, with Tampa Bay sitting atop the American League.&nbsp;
Neander traces his rise from a Cal Ripken-loving kid near Cooperstown to an unpaid internship that had him sleeping in a coworker's walk-in closet for four months. He breaks down how the Rays blend scouting and analytics, why the Randy Arozarena trade showed the value of trusting your own evaluation, and how fatherhood has shaped the way he leads.
<a href="https://foulterritoryshop.com/">Check out our 2026 Playoff Merch Collection!</a>&nbsp;

Baseball the way it should be covered and exclusive interviews with MLB studs #FTLive hosted by AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Todd Frazier, Kevin Pillar, Trevor May, Jason Kipnis, Jonathan Papelbon, Scott Braun, insider Ken Rosenthal and PTBNL. The world is our clubhouse.

Baseball the way it should be covered and exclusive interviews with MLB studs #FTLive hosted by AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Todd Frazier, Kevin Pillar, Trevor May, Jason Kipnis, Jonathan Papelbon, Scott Braun, insider Ken Rosenthal and PTBNL. The world is our clubhouse.

Foul Territory

Baseball the way it should be covered and exclusive interviews with MLB studs #FTLive hosted by AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Todd Frazier, Cameron Maybin, Trevor May, Jason Kipnis, Jonathan Papelbon, Scott Braun, insider Ken Rosenthal and PTBNL. The world is our clubhouse.

Rays President of Baseball Ops Erik Neander joins Karl Ravech's Dirt From The Dugout Ahead of the ALDS

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ab99d4e7-7820-49ba-a62f-b4d70103cf17/transcript

FT Senior Insider Ken Rosenthal examines what needs to change for the Phillies after another early exit from the playoffs. Plus, how the Braves and Dodgers stack up, how LA should handle Ohtani’s health, whether the Yankees should activate Aaron Judge for the ALDS, and more!

(16:49) Todd and Erik make their predictions for Dodgers-Braves.

(19:29) The White Sox and Guardians clash in an AL Central-themed ALDS. 

(29:27) 8-year big leaguer Pete Fairbanks updates us on his surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome and what he’s going to do with the removed rib. Plus, his thoughts on quick hooks in the postseason and whether he believes Sonny Gray was using an illegal substance in Game 2 against the Yankees.

Hosts: Alanna Rizzo, Todd Frazier, Erik Kratz

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Lids - Text "TERRITORY" to 29017 to receive 20% off your next in-store purchase. Message, data rates, and exclusions do apply.

FT Senior Insider <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fair-territory-with-ken-rosenthal/id1686246159">Ken Rosenthal</a> examines what needs to change for the Phillies after another early exit from the playoffs. Plus, how the Braves and Dodgers stack up, how LA should handle Ohtani&rsquo;s health, whether the Yankees should activate Aaron Judge for the ALDS, and more!
(16:49) Todd and Erik make their predictions for Dodgers-Braves.
(19:29) The White Sox and Guardians clash in an AL Central-themed ALDS.&nbsp;
(29:27) 8-year big leaguer Pete Fairbanks updates us on his surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome and what he&rsquo;s going to do with the removed rib. Plus, his thoughts on quick hooks in the postseason and whether he believes Sonny Gray was using an illegal substance in Game 2 against the Yankees.
Hosts: Alanna Rizzo, Todd Frazier, Erik Kratz
Start your FOX One 3-day Free trial today at <a href="https://foxone.com">FOXOne.com</a>
Lids - Text "TERRITORY" to 29017 to receive 20% off your next in-store purchase. Message, data rates, and exclusions do apply.

Ken Rosenthal on Phillies early exit, Judge/Ohtani status + Pete Fairbanks KEEPING rib after surgery?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f39bd5e3-142d-480b-b83d-b4d7014f3fe9/transcript

The final eight teams are locked into the MLB playoff bracket. (Top Of Show)

(02:24) We’re due for a cinematic NLDS between the Dodgers and Braves. Can Atlanta put an end to LA’s three-peat campaign? Erik and Todd discuss…

(09:39) Bryce Harper was candid about what the Phillies might look like in 2027 after a disappointing end to the season.

