MLB CENTRAL 05 MAYO 2026

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Transcript

00:00:01Good morning, Tarek Skubal is set for surgery, coming up, what it means for the Tigers, Skubal's free agency, and

00:00:08the AL playoff race as a whole, we've got it covered from all sides.

00:00:11Speaking of pitchers, Tom Producci shows you how Shohei Ohtani is attacking hitters in a slightly different way and how

00:00:17he is better than ever. It's crazy.

00:00:19Hey, Kyle Tucker gets right against his former team, plus a brand new segment here on the show, MLB Central's

00:00:26Wall of Wonder.

00:00:28Burning questions that deserve answers. You want me on that wall, you need me on that wall.

00:00:34I feel like we're going to prom together in our outfits.

00:00:37Roll the open.

00:01:00Cinco de Mayo on MLB Central, presented by Blue Buffalo. Welcome to our sponsor.

00:01:05Margarita time after this one.

00:01:07That's right. Premium pet food, you need that for Leo and Duchess.

00:01:10Robert Flores, Mark DeRosa, I'm Lauren Shahadi.

00:01:13And Camo, don't forget Camo.

00:01:14I won't. I got bunnies instead of dogs, and I'm in a situation.

00:01:19A couple things.

00:01:20Okay.

00:01:20Did you guys coordinate outfits?

00:01:22I didn't know. I didn't know. I still didn't know she was wearing 10-inch heels.

00:01:27I know.

00:01:27You were dominating him in the open.

00:01:30That's all right. We're going to regroup.

00:01:32Lucas, you've got to reframe that shot.

00:01:34Number two.

00:01:35It's the best.

00:01:37You had a top three, in my opinion, all-time show yesterday.

00:01:41Okay.

00:01:41How are you going to regroup?

00:01:42Can you rally?

00:01:43Yeah. Can you handle success?

00:01:45Because that's always the question.

00:01:45I took myself out of a no-hitter, so you answer the question.

00:01:49And thirdly, and I'll shut up, is yesterday we did an awesome skybox on Murakami, who I'm in on.

00:01:56I like it.

00:01:57Yeah, me too.

00:01:57And we talked about him maybe having trouble with the high heaters.

00:02:01And what did he do?

00:02:0296, top of the zone.

00:02:05Off Soriano.

00:02:06You also had a couple other calls that we're going to go through throughout the show.

00:02:10You had a guitar lesson. How was it?

00:02:12It was okay.

00:02:14It was okay.

00:02:15How was it?

00:02:15Trying to learn a guitar at 55.

00:02:17I give you a ton of credit.

00:02:19It was okay.

00:02:20But when he showed me a chord, and when I tried to play it, the sound that it made, the

00:02:27look I saw in his face.

00:02:28Disgust.

00:02:29Was one of, like, horror.

00:02:31Like, what is that you're trying to do?

00:02:34What's your end goal?

00:02:35To impress your wife?

00:02:36No.

00:02:37Is this a midlife crisis move?

00:02:39No, no, no.

00:02:39I read that picking up an instrument, I mean, I love music, and also picking up an instrument late in

00:02:46life helped stave off Alzheimer's.

00:02:49Really?

00:02:49Yeah.

00:02:50Yeah, no, that's real.

00:02:51That's real.

00:02:52So does peptides, I think, right?

00:02:53Yeah.

00:02:54Peptides are real.

00:02:55It's changing your life.

00:02:56I don't have pain.

00:02:57I couldn't do this a while ago.

00:02:59Get a lock in on this.

00:03:00I can do this now.

00:03:01Yeah, that's good.

00:03:02Come on.

00:03:03Come on.

00:03:04I used to feel like hot daggers going into my kneecaps.

00:03:07Not anymore.

00:03:08I love the game for many reasons.

00:03:09On this Tuesday, yesterday, we reflected on the life and beautiful legacy of John Sterling,

00:03:14who spent 36 years as the play-by-play radio voice of the New York Yankees.

00:03:19He and Michael Kay, the TV voice, very close friends.

00:03:22And Michael paid tribute the way he knew how.

00:03:30Here's Judge.

00:03:31And the Yankees are threatening with their top-tier offensive attack already here in the first.

00:03:36Does well against Boz.

00:03:38Four for ten with two home runs.

00:03:39High drive.

00:03:40Right center field.

00:03:42Going back to Barrett.

00:03:43It is high.

00:03:44It is four.

00:03:45It is gone.

00:03:47Aaron Judge.

00:03:49A Judge-ian blast.

00:03:51Here comes the Judge.

00:03:53Well, you nailed it, Michael.

00:03:54On a hanging slider.

00:03:56Judge nails it.

00:03:57And John Sterling would have come out of his seat, just like you did.

00:04:01Wow.

00:04:02John Sterling wanted to be one thing in his life.

00:04:05The voice of the New York Yankees.

00:04:06How many people can say that they lived their dream?

00:04:10Wake it up.

00:04:10Who wants to go to the north side of Chicago?

00:04:12The Reds coming off and getting swept by the Pirates.

00:04:14What a game indeed.

00:04:16And then to Chicago they go.

00:04:17JJ Bleday top of the third.

00:04:20Get low off Edward Cabrera.

00:04:22A solo shot.

00:04:23Kind of quiets the crowd in a hurry.

00:04:25And the Reds lead it one to nothing.

00:04:27This is a big spot.

00:04:28Runner on.

00:04:29Two outs.

00:04:29Top of the fourth.

00:04:30Keep Ryan Hayes.

00:04:31NL Central separated by just a few games.

00:04:35Cubs at the top.

00:04:36Reds lead it three to nothing.

00:04:38Say it's Suzuki.

00:04:39Bottom of the fourth.

00:04:41Two on.

00:04:42Nobody out.

00:04:43Think he didn't?

00:04:44Six home runs.

00:04:45Eleven RBI over his last 12 games.

00:04:49A three run shot to center.

00:04:51And we have ourselves a tie ballgame.

00:04:54Say it Robert.

00:04:55Top of the eighth.

00:04:56Spencer Steer.

00:04:58Runner in scoring position.

00:04:59Hitting 409 over a seven game hit streak.

00:05:02Watch this.

00:05:03He got that out like a middle infielder.

00:05:06Oh what a play.

00:05:06Cut down the rod.

00:05:09So the Reds take a four to three lead.

00:05:12When the Cubs rally at home.

00:05:15And you're smiling.

00:05:16Well PCA can light you up.

00:05:18He can light you up.

00:05:19Bottom of the ninth.

00:05:20A fan favorite.

00:05:21Deep fly ball.

00:05:22Center field.

00:05:23DeMeyer.

00:05:24Oh.

00:05:25He almost got it.

00:05:28Oh he is all sorts of fired up.

00:05:30Ends up at third.

00:05:31With a triple.

00:05:32Our boy.

00:05:33Nico.

00:05:35Play the game.

00:05:35One out.

00:05:36That's what he does best.

00:05:38Sack fly to left.

00:05:39Does his job.

00:05:40PCA with the wheels.

00:05:41Teaching moment right there.

00:05:43And he scores.

00:05:44Cubs side up.

00:05:45Four runs apiece.

00:05:46Next batter.

00:05:47Pinch hitter.

00:05:48Michael Conforto do it.

00:05:51Fly ball.

00:05:52Left center field.

00:05:54This one back.

00:05:55On its way.

00:05:56Ball game.

00:05:58Cubs win.

00:05:59Michael Conforto walks it off.

00:06:03And what a win here tonight.

00:06:06Watch him look at it.

00:06:08He's all smiles.

00:06:09As he should be.

00:06:10Here's what Michael Conforto had to say.

00:06:12About his first career walk off home run.

00:06:17What a moment.

00:06:18You're rounding third base.

00:06:20All of your teammates are at home plate.

00:06:22What are you thinking as you're stepping across home plate?

00:06:25I got the pitch I was looking for.

00:06:27I was just excited to get home and celebrate with those guys.

00:06:31So three to count.

00:06:32What were you looking for?

00:06:34I was looking.

00:06:34I mean I want to make sure he was out over a little bit.

00:06:37Stay on the fastball.

00:06:39Get him off the list.

00:06:45And I got the pitch I was looking for.

00:06:47Yeah.

00:06:48Were they in an audio booth?

00:06:50Why is there no Nats?

00:06:51Is there not in room?

00:06:53What's going on?

00:06:54It's a good call, Robert.

00:06:56Drake Ball win.

00:06:57Hey.

00:06:57Drake got engaged.

00:06:59This was a really good game.

00:07:01I thought, all right, another Braves win.

00:07:05Ninth home run of the season for Baldwin.

00:07:08Sixth inning.

00:07:09It was great.

00:07:10Ozzie Alves.

00:07:11Another homer off Logan Gilbert.

00:07:13That's his eighth.

00:07:16And then we're going to talk more about Matt Olsen a little bit.

00:07:19I know you broke him down last week.

00:07:21Sean Casey is going to join us.

00:07:23He's going to break him down a little bit later in the show.

00:07:26Because for Matt Olsen.

00:07:27300 bombs.

00:07:28300 career home runs for Matt Olsen.

00:07:32Congratulations to him.

00:07:33This is a Cypress.

00:07:34You're not the same thing.

00:07:35Boom.

00:07:36Austin Riley.

00:07:38Who won this game, though?

00:07:39But that's the thing.

00:07:41It's a 4-0 league.

00:07:42I went to bed.

00:07:43Now J.R.

00:07:44Ritchie pitching in front of his family.

00:07:45Yeah, he's a Seattle kid.

00:07:47They had to sneak him a little bit longer than they wanted to.

00:07:50Because they're coming off a series in Coors.

00:07:52They were depleted in the pen.

00:07:54And really got him.

00:07:56Sixth home run of the year.

00:07:58Cuts the lead to one.

00:08:00And then later in the inning, J.P. Crawford.

00:08:04That's a two-run homer.

00:08:07His third of the year.

00:08:09Mariners come storming back and go on to win 5-4 over the Red Hot Braves.

