Managing October: Scott Servais on the 2026 World Series

Thad Levine and Chet West welcome back Scott Servais for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to win in October. Drawing on his experience as a player, executive, and manager, Scott breaks down how postseason decisions differ from the regular season, from bullpen strategy and roster constructi…

MVP Perspective: Justin Morneau on October Baseball, Payrolls & Building a Winner

Former American League MVP Justin Morneau joins Thad Levine and Chet West to break down what makes postseason hitting so difficult, the teams he likes to reach the World Series, and why October baseball demands a different mindset. Morneau also weighs in on baseball’s growing payroll disparity, the…

Quarterback Crisis, October Arms & the Fight Against Tanking

Thad Levine and Chet West examine why NFL quarterbacks are getting hurt at such an alarming rate and how teams are adapting to the league’s most important position. Then they break down the new pitching strategies shaping the MLB postseason, debate whether leagues can finally eliminate tanking, and…

The End of the Workhorse Era and Playoff Preview Continued

Thad Levine and Chet West reflect on the legacies of Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer and what their careers tell us about the changing role of starting pitching. They recap the biggest stories of the 2026 season, from Jacob Mizorowski’s dominant year to Pete Crow-Armstrong’s remarkable turnaround…

September Scandal & the Road to October

Thad Levine and Chet West break down the controversy surrounding UNC football and what happens when college programs begin operating like professional franchises without the same level of governance. Then they turn to baseball, dissecting the final week of the MLB playoff race, from the loaded AL E…

The Voice That Launched a Thousand SKOLs - Paul Allen

Vikings play-by-play voice Paul Allen joins Rosters to Rings to share the journey behind his unmistakable broadcasting style and the passion he brings to every call. He breaks down quarterback development, his relationship with Kevin O’Connell, the pressures facing NFL decision-makers, and what he …

Dan O'Dowd Part 2 + Michigan Controversy and Clippers Fallout

Thad Levine and Chet West continue their conversation with Dan O’Dowd, diving into his philosophy on player development, the balance between data and relationships, the future of the minor leagues, the CBA and the possibility of a 2027 lockout. Dan also shares his thoughts on pitching injuries, bio…

Building a Baseball Organization - Part 1 with Dan O'Dowd

Thad Levine and Chet West sit down with Dan O’Dowd, Thad’s first boss and one of the most influential executives of his generation, for a behind-the-scenes look at building a Major League organization. Dan reflects on his path from Baltimore to Cleveland to becoming GM of the Colorado Rockies, the …

Bad Contracts and Big Payrolls

Thad Levine and Chet West break down a wave of major front-office shakeups across Major League Baseball, from the Angels and A’s to the Astros, and ask what these moves say about the state of the game. They also dive into the ongoing debate over MLB payroll, salary caps and salary floors, and wheth…

Billion-Dollar Teams and Minority Stakes with Ryan McDonough

Rosters to Rings welcomes back former NBA GM and longtime friend of the program Ryan McDonough to break down the rapidly changing business of sports ownership. Ryan joins Thad Levine and Chet West to discuss the explosion in NBA franchise valuations, the rise of minority ownership, and why sports t…