The Book of Joe: Cubs Anniversary, Red Sox Streak, and Duane Ward Memories

Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the Cubs 10th Anniversary of the 2016 World Series Championship.  Joe attended a weekend event in Chicago with the team and recalls having some of his players together again.  The Red Sox have turned things around in a major way.  Plus, MLB and the Blue Jays mour…

The Book of Joe: All-Star Recap and Second Half Storylines!

Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci recap the 96th All-Star Game in Philadelphia.  Joe talks about the pregame festivities while Tom focuses on the power of the pitching.  Tom explains why he thinks this is the best All-Star game in all of sports.  Joe describes what a manager can learn from being surround…

The Book of Joe: The Amazing Stories of MLB

Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci dive into the stories of baseball this season including another milestone for Shohei Ohtani.  Tom looks at the surprising feat of Royals outfielder Tyler Tolbert. Kyle Schwarber tells Tom how he struggles with 'catcher's brain' versus his 'hitter's brain'.  31 year old M…

The Book of Joe: Mets Struggle, Manager Decisions, and Guerrero Problems

Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the struggles of the Mets this season and problems with the team that may not be apparent. Joe wants to know why league stats are so mediocre while new methods of teaching with analytics are supposed to be so much better. Tom points out the shocking turnover with…

The Book of Joe: Cleveland Guardians 2B Travis Bazzana

Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci welcome Guardians 2B Travis Bazzana to discuss All-Star voting and his amazing rookie season.  Tom puts this season into perspective with how Travis' numbers stack up historically.  Travis recalls playing cricket and baseball simultaneously while growing up.  Tom wonders…

The Book of Joe: Trading Trout, Honesty Checks, and Fast Games!

Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the possibility of the Angels trading Mike Trout and what kind of deal it would take.  Joe explains the Angels approach to making moves like this and what was learned from how they handled Shohei Ohtani.  Which teams know it's time to start making deals? Tom give…

The Book of Joe: Judge Out, Catching Problems, and Adapting to Analytics

Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss how the Yankees move forward without Aaron Judge for at least a couple of months.  Tom reveals what he learned from a conversation with manager Aaron Boone. As a former catcher, Joe comments on the current state of catchers and the surprising batting averages aro…

The Book of Joe: Yankees struggles, MLB Pet Peeves, and Hitting Strategy

Welcome to June baseball and it's time for Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci to look at how offense has changed this season.  The impact of ABS on pitching, hitting, and the umpires can't be denied and Tom shares the surprising evidence.  What is the biggest struggle of the Yankees this season and can th…

The Book of Joe: Hitting in May, Schwarbombs, and Analytics gone wrong!

Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci look at hitting in May and an unexpected result from the addition of the pitch clock.  Tom gives his thoughts on 'combined' no-hitters and different ways the feat can happen.  Meanwhile, Joe explains what he's seeing with Kyle Schwarber.  We hear the latest example of 'a…

The Book of Joe: Back to Bunting, Counting Pitches, and Observatory Warning!

The Rays have the best record in baseball but are close to the bottom of the league in home runs?  Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci examine the differences in the AL East and the resurgence of the 'bunt'. Joe explains when he had players swing away on a 3-0 count.  How many pitches does a pitcher really…