00:08:1617-19 gets 500.

00:08:17From the West Coast to the East.

00:08:20On the night John Sterling was on everyone's hearts, the Yankees put on a show.

00:08:24He's the voice of the Yankees for 36 years on the radio.

00:08:27The Yankees have his initials on their hats.

00:08:30A tribute.

00:08:31An emotional day at Yankee Stadium.

00:08:33Bottom of the first.

00:08:34Man on for Aaron Judge.

00:08:36We're going to have it.

00:08:36I was watching this.

00:08:37One-two pitch.

00:08:38And I texted Devin as soon as it happened.

00:08:40Yeah, you have to.

00:08:41There's exceptions to the rule, like you said.

00:08:43I know it's the first inning, but it's Aaron Judge, and you know what's going to happen.

00:08:47Don't give him extra opportunities.

00:08:49We know what he will do later in the at-bat.

00:08:51Full count makes him pay.

00:08:54He spoke earlier before the game about how much John Sterling's voice will live on forever.

00:08:59Put on a show.

00:09:00Okay, so there was news that Anthony Volpe optioned to the minors.

00:09:03And we know about the defense for Jose Caballero.

00:09:05How about a little offense?

00:09:06In the bottom of the sixth, a double into left field, so the Yankees lead 6-1.

00:09:11They had their way with Baltimore.

00:09:15Ten hits, 12 runs for New York.

00:09:18They were taking the Orioles to town, looking for a four-game sweep.

00:09:21Judge again and again.

00:09:24So it's a 9-1 lead.

00:09:25All smiles.

00:09:26Why not?

00:09:27Next batter, Cody.

00:09:29By the way, Judge has six first-inning homers this year.

00:09:33Judge hasn't even gotten going yet.

00:09:3612-1 final.

00:09:38Here's Aaron Judge on what is making the Yankees so successful so far.

00:09:45We're just trusting each other, you know, passing the baton.

00:09:47It's just been one guy after another, just not trying to do too much and go up there and just

00:09:51do what the situation calls for.

00:09:53Yeah, I think just run these 10 guys back who have been here, get another year in the Bronx, get

00:09:56another year in front of these fans.

00:09:58A lot of good things are going to happen.

00:10:00We weren't losing today, you know, especially any time you lose a Yankee legend like John Sterling.

00:10:05And, you know, that's a tough one.

00:10:07But the boys were fired up, ready to go, and really just fed up each other.

00:10:12Should be fired up.

00:10:13Yesterday was one of those days in New York.

00:10:15The Knicks played.

00:10:16The Yankees played.

00:10:18It was a gorgeous out.

00:10:18A stroll into Central Park and then the Metropolitan Museum of Art, you know, it was one of the biggest

00:10:24nights in New York City.

00:10:25The Met Gala, of course.

00:10:26Somehow my invitation got lost.

00:10:28How do we feel about that?

00:10:30I'm not in on Hollywood.

00:10:32Yeah, I got it.

00:10:34I'm not.

00:10:35I'm not.

00:10:36No one asked about that.

00:10:37He just did.

00:10:38He said, where do you have on the Met Gala?

00:10:40On getting, like, dolled up and going to these big-time events?

00:10:43I don't think I'm into that kind of fashion couture.

00:10:47Okay.

00:10:47Well, the theme, the theme was costume art.

00:10:51Yeah, that's.

00:10:52Focuses on the intersection of fashion and art, exploring the dressed body as a canvas across 5,000 years of

00:10:59history.

00:10:59Whenever you say the body is a canvas, I'm out.

00:11:02So I can't just throw a tux on?

00:11:04You can.

00:11:05No.

00:11:06I always feel like those guys are the best dressed.

00:11:08Just keep it simple.

00:11:09Let the ladies shine.

00:11:10You know what I mean?

00:11:11Don't do too much.

00:11:12A word on the street is a couple of the Yankees were invited to the Met Gala.

00:11:16So we're going to change the name of the Met Gala to the Yankee Gala.

00:11:20You know who's coming, Boone?

00:11:21He's coming all dressed up with a smile on his face.

00:11:24He is feeling sexy right now.

00:11:27Aaron Boone, 24 and 11, the Yanks are.

00:11:30Okay?

00:11:31Half game behind the Braves for best record.

00:11:33There he is.

00:11:34He'll hit you with that.

00:11:35He's got the ripped sleeves.

00:11:37See chewing gum at the Met?

00:11:39Yeah, I mean, hammering seeds, getting chucked out of games.

00:11:42He probably got chucked out of the Met Gala.

00:11:44There's Aaron Judge right there.

00:11:46He thinks he's trying to sneak that 5 o'clock shadow past this too.

00:11:49He's not.

00:11:49He's not doing that.

00:11:51He's on pace for, you guessed it, 65 bombs, 125 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases if you're into domination of

00:12:00the entire landscape.

00:12:01Okay?

00:12:02It would be his fifth 50 home run season.

00:12:05No player has ever had five 50 home run seasons.

00:12:08Ben Rice will tape up the thumb.

00:12:10Little jam.

00:12:11Put on a cute outfit and let's get after it.

00:12:14Because you have been phenomenal.

00:12:153-43 batting average with 12 homers, 27 RBIs, and a weighted runs created plus of 2-24.

00:12:24He leads Major League Baseball in on-base percentage, slug, and weighted runs created plus.

00:12:30And he's second to Eldomero Vargas.

00:12:32In average, yeah, there's Cody Bellinger.

00:12:35Okay?

00:12:35He's starting to get smoking hot.

00:12:37But he's on pace for 23 bombs, 106 RBIs, 19 stolen bases.

00:12:43He's slashing .309 with a .400 on base, a .673 slug with four homers and 17 RBIs in his last

00:12:5115 games.

00:12:53And he looks like he would blend right in at the Met.

00:12:55Absolutely.

00:12:56Well, it's not the Met Gala.

00:12:57No, he's tall.

00:12:58It's the Yankee Gala.

00:12:59Hey!

00:12:59What?

00:13:00Come on!

00:13:00Hey!

00:13:01Come on!

00:13:02You want to intersect fashion and art.

00:13:05Let me give you Giocano.

00:13:06That's the only guy that can pull that off.

00:13:08Him and Manny Machado.

00:13:09Me show up with no shirt on carrying a stick of wood and sling it.

00:13:14Get healthy, big boy.

00:13:16Three homers, 14 RBIs.

00:13:18He's on the IL with a calf strain, but we weren't doing a mock-up without putting this mutant involved.

00:13:23And Jazz Chet, I think he actually could pull that off.

00:13:27He could.

00:13:28He's the only one that really could pull that off.

00:13:30Tied for fourth in Major League Baseball with 11 stolen bases this year.

00:13:34He's slashing .293 with a .375 on base and a .512 slug with three bombs and nine RBIs over his

00:13:41last 11 games.

00:13:42Starting to feel it.

00:13:44Let's flip it to the pitching side, shall we?

00:13:47I think Max Freed would eat this up.

00:13:50Yeah.

00:13:50I don't know if that's what he'd be wearing.

00:13:53I don't know about the hat.

00:13:55Hey, Meredith Marakovich does an unbelievable job on the Yes Network.

00:13:58She chronicled that two starts ago, he ditched his windup.

00:14:02He's going straight out of the stretch.

00:14:04Doesn't matter.

00:14:04Still throwing 97 miles an hour with 17 variations of his pitches.

00:14:10He is 4-1 with a 2-3-8 in eight starts.

00:14:13And he is.

00:14:14I know Cole's coming back.

00:14:16He has been the ace for this team.

00:14:18For the better part of the year.

00:14:20Oh, yeah.

00:14:21And there he was, guys.

00:14:23He didn't even have his good stuff last night.

00:14:25Is that Leopard?

00:14:26I told you, North of six and a half strikeouts.

00:14:27I'm so sorry about that.

00:14:28I think it was four.

00:14:29I think he struck out four.

00:14:30But he's amazing.

00:14:31I love this guy.

00:14:32You let us down, Cam Schlitter.

00:14:34Sorry.

00:14:34According to FanDuel.

00:14:37He's 5-1 with a 1-5-2 in eight starts.

00:14:40Only Paul Skeens has a better ERA since July of last year.

00:14:45This guy has become an ace in short order.

00:14:49So we could have thrown a million guys.

00:14:51Speaking of FanDuel, you know, we're going to talk about Tarek Skubel.

00:14:54But I think Schlittler's odds for Cy Young.

00:14:57Max Fried's odds for Cy Young.

00:14:59Very good point.

00:15:00They also take it.

00:15:00The stars were out.

00:15:01One of the outfits that stuck out for me at the Met Gala was Heidi Klum, who's one of

00:15:06the most beautiful women in all the world.

00:15:07Play the hits.

00:15:08What the heck is going on?

00:15:10She goes, you know what?

00:15:12She's big on that.

00:15:13She does the Halloween parties and she goes for it.

00:15:16I mean, yeah.

00:15:17That's not the version of Heidi Klum.

00:15:19No, I remember.

00:15:20I don't really want to remember.

00:15:23I don't prefer that.

00:15:25That's not it?

00:15:26No.

00:15:26She would say play the hits?

00:15:28No.

00:15:28Play the hits?

00:15:29That's not it.

00:15:30That's not it.

00:15:31Respectfully.

00:15:32She's been kissed by a rose.

00:15:33With all due respect.

00:15:35How about that?

00:15:36All right.

00:15:37Let's go to Detroit.

00:15:38She was married to Seal.

00:15:39Yes, she was.

00:15:41He's a gangster.

00:15:42Red Sox Tigers from Detroit.

00:15:44There was lightning in the area.

00:15:48The end was dicey.

00:15:49Yeah, they started out in the sun and then they ended in the dark.

00:15:54What did we say?

00:15:55That was how my day was.

00:15:58Roman Anthony was forced to leave with some wrist discomfort.

00:16:02How about Matt Beerling?

00:16:03Chopper to third.

00:16:05Andrew Monasterio's throw home is off the mark.

