Ben and Sam pick potential comeback players for next season, then discuss Bill James’ list of the ways in which teams have improved over the last 10 years.
Ben and Sam discuss whether 2013 was a success or failure for the Marlins relative to expectations, then talk about how the Yankees should approach Derek Jeter’s age-40 season.
Ben and Sam talk about whether teams should step up advance scouting in the upper minors, then discuss the difference (or lack thereof) between the PEDs MLB bans and the procedures it allows.
Ben and Sam discuss (again) whether Mike Trout or Bryce Harper will have the better career, then talk about where they would rank today’s top pitchers and position players for the future.
Ben, Sam, and guest Harry Pavlidis draft slow-throwing starters, and Harry explains the intricacies of classifying pitches and scouting pitchers from PITCHf/x.
Ben and Sam talk to Cincinnati Enquirer reporter C. Trent Rosecrans about the Reds, Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips, and the trials and travails of beat writing.
Ben and Sam discuss how Wladimir Balentien’s explosive season in Japan would translate to the majors, then examine the notion that Billy Beane’s teams play better in the second half.
Ben and Sam pick a perceived clubhouse leader for each team, then talk about whether teams should ever refuse to sign certain players on moral grounds.
Ben, Sam, and guest co-host Russell Carleton discuss whether and how the Dodgers should discipline Yasiel Puig, teams that would want to take mulligans on their trade deadlines, and things sabermetricians are still getting wrong.
Ben and Sam answer listener emails about when every team will have won a World Series, the best baseball Kickstarters, rooting for draft picks, one-pitch pitchers, and more.
Ben and Sam talk about how the A’s are winning in an unusual way for a small-market team, then discuss why the Dodgers have been the exception to the trend of money not leading to wins.
Ben and Sam answer listener emails about baseball with clockwise bases, whether in-game managerial moves help or hurt, who pays players who get released, and more.
Ben and Sam do a grab-bag episode on an assortment of topics, including Kenley Jansen’s hidden perfect game, Phillies outfielder updates, teams that own other teams, and a comment by Kerry Wood.
Ben and Sam discuss a cricket replay review controversy, a few of Ruben Amaro’s regrettable moves, and the suspensions of Jhonny Peralta and Nelson Cruz.
Ben and Sam discuss whether several extensions would still be signed today, then talk about the Cubs’ decision to exceed their international spending allowance.
Ben and Sam answer listener emails about the consequences of abolishing the trade deadline, baseball’s war on PEDs, time traveling front offices, and more.
Ben and Sam discuss whether an owner overruling a GM can ever be a good thing, then revisit the Tigers’ decision to extend Justin Verlander well before he was a free agent.
Ben and Sam interview former big-league outfielder Gabe Kapler about his respect for sabermetrics and the purpose advanced stats can serve for players.
Ben and Sam talk about whether it’s ever fair to suspect that a player is taking PEDs, then discuss Ruben Amaro’s comments about public prospect rankings.
Ben and Sam answer listener emails about the best name for a future baseball player, no-trade clauses, RBI and wins, and a starter with Mariano Rivera’s cutter. Cameo by a raccoon.