(12:21) Scoring first and homering has been the key to winning this year in the postseason.

(14:53) The Red Sox and Yankees drew the largest Game 1 Wild Card or Division Series TV audience in 20 years.

(17:13) Let's make our BetMGM locks for Game 1 of the Division Series.

(19:27) The Yankees have an embarrassment of riches in their starting rotation ahead of the ALDS. Plus, can we expect to see Aaron Judge in action against the Rays?

(28:50) The D’backs are bringing back manager Torey Lovullo with a two-year deal, but not before Lovullo took a much-needed mental break.

(36:01) Tarik Skubal will start Game 1 of the NLDS for the Dodgers.

Hosts: Alanna Rizzo, Todd Frazier, Erik Kratz

Go to buylarine.com and use code FT10 at checkout for 10% off.

The final eight teams are locked into the MLB playoff bracket. (Top Of Show)
(02:24) We&rsquo;re due for a cinematic NLDS between the Dodgers and Braves. Can Atlanta put an end to LA&rsquo;s three-peat campaign? Erik and Todd discuss&hellip;
(09:39) Bryce Harper was candid about what the Phillies might look like in 2027 after a disappointing end to the season.
(12:21) Scoring first and homering has been the key to winning this year in the postseason.
(14:53) The Red Sox and Yankees drew the largest Game 1 Wild Card or Division Series TV audience in 20 years.
(17:13) Let's make our BetMGM locks for Game 1 of the Division Series.
(19:27) The Yankees have an embarrassment of riches in their starting rotation ahead of the ALDS. Plus, can we expect to see Aaron Judge in action against the Rays?
(28:50) The D&rsquo;backs are bringing back manager Torey Lovullo with a two-year deal, but not before Lovullo took a much-needed mental break.
(36:01) Tarik Skubal will start Game 1 of the NLDS for the Dodgers.
Hosts: Alanna Rizzo, Todd Frazier, Erik Kratz
Go to <a href="https://buylarine.com">buylarine.com</a> and use code FT10 at checkout for 10% off.

Division Series SET: Braves/Dodgers Clash, is Judge back? BIG changes coming in Philly?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/0a9b8091-8bb7-47d2-a9f3-b4d7013e0ca6/transcript

Crush City Territory host Chandler Rome weighs in on Astros players blasting their own fans for booing, and on the team's poor play on the field after a heartache series loss to the White Sox. Rome shares who he thinks is to blame and whether this team has the potential to be more athletic.

(19:18) Boston Globe reporter Tim Healey takes us inside the Red Sox clubhouse after their season-ending Game 2 loss against their division rival. He weighs in on Sonny Gray getting pulled as early as he did, how the Chad Tracy extension looks for fans, and what could be next for the Red Sox after a rollercoaster season.

Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun

<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crush-city-territory-a-houston-astros-podcast/id1784834834">Crush City Territory</a> host Chandler Rome weighs in on Astros players blasting their own fans for booing, and on the team's poor play on the field after a heartache series loss to the White Sox. Rome shares who he thinks is to blame and whether this team has the potential to be more athletic.
(19:18) Boston Globe reporter Tim Healey takes us inside the&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/monster-territory-a-boston-red-sox-podcast/id1791306475">Red Sox</a> clubhouse after their season-ending Game 2 loss against their division rival. He weighs in on Sonny Gray getting pulled as early as he did, how the Chad Tracy extension looks for fans, and what could be next for the Red Sox after a rollercoaster season.
Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun

Examining eliminated teams: What went wrong for the Astros & Red Sox?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ac2b6e8a-4021-46ad-856a-b4d60152b774/transcript

Rays President of Baseball Ops Erik Neander joins Karl Ravech's Dirt From The Dugout Ahead of the ALDS

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