00:16:07So the lightning was in the area.

00:16:10So they asked the fans to just get in the concourse.

00:16:12The players, I guess they're allowed.

00:16:14They're okay.

00:16:15Oh, do it.

00:16:15Jaron Duran.

00:16:16Yeah, Jaron Duran.

00:16:17He will take that.

00:16:18Three-run homer.

00:16:19Red Sox take a 3-2 lead.

00:16:21By the way, shout out to Peyton Toley.

00:16:22He allowed just one hit.

00:16:24I want him on the show.

00:16:25Very good.

00:16:26Willier Abreu makes it 4-2.

00:16:29Now, Marcello Meyer.

00:16:32It's an RBI knock.

00:16:33Red Sox go on to win.

00:16:35They entered the game 0-18 in games when they trailed by two or more at any point.

00:16:41Yesterday was their first win.

00:16:43Okay.

00:16:43Speaking of the Detroit Tigers, we found out probably a little bit after we went off the air yesterday

00:16:48that Tarek Skubal is going on the injured list as he's set to undergo surgery for loose bodies in that

00:16:56pitching elbow.

00:16:57Remember, it was the last start last week.

00:17:02Against the Braves.

00:17:03Against the Braves where you saw him motioning.

00:17:06He shook the arm.

00:17:08He had the catcher come out.

00:17:10Then later, A.J. Hinch.

00:17:11He stayed in.

00:17:12And the trainer also came out.

00:17:13And pitched well when he stayed in.

00:17:14And he ended up striking out the sign.

00:17:16It's exactly what it is, though, when you talk about loose bodies.

00:17:19Yeah, this is it right here.

00:17:20It's bone chips floating around.

00:17:22And if they get lodged in the wrong spot, it gives you that zinger, nervy pain.

00:17:26I can't imagine what he was feeling in that moment.

00:17:28For him to call Dillon, I mean, he got zapped by something.

00:17:32Trainer A.J. Dillon right away.

00:17:33And it was gloved down on the rubber of the mound and dingler out.

00:17:37He said a couple of days ago as he was getting ready for this start, the start yesterday, I believe,

00:17:43that he was feeling something that he had not felt before.

00:17:47And that's when they decided to take a closer look.

00:17:51He's got I hate saying this because it's a team sport and it's not the way my mind works.

00:17:56And I don't think it's how it should work, but this is such a curious case, right?

00:18:03Like he's got to protect his health.

00:18:06And then come back in time.

00:18:08Listen, I don't think this affects his free agency if he comes back mid to late August and is dominant

00:18:14again.

00:18:15Yeah.

00:18:16I really don't.

00:18:17I look at it to two different sections.

00:18:21One, he's got got a chance to for north of four hundred hundreds of millions of dollars.

00:18:27So he's got to protect that.

00:18:28Right.

00:18:28He's got to get healthy and he's got to get right for his own mindset and his family and everything.

00:18:33The flip side of that is the Tigers are a team that we think can compete and make a deep

00:18:37run in the American League.

00:18:39Like I'm interested to see what Scott Harris, I'm sure he's already manning the phones and trying to figure it

00:18:44out, because as of right now, it's Frambois Valdez.

00:18:47It's Jack Flaherty and it's Keiter Montero.

00:18:50And then it's pitching chaos.

00:18:52And I think AJ, the players got to go out and perform.

00:18:55But this is where AJ like, yeah, does his best work.

00:18:59But I don't think he wants to do it for four or five months.

00:19:01Casey Mize also just went on the interest.

00:19:03He's got an abductor problem.

00:19:05Justin Verlander could return sometime later this month.

00:19:09So, yeah, you're going to see them have to get cute here.

00:19:12And look at where the division is.

00:19:13They're tied at 18-18 with the Cleveland Guardians.

00:19:16This AL Central.

00:19:17Just like it was last year.

00:19:19Just like Terrick to get right.

00:19:22We've got a whole lot more on Terrick Scooble and what it means moving forward.

00:19:28But let's take a quick timeout.

00:19:29When we come back, guys, they're doing it again.

00:19:33Are the Rays?

00:19:34Yeah.

00:19:34The Rays get another win coming up.

00:19:37Why, the end of the game was a perfect embodiment of this franchise.

00:19:43And a bit later, guys, I promise, Tom Verducci offering you some perspective on what Scooble's

00:19:50injury means for the Tigers, for Scooble's free agency, and really the playoff race in

00:19:56the American League as a whole.

00:19:58And coming up in hour number two, a new segment.

00:20:03This is crazy.

00:20:04The MLB Central Wall of Wonder.

00:20:07Behind these walls, burning questions that Dero and other analysts will be forced to answer.

00:20:14You're going to answer them, too.

00:20:16This is a Marco Pablo special.

00:20:17We are blessed to have him back.

00:20:20Back in the CP chair, capably steering us through the show.

00:20:24By the way, we have new printers installed throughout the building.

00:20:28Really?

00:20:29A little bit smaller than I would have liked.

00:20:31Double-sided printing?

00:20:33That's rock bottom.

00:20:34Double-sided printing.

00:20:35We rallied, though.

00:20:36No, we're saving.

00:20:36No, no, we're saving.

00:20:37We rebounded.

00:20:37Trees.

00:20:38And look how nice this is.

00:20:39Look how nice that is.

00:20:41Ash, I got to go pay.

00:20:41In color?

00:20:42We're using color in this economy?

00:20:44How dare you?

00:20:45What?

00:20:46I need another guy in edit.

00:20:47I get those black and white.

00:20:49Me, Boone, hammering speeds in that?

00:20:51You think Aaron Boone doesn't get after it?

00:20:53You're crazy.

00:20:57MLB Central.

00:20:58Welcome back to the Tuesday.

00:21:00MLB Central.

00:21:01Jeffrey on X has thoughts, as he often does.

00:21:03Don't forget the wrist corsage.

00:21:05If we're going to go to the prom, Robert, you better come with it.

00:21:08You're going to buy me dinner.

00:21:09Wrist corsage.

00:21:10And then you get him a boutonniere.

00:21:12Is that a scam?

00:21:14Wrist corsage?

00:21:15Yeah, totally.

00:21:1620 bucks.

00:21:17What are you looking at?

00:21:17What are you Googling real quick?

00:21:18That ends up, as we're in the party bus down to the Jersey Shore, the wrist corsage ends

00:21:24up on the ground.

00:21:25All right, our top stories in Houston.

00:21:27Alex Freeland.

00:21:28Dodgers.

00:21:29Astros.

00:21:29He had three hits.

00:21:30Yeah, he snapped a six-game homeless drought for the Astros.

00:21:33Tied the game at two.

00:21:35Kyle Tucker.

00:21:36King Tuck is back in Houston.

00:21:38We were prepared to do a King Tuck skybox.

00:21:41And then at 733, I got a call from Sean Casey, threw a grenade back at it.

00:21:46Yeah, that's the fourth homer of the season for Tucker.

00:21:48Said he wanted to do medals.

00:21:49Meantime, Yashinobu Yamamoto.

00:21:52The Astros scored a couple runs on him early, but for him, he's got quality starts in six

00:21:57of his seven starts this season.

00:21:58Six innings, eight strikeouts.

00:21:59Dodgers win eight to three.

00:22:01Padres, Giants from San Francisco.

00:22:03San Francisco trying to snap a six-game losing streak.

00:22:06Jackson Merrill.

00:22:07Padres right there in the NL West, right behind LA.

00:22:10I expect Jackson Merrill to get going.

00:22:12His expected numbers were way better than his April.

00:22:15Casey Schmidt's been really good for the Giants.

00:22:18Schmidt happens.

00:22:19Fifth, fifth of the year.

00:22:20Ties the game at one.

00:22:22In the ninth.

00:22:24Padres down to their final out.

00:22:25Final out.

00:22:26Manny Machado facing Caleb Killingham.

00:22:29And that six-game losing streak is over.

00:22:32Giants win three to two.

00:22:35The Padres have scored just 15 runs over their last six games.

00:22:38They're one in five.

00:22:39Okay, Blue Jays, Rays.

00:22:42The Rays?

00:22:43They've won 10 of 11.

00:22:45Yeah.

00:22:45And that's Ryan Belay.

00:22:47Ryan Belay, he's going to let you know.

00:22:48You know what Nick Martinez calls him?

00:22:50What?

00:22:51The Big Rig.

00:22:52Big Rig.

00:22:52You know what they called me in high school?

00:22:54The Big Rig?

00:22:54The Big Rig.

00:22:55You know what they still call me?

00:22:58Really?

00:22:59Yeah.

00:23:00Tell me more.

00:23:01Vladimir Guerrero.

00:23:02Hey, I don't need audio.

00:23:04Just tell me more.

00:23:05Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

00:23:06Cuts the lead to three to one.

00:23:07But this is what I was talking about going to break.

00:23:09Brian Baker.

00:23:11Another save for Brian Baker.

00:23:15Yeah.

00:23:16Kind of just an afterthought for the Orioles.

00:23:19Maybe.

00:23:20Now he's getting big outs and closing games.

00:23:23Let's get the Zillow treatment, shall we?

00:23:26Let's do it.

00:23:26And sometimes that's not the treatment you want.

00:23:29But here, you want it.

00:23:31Best closers of the game.

00:23:33I want the Zillow treatment.

00:23:35Hashtag other factors.

00:23:37He's got nine saves.

00:23:38Nine.

00:23:39For the Tampa Bay Rays, opponents are hitting.

00:23:41He's got an OPS of 526.

00:23:43Look at the strikeout to walk ratio.

00:23:45That's what you want if you're a reliever.

00:23:4715 strikeouts compared to three walks.

00:23:51Having a week.

00:23:51Give me this version of you for $1.30.

00:23:55I don't know if I can do that.

00:23:56I mean, I'm here every day.

00:23:58I don't miss shows.

00:23:59Unlike Philly's, Marlins.

00:24:02Give me this version of Aaron Nola, by the way.

00:24:05Hey, that was a welcome sign.

