The Book of Joe: Dark Side of the Moon, Urgency in April, and the Dark Horse!

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci know it's early in the season, but how many 'good' teams have ever had terrible starts?  The Red Sox stumbled out of the gate, but can they turn it around? Tom notes the incident with Wilson Contreras and the Brewers and what happens next. Tropicana Field is open o…

The Book of Joe: ABS overload, Yankees Streaking, and Ohtani on the mound!

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci dive into the use of the ABS system, which has already had a tremendous impact.  How does Joe think the use of the system changes as the game moves forward?  Tom reveals where the most success comes from with challenges.  How does this affect catchers and their inf…

The Book of Joe: 2026 Opening Day and World Series picks!

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss Opening Day and the need for teams to get off to a good start!  What is the biggest thing a team will see in the first few weeks of the season?  Joe reveals the team he thinks can most challenge the Dodgers in the NL.  Tom talks about the players who will b…

The Book of Joe: Venezuela's historic WBC victory!

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss Venezuela's win over USA in the World Baseball Classic.  Joe points out the passion from Venezuela and the huge role baseball plays in their country and culture.  Tom asks about USA's hitting and what happened through the tournament. We offer kudos for the …

The Book of Joe: The WBC delivers and the Dodgers biggest foil?

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci have been impressed with the games from the World Baseball Classic!  Tom explains how he's been very impressed with the DR lineup and the one breakout star from the Classic.  The Phillies extend Jesus Luzardo and Joe explains why he thinks it was perfect timing.  T…

The Book of Joe: Ready for the World Baseball Classic?

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci the difference between Spring Training and the World Baseball Classic.  What makes it so popular and great for baseball?  Tom notes the growing popularity of the event as it starts its 6th year.  Konnor Griffin has been impressive in Spring Training.  Tom gives so…

The Book of Joe: Angels goals, Top hits survey, and another rule change?

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci open with Arte Moreno saying winning isn't in the top 5 of the needs of the Angels. Joe explains what he believes the owner meant in the statement for the fans of the LA Angels. Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski passed away and Tom asks where Maz's home run in the 1960 …

The Book of Joe: Castellanos future, Trout Plan, ABS Ready, and Dodgers Spring Training!

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci open with the future of Nick Castellanos with the Padres.  Tom looks at what's ahead for Mike Trout this season while Joe suggests a plan for the team to follow for success.  It's time for the ABS system in baseball and Tom explains how teams are preparing to use i…

The Book of Joe: Super Bowl, Skubal Wins, and ABS coming!

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci give their recap of the Super Bowl and how Sam Darnold blossomed into the QB he was supposed to be.  What did Joe think about the commercials this year? Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal wins a record arbitration case, but should he have been treated better by Detroit?  He…

The Book of Joe: The Rise and Acceptance of Gambling in Sports

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci welcome author Danny Funt, who wrote the book, Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling, which explores the growth of gambling and social acceptance in sports.  Danny discusses the mixed messages being sent and methods used to create habits …