00:24:06Bryce Harper is seventh of the season.

00:24:09But, Lauren, you mentioned it.

00:24:10I thought the biggest takeaway was Aaron Nola.

00:24:13Got two days extra rest.

00:24:15They didn't make a big deal out of that.

00:24:18Do you?

00:24:19I don't think it is.

00:24:20You don't think it is?

00:24:20Listen, he's got a pitch.

00:24:22To expect him to be what he was four or five years ago is not fair.

00:24:26He's a different version of himself.

00:24:28He's working at 92, although he did hit 94 last night.

00:24:32And the Phillies, they're 6-1 under Donnie Baseball.

00:24:366-1 under Interim Skimps.

00:24:38Nola was dominant for Italy.

00:24:39Don Matty.

00:24:39WBC was a deal.

00:24:40I want to go to Italy.

00:24:41All right, Brewers-Cardinals.

00:24:43This is a fun series here.

00:24:45What's that funny?

00:24:45J.J. Weatherholt brings in Mason Wynn.

00:24:49It's not in the highlight, but it's worth mentioning.

00:24:51Jackson Churio returned from the injured list.

00:24:54Four for four.

00:24:55Four hits.

00:24:56That makes you feel good if you're a Brewers fan.

00:24:58This makes you feel good if you're a Cardinals fan.

00:25:00Yvonne Herrera doubles in some runs.

00:25:02It's 4-0.

00:25:02And then Weatherholt again.

00:25:05They go on to win 6-3.

00:25:08Yvonne Herrera now has a career-best 21 game on base streak.

00:25:13Cardinals win again.

00:25:15Yeah, and last eight games, Stigler, they're two back in the central.

00:25:19Doubled up Milwaukee.

00:25:20Robert said it on Monday.

00:25:21And we were at D. Rose Diggs yesterday, and D. Rose said, we were watching the big screen,

00:25:25and you said, they're a fun watch.

00:25:27But for them, the core is fundamentals.

00:25:30It's defense.

00:25:31It's running the bases.

00:25:32That's what we're seeing as fun in St. Louis, because there's this young talent that's just all out.

00:25:38Yeah, you can tell.

00:25:40Every night, we're perusing the landscape.

00:25:43And for a little two, three-year window there, you kind of glazed past the Cardinals, right?

00:25:49Yeah.

00:25:49How dare you?

00:25:50How dare you?

00:25:50But you did.

00:25:51There was kind of this malaise on what they were trying to accomplish.

00:25:55It's flipped.

00:25:56They are a fun watch.

00:25:58They are.

00:25:58Every night, I put them on.

00:25:59We'll give some love to the starters.

00:26:01The Michael McGreeves went out on Saturday against the Dodgers and were dominant.

00:26:04Matthew Libertor shows flashes, right?

00:26:06Riley O'Brien in their bullpen has been kind of a nice find for them, kind of a la Brian

00:26:13Baker.

00:26:14But it's the lineup for me that's fun to watch.

00:26:18Alec Burleson won a silver slugger last year, and he gets the boys fired up.

00:26:25It's on down the line.

00:26:26First off, they hit you with some excitement.

00:26:30The Burlesons, the Mason Wins, the Victor Scotts of the world, okay?

00:26:34Then Jordan Walker has been a revelation the first part of this season.

00:26:40And then, for me, the biggest one, though, is J.J. Weatherholt's a stud.

00:26:46You see it in his eyes.

00:26:47He's been leading off for them.

00:26:49He walks to the plate.

00:26:50This is his first month.

00:26:51Six weeks in the big leagues.

00:26:53He gets up there.

00:26:54He hammers gum.

00:26:56Hammers gum.

00:26:56Hammers it.

00:26:57And he's up there just like, you miss over the heart of the plate, I'm going to hit a missile

00:27:01up the middle.

00:27:01So they just are hitting you.

00:27:03Yvonne Herrera, Pedro Páez has been good for them behind the deck.

00:27:08I mean, there's just a lot to like offensively about the way they're playing the game.

00:27:12You know who has the seventh highest on base percentage in baseball?

00:27:15Yvonne Herrera.

00:27:16Yeah.

00:27:17There you go.

00:27:17So, yeah, they're definitely a fun watch.

00:27:18I did not know that.

00:27:19Good vibes going in St. Louis.

00:27:22The St. Louis over the weekend, they took two of three from the Dodgers.

00:27:26Speaking of the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani as a Cy Young candidate.

00:27:30Oh, you bet your sweet bleep he is.

00:27:33Oh, it's real.

00:27:34It's so real.

00:27:35Coming up, Tom Verducci is going to tell you how Shohei, while sacrificing velo and strikeouts,

00:27:43according to Tom, he is a much better pitcher.

00:27:47He explains on the other side.

00:27:58Out of Detroit to start the week, and it's not the kind they'd hoped for.

00:28:02Tom Verducci manning the inside corner.

00:28:04Good morning to you.

00:28:05I remember Tom watching Tarek Scoob will kind of shake his arm out and then saying after his last start,

00:28:11it felt funny.

00:28:12Now, news is that surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow.

00:28:15Well, what happens now with Detroit, with him, with his contract?

00:28:19Well, it's terrible news, but not as terrible as it looked.

00:28:22You see a pitcher out there shaking his arm like that.

00:28:24Loose bodies.

00:28:25Basically, it means he's got some bone chips moving around in there.

00:28:27Actually, he had it through the winter, and sometimes they just get in the wrong place, and that's what he

00:28:31was feeling.

00:28:32So they have to go in there, take it out.

00:28:34The timetable is uncertain, Lauren, but generally these are two to three months where the pitcher is going to be

00:28:40out.

00:28:40Remember, he's going to be out at least two months, and then you have to ramp up through a normal

00:28:43spring training.

00:28:44So best-case scenario for Detroit is he's back maybe August, September certainly, and for the Tigers, hope to be

00:28:52in a pennant race then.

00:28:53So you're adding Scoob at a time where maybe you're also getting back Troy Melton.

00:28:57Maybe you're getting back Jackson Jobe.

00:28:59Those three guys are plus velocity, plus stuff guys they could add late in the season, but they've got to

00:29:04hold ground here in the meantime.

00:29:06That's not easy to do.

00:29:08A.J. Hinch is going to have to go back to his pitching chaos.

00:29:11Pitching chaos.

00:29:11We saw it the other night.

00:29:13Without Scoob, they were 23-10 last year when he took the ball.

00:29:16You know he's giving you six innings, so he affects the game before and the game after in bullpen use.

00:29:21They're going to miss him, no question about it, but I think they miss him from more than just the

00:29:25game he pitches, the surrounding game.

00:29:26After that $32 million arbitration when I thought this contract's going to be very interesting, certainly hoping for health for

00:29:33one of the best.

00:29:34He's one of one, and while on the topic of one of one, Shohei Otani pitches tonight against the Astros.

00:29:40I was looking at his April numbers, and I thought there's no way he's had a month this dominant on

00:29:46the mound.

00:29:47Take us inside.

00:29:48Yeah, I can make a case Shohei on the mound is better than ever in a very different way.

00:29:51Because you look at some of his numbers, and you see his velocity is actually down a tick.

00:29:56Okay.

00:29:56His strikeout rate is down, so you think, what's going on here?

00:29:59He's becoming a better pitcher than he ever has been before, and it's really the command of his stuff.

00:30:05When you look at the metrics on Shohei, these are career best for him so far.

00:30:09He's living on the edges of the plate.

00:30:11He used to just attack you in the middle, getting more chases.

00:30:14Look at that ground ball rate, Lauren.

00:30:16That's 55%.

00:30:17That's higher than it's ever been.

00:30:19And the fastball run value, even being down half a tick, he's still in the top 98th percentile.

00:30:25Let me show you this number here.

00:30:27Lowest average against the four-seam fastball.

00:30:30He's right there at the top.

00:30:31By the way, Mitch Keller.

00:30:33Actually, Shohei's profile now is a lot like Mitch Keller.

00:30:36Command and control guy, leaving it on the edges of the plate.

00:30:40So let me show you an example from his last start and the way he worked the Marlins on the

00:30:44edges of the plate.

00:30:45He's been doing that all season so far.

00:30:47Watch these pitches all on the edges.

00:30:50We're going to go to a string of fastballs here.

00:30:52Back edge, back edge.

00:30:53He's getting the ball to arm side with his fastball better than ever.

00:30:56Three in a row, absolutely dotted up.

00:30:59You want to see it against the lefty?

00:31:00Do it.

00:31:00Absolutely.

00:31:01Let's see it here.

00:31:02Inside fastball.

00:31:03Come on.

00:31:03That's a strike.

00:31:04Of course it is.

00:31:05We need ABS just to confirm that.

00:31:07I would challenge it, too, that one, for sure.

00:31:08No question, Shohei.

00:31:09Come on.

00:31:10How about the curveball?

00:31:11That is just a teardrop.

00:31:12And now he's going arm side with the pitch on the bottom of the zone.

00:31:16He can do both sides of the plate.

00:31:18That's a big out there, pitching with runners on first and third.

00:31:20Another situation here.

00:31:22Fastball arm side, fastball glove side.

00:31:25He's ahead of the count here.

00:31:27Sweeper on the outside corner.

00:31:29Again, all these pitches, Lauren.

00:31:31Let's go back to 2021.

00:31:32First really full year of two-way play.

00:31:34He was just an attack middle of his own guy.

00:31:37The delivery is really different.

00:31:39I don't think we give him enough credit.

00:31:40You see now he's more of the windup than the stretch all the time for how much he's improved

00:31:45as a pitcher.

00:31:46So let's compare it.

00:31:47On the left, you see there, he's got that little bend in the elbow.

00:31:50He's got a better arm swing now.

00:31:52And you see he's more drop and drive where that head is now out in front of the body.

00:31:56The arm angle is lower.

00:31:57That's less stress.

00:31:59The biggest difference, those are the mechanics, to me, is Shohei now is living on the edges

00:32:04of the plate.

00:32:05His stuff used to be, and it still is good enough to get by in the middle of the plate.

00:32:08But when you look at the changes from where he was five years ago, you can see it's a lower

00:32:13release height, the lower arm angle.

00:32:15Now, velocity has gone up since going back then, but he's got with less extension.

00:32:20So to me, it's a more efficient, I think, a more repeatable delivery that he has now.

00:32:26This has taken a lot of work over the years.

00:32:28And here's what I talk about, Lauren, in terms of going on the edges of the plate.

00:32:32Four seam heat maps for Shohei Ohtani.

00:32:35Look at the difference of how he's moved now onto the edges, keeping the ball out of the

00:32:39middle of the plate.

00:32:40I think his command is better than ever, and that's why he's a better pitcher than ever.

00:32:43Unbelievable.

00:32:43D. Rowe said to Robert and I the other day that he thinks of him as hitter first, and

00:32:47it kind of gave me pause because I thought, do I?

00:32:50What do you?

00:32:51Because I think both now, especially with this pitching performance this year.

00:32:54In this short window.

00:32:55In this short window, maybe pitcher first.

00:32:57Pitcher.

00:32:57Remember, he's not going to hit tonight either.

00:32:59This is third time in the last four starts.

00:33:00He's just going to do the pitching thing.

00:33:02And I think when he's slumping, as he is now at the plate, it's hard for him to devote so

00:33:06many resources to getting out of it because he's going to take care of the pitching

00:33:09side of it.

00:33:10He's done that really well.

00:33:11And Dodgers and Astros tonight.

00:33:12We were looking at, Tom, at the NL Central the other day, crowded at the top.

00:33:16And I asked the guys, I said, Pirate's going to be there at the end.

00:33:18And without hesitation, they said, yes.

00:33:21You want to know why?

00:33:21They put a guy on the mound every night that gives them a chance.

00:33:24If you look at the names, it's largely the same as last year.

00:33:28What has been maybe the difference?

00:33:30I think the difference is these young pitchers are now getting to that established point where

00:33:35they can go after people because their stuff is pure, really great stuff.

00:33:39I like watching the play because they go after people old school.

00:33:43In the age now where the fastball has declined in usage, they're coming at you.

00:33:48Four Seam Velo, almost 96, the lowest slugging from a staff.

00:33:54And they're just loaded arms.

00:33:55When Paul Skeens is not your first, second, or third hardest thrower on your staff, you've got some really plus

00:34:02arms.

00:34:03But having three guys in the rotation who get at you at that velocity, nobody else in baseball has three

00:34:10arms like this in the rotation.

00:34:12They're coming at you with fastballs.

00:34:14Usually both Four Seam and Sinkers, by the way, they use both Ashcraft, Chandler, Skeens.

00:34:21I mean, they're just a pleasure to watch.

00:34:22You know who they remind me of?

00:34:23How many?

00:34:24Oh, my gosh.

00:34:25Back in the day.

00:34:26You know, they're the top 17, those three for the Pirates in fastball velocity.

00:34:30Those three for the Mets, also in their 20s, also right-handed, top 13 back in the day in velocity.

00:34:37It was amazing.

00:34:38That's hard to the World Series.

00:34:39Matt Harvey on the mound.

00:34:41I remember he was on the tickets.

00:34:43They were on digital 10 years ago.

00:34:45What the heck?

00:34:46Tom Perducci on the inside corner.

00:34:48Thank you so much.

00:34:48Robert, take it away.

00:34:50All right, Lauren, coming up, Phillies take three of four from the Marlins, getting a win yesterday.

00:34:54They're now six and one under Don Mattingly.

00:34:57Coming up, what other encouraging sign came out of last night's win?

00:35:02We'll discuss that and some more topics when we come back.

00:35:16Let's go around the bases and let's start with those Chicago Cubs.

00:35:19Boy, they are really good at home and they are playing well at home.

00:35:23How about Conforto?

00:35:24Yeah, I was going to say, I am so happy for Michael Conforto with the walk-off homer to beat

00:35:29the Reds and hand them another loss.

00:35:31Remember, they got swept over the weekend by the Pirates.

00:35:34But, Dero, to your point, Michael Conforto, he's had success in this league.

00:35:39But last year with the Dodgers, it just did not work out.

00:35:43And for him to have that moment, what do you think it means?

00:35:45It's not.

00:35:46Well, I mean, he's been huge for them, right?

00:35:48Pinch hit at bats for them.

00:35:50He got used to it last year.

00:35:52First time in his career.

00:35:53Listen, the Cubbies, the thing that stands out to me, obviously they're getting production.

00:35:57Seah Suzuki's been red hot.

00:35:59Moises Basteros has certainly augmented their lineup.

00:36:01The way they played D is special, man.

00:36:05And I know Dansby Swanson, for $177 million, you want more than him hitting ninth.

00:36:11But to watch him picket on a nightly basis with Nico Horner, to watch the transition last night,

00:36:17and I know he was safe at home, but Ian Happ is one of the best in the business in

00:36:21left field.

00:36:22Just true appreciation of the way they get after it defensively.

00:36:26What's the ceiling, you think, for this team?

00:36:27And maybe what are some potential warning signs that we should be wary of when it comes to the Cubs?

00:36:33I don't know, they remind me a lot of the Blue Jays from last year.

00:36:36It's a team that puts the ball in play.

00:36:37It's a very deep team.

00:36:39You mentioned Conforto.

00:36:40Their bench, guys coming off the bench are hitting .351.

00:36:43Wow.

00:36:43And I like to measure really good teams by how deep the lineup is.

00:36:46And their 7 through 9 gets on base more than any other team except the Dodgers.

00:36:51Really?

00:36:51So this lineup keeps turning over.

00:36:53They can hurt you anywhere in the lineup with guys who put the ball in play.

00:36:57That's why I also go back to Toronto.

00:36:59So I love their formula.

00:37:00You mentioned their defense.

00:37:01That's why Edward Cabrera was such a good fit ground ball pitcher with that infield behind him.

00:37:06Go get the other one.

00:37:07And then Imanaga switches where he is on the mound.

00:37:09Goes from the first base side to the middle.

00:37:10Gets another tick on his fastball.

00:37:12And he's back.

00:37:13I noticed that the other day.

00:37:14He was a home run factory last year.

00:37:17He was dead set in the middle of the rubber.

00:37:18Well, I like guys in the middle who are true four-seam guys.

00:37:21You don't need to create an angle.

00:37:23Just make hitters, make an adjustment, or make a decision on whether that's a strike based on height or not,

00:37:28not east or west.

00:37:29And I don't want to put a ton of pressure on Justin Steele when he comes back.

00:37:32I want him to assimilate in, get hot, and be ready for the postseason.

00:37:36So I would like to see them go out and do something crazy at the deadline.

00:37:40Bring in a front line guy starting pitching-wise.

00:37:42Because they certainly have a chance to do special things.

00:37:46Meantime, the Philadelphia Phillies, they win.

00:37:48They take three of four.

00:37:49Beating the Miami Marlins yesterday as part of that wraparound series.

00:37:54Bryce Harper went deep.

00:37:55But, Tom, how significant was the performance of Aaron Nola yesterday?

00:37:59Yeah, really good.

00:38:00I mean, when he commands the breaking ball, he's just a tough assignment for any offensive team.

00:38:06I still have my questions about this team offensively.

00:38:09Let's face it, they don't have a cleanup hitter.

00:38:11I mean, this is a team that chases a lot.

00:38:13They need to hit home runs to win.

00:38:14They're not the Blue Jays.

00:38:16They're not the Cubs.

00:38:17They do have a left-handed power.

00:38:19There's no question about that.

00:38:20But I have questions about the depth of their lineup.

00:38:22Because Alex Boehm looks lost to me.

00:38:25But, again, the Adoles Garcia, you know, they took a flyer on him.

00:38:29I get it.

00:38:30Sort of like with Max Kepler last year.

00:38:31I mean, Kevin Long's a great hitting coach.

00:38:33But he can't do everything with everybody.

00:38:35And I think in time they'll be okay.

00:38:39But I think, D. Rowe, they still have to fight another bat somewhere.

00:38:43Somewhere.

00:38:43And it's probably not from within, from what I've seen so far.

00:38:45I think Alec Boehm dealing with a lot off the field as well.

00:38:49And then getting off to a slow start.

00:38:50I think it's all compounded.

00:38:53I still think, I mean, this is a 40-double guy, right?

00:38:55So, eventually he's going to get on fire.

00:38:57But I don't think he should be asked to hit fourth for this team.

00:39:00Or Adoles Garcia.

00:39:01I agree with you, Tom.

00:39:02I think the big thing for me is everything has seemed to settle with Don Mattingly.

00:39:07Yes.

00:39:08Whether you agree with Topper getting fired or not, it has seemed to settle.

00:39:12I look forward to Duran getting back in that bullpen.

00:39:15I had Brad Keller, WBC.

00:39:17It seems like their entire pen got off to just a bad start, right?

00:39:21You've got to believe Alvarado's going to right the ship.

00:39:23The underlying metrics, they still punching tickets.

00:39:26Brad Keller.

00:39:27They all assimilate back in and give Duran the ninth.

00:39:30If they have the lead in the sixth, seventh inning, start seeing some more wins.

00:39:34I'm by far not giving up on this team.

00:39:36I like what you said about settling under Mattingly.

00:39:39Yeah.

00:39:39That's a really good point because I think they almost were waiting.

00:39:41What's going to happen?

00:39:42What's happening here?

00:39:43Get it out of the way.

00:39:43And I love managers like this who has, he has nothing to prove.

00:39:47He thought he was going to retire until Dave Dombrowski called him up and said,

00:39:51hey, we may have a job here for you.

00:39:52His son be the GM helps a little bit too.

00:39:54But going back to Joe Morgan with the Red Sox in the 88, Joe Torre when he got hired

00:39:58by the Yankees, Jack McKean with the Marlins.

00:40:00Managers are like, I'm on house money at this point.

00:40:03I'm not managing to, from revenge or to prove myself.

00:40:07Dom Mattingly is very secure with where he is in life.

00:40:09And I think they feed off that vibe.

00:40:10Wild card.

00:40:11And no one wants to see Sanchez and Wheeler.

00:40:14No doubt.

00:40:14You know what I mean?

00:40:15Phillies have the second best expected ERA in baseball.

00:40:20So a little bit of tough luck.

00:40:21Meantime, the Chicago White Sox are also playing well.

00:40:23They have won 7 of 10.

00:40:25They are a game below .500.

00:40:27They beat the Angels yesterday.

00:40:29And what opened my eyes was not only Murakami went deep again, but the fact that they did

00:40:34it to Jose Soriano, who has been really good so far this season.

00:40:39What have you seen from the White Sox?

00:40:40I think for me, we love on the offense, right?

00:40:42Murakami is an easy story to fall in love with.

00:40:45Vargas goes deep last night.

00:40:46Colson Montgomery.

00:40:47But I want to flip the script a little bit with the White Sox.

00:40:50Davis Martin went out and punched 10 tickets last night.

00:40:53And an ERA under 2 going in.

00:40:55Sean Burke has been good for them.

00:40:56Noah Schultz has come up and punching tickets.

00:40:59They're getting some starting pitching out of these young guns.

00:41:02And it's giving their offense a chance.

00:41:04And you can't deny when you put the White Sox game on right now.

00:41:08Murakami has kind of...

00:41:09He's endeared himself to this group super quick.

00:41:13And they're kind of feeding off it.

00:41:14They like him.

00:41:15And they're enjoying playing some young baseball around him.

00:41:18So it's been awesome to watch Will Venable and the White Sox try and pick their spots

00:41:22and cause some chaos.

00:41:24Tom, we kind of think that the American League Central will be a dogfight, kind of wide open

00:41:30all season.

00:41:30We don't know if there's one team capable of seizing control.

00:41:34Where do the White Sox fit into all this?

00:41:36Listen, if they pitch like this, they can hang in there in that division.

00:41:40There's no question about it.

00:41:41I didn't see the pitching being this good.

00:41:42I saw the offensive talent there.

00:41:44And let's face it, the rest of baseball kind of missed it on Murakami.

00:41:48Yeah, two-year deal?

00:41:49Hey, Tom.

00:41:50Like, it's real.

00:41:51It's real.

00:41:52And I get it.

00:41:53We talked about this.

00:41:54We did a skybox.

00:41:55He has got a hole up top.

00:41:56Last night, he takes that exact pitch we talked about that he couldn't handle and shoots

00:42:01a dead center.

00:42:02Yeah, because he has the fourth highest tilt to his swing.

00:42:05He is vulnerable to the ball up.

00:42:07And that's where you go.

00:42:09And they couldn't beat him there.

00:42:10His swing is almost identical to Shohei Otani's.

00:42:14And Otani's a much better low-ball hitter than a high-ball hitter as well at off-speed.

00:42:17But he is crushing fastballs.

00:42:18He's slugging over 700.

00:42:20He hasn't hit a ground ball to the left side all year.

00:42:22He tries to catch the—and he hasn't.

00:42:25He wants to catch the ball out front.

00:42:27He's as good as I've seen.

00:42:29Almost Jim Tomey-ish in terms of getting the ball in the air to pull side.

00:42:33Just that swing has got tremendous leverage to it.

00:42:36Yeah, he's going to punch out.

00:42:38But he's a difference maker.

00:42:39And what did he do for the first time last night?

00:42:41Got a double.

00:42:43Yes, he did.

00:42:43Yeah, he got a double.

00:42:45He was singles and homers.

00:42:46He had no doubles, no triples.

00:42:47That's Martin McGuire country.

00:42:49Yeah.

00:42:50Hard to go out.

00:42:51Yeah, vibes are really good right now for the Chicago white side.

00:42:54So let's talk about, quickly, Kyle Tucker returning home, home, quote-unquote, to face his

00:43:01former team, the Houston Astros, and what do you know?

00:43:03He went deep against the Astros.

00:43:05How would you assess the start for Kyle Tucker for the Dodgers?

00:43:09Last three, four years, he's normally at around 270, 280 with eight or nine pumps right now.

00:43:14He's sitting at 240 with four, so he's giving you half the production.

00:43:17I understand that.

00:43:18He's getting used to it.

00:43:19The interesting thing, we were going to do a skybox, which I still think we will do at some point.

00:43:24Super aggressive on the first pitch.

00:43:26First pitch, he's over 50%.

00:43:27He's never been that kind of hitter.

00:43:29Which I'm wondering, it's like, when he's in the two slot in the order, is he thinking

00:43:33he's going to get pitched differently in this lineup with a Freddie Freeman behind him?

00:43:38But then Dave Roberts has hit him.

00:43:40He's moved him around in the order.

00:43:42Yeah.

00:43:43Getting his feet under him.

00:43:44Give him a minute.

00:43:45I still think he's going to be, you know, fine.

00:43:48This is one of the better players in the game.

00:43:49But there has been a little bit more chase in his game and a little bit more, like, ultra

00:43:55aggression in his game.

00:43:57And it hasn't led to, usually guys that hammer first pitch, it's like, what is it, Nate?

00:44:03It's like 350 with some major slug.

00:44:07332.

00:44:08He's sitting like 275, 276 first pitch.

00:44:12What are you thinking?

00:44:13What does that face?

00:44:14I think this is a breaking period.

00:44:16The Dodgers can cover it.

00:44:17You're supposed to go easy for the first month or so.

00:44:19And you go to a new team like this with that kind of contract.

00:44:21You know, some people, when they walk into a room, you can hear them before you see them.

00:44:26He's not that kind of a guy.

00:44:27He just wants to blend in there.

00:44:29And I think this is a just transition month or two for him.

00:44:32He's going to be fine.

00:44:33He's just too talented.

00:44:34But, yeah, the first pitch thing really caught my attention, too.

00:44:37It's a little bit different.

00:44:38Yeah.

00:44:39Tom, great stuff as always.

00:44:40Good insight.

00:44:40All right.

00:44:41That puts a bow pretty much on hour number one of this two-hour extravaganza.

00:44:45Still to come in hour number two, one night after a significant personal milestone for

00:44:51Matt Olsen, our Sean Casey takes a closer look at the Braves' first baseman.

00:44:57We go Skybox with Matt Olsen and Sean Casey.

00:45:00Stay with us.

00:45:19There you go.

00:45:20There you go.

00:45:21That's how you do it.

00:45:23Top of the hour.

00:45:24Right on the dot.

00:45:25MLB Central.

00:45:26We've got a new sponsor, and we're glad that they're joining us.

00:45:30It's Blue Buffalo.

00:45:31I use Blue Buffalo.

00:45:32Do you?

00:45:32Actually.

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00:45:34For my dog.

00:45:34It's a little bit of a mutt.

00:45:35It's got three legs.

00:45:36Macy's kind of a grinder.

00:45:38Wakes up in the morning like, man, you're grinding with three legs.

00:45:41Bopping around.

00:45:42Right now, I'm having trouble.

00:45:43It comes off the bed that's a little high.

00:45:45I'm like, oh, man, it looks like it.

00:45:47Oh, really?

00:45:47It's amazing how they make the adjustment.

00:45:48The other night, face plant.

00:45:50Can I just say, if Blue Buffalo works for a three-legged dog, just imagine what it'll

00:45:55do for a dog that has four legs.

00:45:58Blue Buffalo.

00:46:00There you go.

00:46:01That's actually really good.

00:46:02Hey, we do have a little feedback as we welcome Sean Casey in here for hour number two.

00:46:07Jeff Michael, Captain Decoy, with this tweet here, D-Ro did a great mock-up on the Met

00:46:14Gala and the Yankees being invited to the Met Gala.

00:46:17And Jeff says, sharp segment.

00:46:19I'm old about to remember when A-block mock-ups were stick figures with three fingers.

00:46:25We've upped our game.

00:46:26We've upped the ante.

00:46:27The edit crew has upped the game.

00:46:29Yeah.

00:46:29Brendan Werner is a savant back there.

00:46:33Yeah.

00:46:33That's what he really is.

00:46:34Yeah, he's upped his game.

00:46:35He's an idiot savant, is what you're talking about.

00:46:37No, no, I did not.

00:46:38Just kidding.

00:46:39Just kidding, Brendan.

00:46:41Nails it.

00:46:41You're just a savant.

00:46:43Don't just the first part, lop off.

00:46:45Although I went back.

00:46:45You're a savant.

00:46:46Hey, let's go front and center.

00:46:48Show you what you may have missed.

00:46:50Aaron Judge, 14th homer of the year.

00:46:54There was a, in this A-B, there was an opportunity that the Orioles missed to challenge what would

00:47:01have been a third strike on Aaron Judge, and three pitches later, he goes deep.

00:47:05His 14th of the year, Yankees sweep the four-game set of the Orioles, 12-1.

00:47:13Judge has got 14.

00:47:15So, too, does Munitaka Murakana.

00:47:18He went deep again.

00:47:20A two-run homer in the fourth off Jose Soriano as he visits the forest.

00:47:2614th of the year, White Sox have won 7 of 10.

00:47:30They're one game below 500.

00:47:31They win 6-0.

00:47:34Battle between division rivals, Guardians, excuse me, Royals, Jack Caglione on his bobblehead

00:47:43day.

00:47:43Got him.

00:47:44He goes yard.

00:47:45Starting to slow it down.

00:47:47Big Jack Caglione.

00:47:49Going to be a star.

00:47:50The Italian Stallion.

00:47:52Yes, he is.

00:47:53The Royals go on to win 6-2.

00:47:56If I could change.

00:47:58Everybody could change.

00:47:59Everybody could change.

00:48:02Ray staying hot against the Blue Jays.

00:48:05Ryan Valade, nickname the Big Rig.

00:48:09Oh, what a name, the Big Rig.

00:48:11Yeah, that's what they called me in high school, Casey.

00:48:13I'm sure they did.

00:48:14A three-run homer and then Nick Martinez.

00:48:18Another solid outing for him.

00:48:20Ron Valone was the Big Rig.

00:48:21Five hits.

00:48:22Four strikeouts.

00:48:24Yeah, right.

00:48:25Rays have won 10 of 11.

00:48:27Mets, Rockies, Carson Bench.

00:48:30Good to see him.

00:48:31After a slow start, he's starting to round into form.

00:48:35A solo homer.

00:48:36And then a great catch out in right center field.

00:48:40Mets beat the Rockies.

00:48:42Oh, by the way, guys, they're expecting about nine inches of snow in the Denver area today.

00:48:47Oh, my God.

00:48:48Baseball runner.

00:48:49They're probably not going to play baseball.

00:48:51Oh, wow.

00:48:52Yeah, that's what I'm guessing.

00:48:53Late drama at Wrigley Field.

00:48:56Michael Conforto.

00:48:57A pinch hit.

00:48:59Walk-off home run.

00:49:01As the Cubs have won 12 in a row at home.

00:49:05As they go on to beat the Reds.

00:49:07Who have now lost four in a row.

00:49:09Five to four.

00:49:11Our top story in Houston last night.

00:49:13Dodgers.

00:49:14Astros.

00:49:15Kyle Tucker returning to face his former team.

00:49:19Got an RBI knock there.

00:49:20Then a home run here.

00:49:23Yoshinobu Yamamoto has quality starts in six of seven starts this season.

00:49:28Yair Diaz has to go on the injured list.

00:49:30And the latest Astro to be on the injured list.

00:49:33Dodgers beat the Astros eight to three.

00:49:35Matt Olsen career home run number 300.

00:49:38However, the Mariners come back to win this one.

00:49:42Luke Raley.

00:49:44J.P. Crawford with big home runs.

00:49:46And the Mariners score five unanswered runs to win five to four in game one of that series.

00:49:54So more on Matt Olsen.

00:49:56As I mentioned, career home run number 300 last night.

00:50:00Look at this list here.

00:50:01This is where he ranks since the start of 2021 across Major League Baseball.

00:50:06You know he's going to be first in games because he plays every day.

00:50:09He's top five in homers.

00:50:11He's top five in RBIs.

00:50:13And he's top ten in slugging percentage.

00:50:16And the other thing is, guys, Sean, you and I were talking about it this morning.

00:50:21He leads the league this year in extra base hits.

00:50:25It's not Jordan.

00:50:26It's not Aaron Judge.

00:50:27It's Matt Olsen who leads in extra base hits.

00:50:30Yeah, isn't that great?

00:50:30He has 15 doubles.

00:50:32I know we were joking around about Murakami hitting his first double last night.

00:50:35Murakami got 14 homers and one double.

00:50:38Matt Olsen has 15 doubles and 12 big ones.

00:50:41We used to say homers are nothing but mistake doubles.

00:50:43Yeah.

00:50:44Yeah, you're trying to roast balls in the gap.

00:50:46Oop, I caught it.

00:50:47Got a little out front.

00:50:49Got him.

00:50:50See you later.

00:50:50By the way, can we set the scene right here?

00:50:53Yeah.

00:50:54Myself and Eric Nays were up until the wee hours of the night.

00:50:57We were diving into Kyle Tucker and his swing decisions.

00:51:00And then at 733, we get this bombshell dropped on us that Sean Casey wants to lock in on Matt

00:51:06Olsen's 300.

00:51:06Well, I called you.

00:51:07I'm glad you were up.

00:51:07Here we go.

00:51:08I called you at 730.

00:51:09I said, hey, I want to dive into Matt Olsen.

00:51:11Let's go.

00:51:11Hey, why wouldn't we, right?

00:51:12Yeah.

00:51:13Matt, look what he's doing right now is just incredible.

00:51:16And I don't want to sit back and sleep on him and overlook it like Roflow was saying.

00:51:21This guy's got 15 doubles, leading the league in extra base hits, 12 home runs, over 1,000 OPS, hitting

00:51:27300, like really doing some incredible things.

00:51:29Look at this right here.

00:51:30In 2026 already, home runs tied for third, RBIs first, slug at fourth, total bases, OPS.

00:51:37And look at the war.

00:51:382.5 war already for Matt Olsen.

00:51:41So impressive with what he's doing.

00:51:43I want to take a look and go back to last night and just see what he did against Logan

00:51:49Gilbert.

00:51:49Because, listen, we can't sleep on this.

00:51:51D. Rowe, you and I know we have a little over 100 home runs.

00:51:55You have exactly 100, right?

00:51:56I think I got 130 home runs.

00:51:57I felt like I hit a million.

00:51:59This is number 300 right here for Matt Olsen.

00:52:03I mean, and the reason why, this guy shows up, plays every single day.

00:52:07What a great piece of hitting right there.

00:52:08Ball's down, spinning, stays through it, goes dead center.

00:52:11Look at this right here.

00:52:13First baseman with 300-plus home runs in their first 1,259 games.

00:52:17Look at the names.

00:52:17Mark McGuire, Harmon Killebrew, Pujols, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Fox, Hank Greenberg.

00:52:23He just went into elite company last night with 300 homers, man.

00:52:26We can't just sort of show the highlight and say, hey, that's cool.

00:52:29No, this is really cool.

00:52:30Yeah.

00:52:31It's really amazing what he's doing.

00:52:32And what he's been doing, when you really look at it, you know, he's been really, really good at this

00:52:39pitch right here.

00:52:39I don't care if you're lefty or righty.

00:52:42He's getting you, and he's getting you big.

00:52:44That pitch, middle in, it's something that he's just dominating people on, right?

00:52:49I mean, I think one thing, too, D. Rowe, when you see a guy like Matt Olsen, you know, you're

00:52:53trying to kind of go away, and he's creeping you back in.

00:52:56And I love it.

00:52:57It's the visual game here.

00:52:59He's looking out over the plate, and he's begging you to come back in, and he's forcing you back in.

00:53:04And when he does, he makes you pay.

00:53:06And that's why he's been so good.

00:53:08It's just been incredible.

00:53:09And that's the thing, too.

00:53:10Lefty or righty, it really, really doesn't matter.

00:53:13Case.

00:53:13Jeff Francois was around the batting cage not too long ago.

00:53:16He was asking Matt Olsen about facing lefties.

00:53:20Yeah.

00:53:20And he's like, I don't even, he thinks that it is overblown.

00:53:24Overblown it is, dude.

00:53:25One hundred percent, he goes, and his numbers support it.

00:53:29Right.

00:53:29He's got identical numbers from both sides.

00:53:32Reverse righties, verse lefties.

00:53:33It's incredible.

00:53:34It's coming from a different angle.

00:53:35Stop with the whole thing.

00:53:37We've got a platoon.

00:53:37Hammer's the inside.

00:53:38Highest slug inside pitches, Aaron Judge.

00:53:40You're just really good.

00:53:41That's the bottom line.

00:53:42But Matt Olsen, 596.

00:53:44I mean, really, really impressive.

00:53:46You talk about inside pitches and what he's doing, you know?

00:53:52And, you know, it's just, it's pretty good.

00:53:53This is when I knew he got off to an unbelievable start.

00:53:56He took on Scoogle case.

00:53:58Yeah.

00:53:58He was on every pitch he threw.

00:54:01Look at this.

00:54:01Left on left.

00:54:02Left on left.

00:54:03It was so impressive.

00:54:04And look how he's spitting on the pitches.

00:54:06That pitch middle end, that's what Scoogle wants to do.

00:54:09But then he's pushing you out, pushing you out.

00:54:11Tell people, pause this real quick.

00:54:13Tell people right there, you have an A-B like that, a seven-pitch A-B, and hit a seed,

00:54:18and

00:54:18they make a diving play, yeah, you're frustrated you didn't get a hit, but one at-bat leads

00:54:22to the next.

00:54:22You did what you had to do.

00:54:24Now, let's think of, that's a great point.

00:54:26Let's think about that at-bat when we show this at-bat, because I want the viewer to have

00:54:32this in mind when you think about this.

00:54:33Matt Olsen, where he is on the dish, he's pretty close, right?

00:54:36So, the presence that he has, the pitcher looks at this and goes, where am I going here?

00:54:41This guy's 6'5", his hands are over the dish.

00:54:45You would think in.

00:54:45He's right on top of the plate.

00:54:46You would think in, right?

00:54:47Now, it's not as easy to go in as you want.

00:54:49Now, listen, as a hitter, a guy that's on the dish, that's like he is, what he's trying

00:54:55to do visually is push you out, right?

00:54:57He's trying to push you out here.

00:54:59Now, listen, if Scoogle's trying to get him chased with sliders away, and he doesn't chase,

00:55:04then what does he do?

00:55:04It's a visual game.

00:55:05He brings you back to his strength, middle end.

00:55:08That's what he's trying to do, right?

00:55:09So, go ahead and run this at-bat, because this is a really good one.

00:55:12So, there's Scoogle trying to go away.

00:55:14He does.

00:55:15Doesn't bite on that slider down.

00:55:17Another one away.

00:55:17Paint.

00:55:18Two paint.

00:55:18Look at that.

00:55:19That's the case.

00:55:20That's the spit.

00:55:21Now, he can handle that one.

00:55:22Handles that one.

00:55:23Now, watch this.

00:55:24Ball's up and away again.

00:55:25He tries to come in, and he gets you.

00:55:27That's a big-league hitter.

00:55:29That's what the elite hitters do.

00:55:31Pause it right there if you can.

00:55:32That's what the elite hitters do.

00:55:34The bottom line is, he brought him back to middle end.

00:55:38Listen, you face a guy like Terrence Scoogle.

00:55:40The reason he's one of the most elite pitchers, because he's not giving you much to hit.

00:55:45You know, you see the ones Matt Olsen's fouling off?

00:55:48Paint in.

00:55:49Up and away.

00:55:50But then he gets the one pitch that's middle end out over the plate a little bit, and he

00:55:55hammers them.

00:55:55So, like, that's what elite hitters do right there.

00:55:58So, go ahead and run that through.

00:56:00But it's just really impressive, man.

00:56:02You know, I think when you look at what he...

00:56:04He almost hit four of these pitches out.

00:56:07He's on every one of these.

00:56:09And then this next one's gone.

00:56:11Boom.

00:56:12Boom.

00:56:12And look at that.

00:56:12Leak's kind of middle end, but it's kind of middle, middle.

00:56:16All right, Case.

00:56:16And the Chief's in right center.

00:56:17I want to get into the side angle.

00:56:19Yeah.

00:56:19Right?

00:56:19First baseman, lefty.

00:56:21Pause.

00:56:22Yeah.

00:56:22And we're going to bring up a ton of these.

00:56:25But I know the one thing we have noticed, and you can run this because we have the side

00:56:29angle from 23, the side-by-side.

00:56:32Yeah, I love it.

00:56:32He is pigeon-toeing that front foot a la...

00:56:35And you see it.

00:56:36Here he is in 23.

00:56:37He hit 54, drove in 139, if I'm not mistaken, this year.

00:56:41Right.

00:56:42In 23.

00:56:43So, the setup's pretty much the same.

00:56:45I mean, a little different with the way he's presenting his hands.

00:56:48To bring it again, though, as from a pitcher's point of view, look how scary that is, really.

00:56:54With his hands out over, look how big he is.

00:56:57They want to try and get it in.

00:56:58It's just tough to do.

00:56:59Yeah.

00:56:59Go to the side-by-side of the side angle.

00:57:03Because then you can really see the front foot exposed.

00:57:07Pause it.

00:57:08Yeah.

00:57:08Look at the difference in his front foot from 23 to 26.

00:57:11And you were talking to me back in edit.

00:57:13You used to...

00:57:14I used to do that.

00:57:15...bess around with it.

00:57:15I used to do this.

00:57:16And the reason why is that feeling of sometimes I felt like when I was square, I felt like

00:57:23I was like almost...

00:57:24Because I was open, like Matt Olsen is.

00:57:26When I was open and square, sometimes I felt like I was kind of leaking here.

00:57:30As a hitter, especially the reason he hits lefty so well, you know, you want to feel like

00:57:35you're kind of closed.

00:57:36You're angled toward left center.

00:57:37For you as a righty, the right center gap.

00:57:40And I used to turn that front foot like this, too.

00:57:42What it did was it made me feel like my front hip and my front side was almost angled to

00:57:48left center.

00:57:49Now, it wasn't.

00:57:49But that little turn right there made me feel like it kept me in.

00:57:52It's just more of a mental thing than anything.

00:57:54Because when you step, you're going to end up stepping square like that.

00:57:57You're not stepping like this.

00:57:59And I think that's helped me so much.

00:58:00Did you do that a lot?

00:58:01Yeah.

00:58:01I did it my whole career.

00:58:03You were like this?

00:58:04My whole career.

00:58:04My whole career I was like that.

00:58:06Yeah.

00:58:06Are you the only person in the history of the game to boost the back leg up?

00:58:08I'm the only guy to ever do this.

00:58:09I don't know what I was doing.

00:58:10Yeah, no one knew what you were doing.

00:58:11I'm popping my hip.

00:58:12It's all about the speed.

00:58:16But, you know, you see him come in.

00:58:18It's just pretty impressive.

00:58:19And like I said before, the depth in the box hasn't changed much.

00:58:24Distance off the plate's very similar.

00:58:26Pretty much the same, yeah.

00:58:28Stance is maybe a little more open, but not a ton.

00:58:31But the guy, you know, it's little adjustments like this when you're in as lead a hitter as Matt Olsen

00:58:35is, that means a lot to him and his mind.

00:58:37Yeah.

00:58:38It's the mind game that you're kind of playing where you're trying to look for that feel.

00:58:41But, you know, there's the—

00:58:42See, you see that front foot down in 2026.

00:58:45The front foot turned in.

00:58:46He's definitely closed up a little bit.

00:58:48Yep.

00:58:49It's making—you say it the best.

00:58:51A little will get you a lot.

00:58:5380 will get you 100.

00:58:54That's it.

00:58:54They're not—

00:58:55I used to—

00:58:56Crazy—oh, look.

00:58:56Run that back for me.

00:58:59Yeah, see, I used to turn that front foot in.

00:59:01And it was the same thing.

00:59:02It just made me feel like I was locked in.

00:59:05It made me feel like I was directional.

00:59:07It made me feel directional.

00:59:08It made me feel like this front hip's tight.

00:59:10This front shoulder's in.

00:59:12For whatever reason, that turn of the foot just lined me up.

00:59:17And that's what Olsen feels.

00:59:18That's the feeling that he feels.

00:59:19Now watch.

00:59:20When he steps, he's open.

00:59:22Case, what a good swing you had.

00:59:23Right?

00:59:24Right?

00:59:25Thanks, brother.

00:59:25You see me come out of the box, though, getting ready to just ice skate and quicksand, baby.

00:59:29Just bam.

00:59:30Bam.

00:59:30This running technique didn't really work out too well.

00:59:33But listen, you hit him in the gaps, you can jog road flow.

00:59:36You know what I'm saying?

00:59:36There we go.

00:59:37Oh, I know what you're saying.

00:59:38Great stuff, guys.

00:59:39Let's take a quick timeout.

00:59:41First, Ballpark Cam gives you a live look in Seattle right now, where a little bit later

00:59:45this evening, it will be the Braves and Mariners yet again, continuing that series.

00:59:51Really good pitching matchup.

00:59:52Bryce Helder, George Kirby, that is your pitching matchup.

00:59:55If you're available and in the area, might I suggest Mariners.tv as an option for you.

01:00:03More MLB Central on the other side.

01:00:05Stay with us.

01:00:35John Sterling.

01:00:36Aaron Judge.

01:00:37A Judge-ian blast.

01:00:39Here comes the judge.

01:00:42Let's have a Tuesday.

01:00:43Shall we make it 22 wins for the Tampa Bay Rays as we approach the quarter mark of the

01:00:48season?

01:00:48It was division on division.

01:00:51Crime.

01:00:51They took the Jays in their own house, and they want to fill it up again with Drew

01:00:54Rasmussen on the mound tonight, who has 32 strikeouts, over 30 and two-thirds innings pitched this

01:01:00season.

01:01:01He will deal with the defending champions in the American League.

01:01:04The Blue Jays, of course, who fell short last October to the boys in blue.

01:01:07It came down to that game seven.

01:01:09And Shohei and company took the World Series north of the border.

01:01:13Those Dodgers in Houston, Texas tonight.

01:01:16And we'll hand the ball to Shohei Otani, who has been all over the pitching leaderboards

01:01:21in the early season.

01:01:22His ERA, .60.

01:01:23And if the run support last night is any indication, he'll be just fine with the Astros, 8-3.

01:01:30And stay up with us on MLB Network, because there are pirates in the desert.

01:01:35Pittsburgh coming off a sweep of the Reds over the weekend.

01:01:37Can Eduardo Rodriguez continue his winning ways and make it 3-0 on the air?

01:01:42940 on MLB Network tonight.

01:01:44Can't wait.

01:01:47Hey, this week only, MLB Plus is on sale for just $49.99 for the rest of the year.

01:01:55With MLB Plus, you get us.

01:01:57You can stream MLB Network 24-7.

01:01:59You get MLB Big Inning.

01:02:01Excuse me, that's just a great wraparound look at the night in Major League Baseball.

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01:02:06Radio calls for every Major League club.

01:02:09Access to minor league games and more.

01:02:11Go to MLB.com slash MLB Plus to sign up now.

01:02:21Yeah, that's right.

01:02:23Let it play.

01:02:24Oasis taking us to break, because when we come back, we're debuting a new segment.

01:02:30We're calling it the MLB Central Wall of Wonders.

01:02:34Burning questions that D-Row and Case must answer.

01:02:40What a jam.

01:02:43I said maybe you're going to be the one that saves me.

01:02:53MLB Central.

01:02:55Okay, new segment here on the program.

01:02:58We're calling it the MLB Central Wall of Wonders.

01:03:03Behind each door, burning questions that deserve an answer.

01:03:08D-Row and Case, and I think I'm choosing a door.

01:03:11Remember Prices, right?

01:03:12Yeah, yeah.

01:03:13Or, no, what was the, let's make a deal.

01:03:15Let's make a deal.

01:03:16Let's make a deal.

01:03:17That's kind of now.

01:03:18I'm going to get into surprises.

01:03:19I'm not a huge surprise guy.

01:03:20This is kind of like that, except there's not a prize there.

01:03:23Okay.

01:03:23Just a question.

01:03:24All right, so D-Row, you choose either door one, two, three, or four.

01:03:30Hey, give me door number three.

01:03:32Door number three.

01:03:35The question.

01:03:36Let's go.

01:03:38You're my wonder.

01:03:39Oh, my.

01:03:40Which team is the biggest threat to the Los Angeles Dodgers?

01:03:45Cubs, Yankees, Braves, or Padres, or maybe someone else?

01:03:52Am I answering two or no?

01:03:53Let D-Row go first, and then you can follow up.

01:03:55We can't figure it out.

01:03:56No, give me time to digest.

01:04:00I mean, the way they're playing right now, as good as the Braves have been,

01:04:03the Yankees throw a starting rotation.

01:04:05If Cole comes back, and he's 80% of old Cole,

01:04:10to kind of pair with Freed and Schlittler and the way they're throwing the ball,

01:04:13they'll address the bullpen at the deadline.

01:04:16I'll say the New York Yankees.

01:04:18I'm going to have to agree with that.

01:04:19Yeah, I think it's a clean story.

01:04:20And don't forget, Rodon's coming back, too.

01:04:22Yeah.

01:04:22And the way they're swinging.

01:04:23You have to be able to score runs,

01:04:25and you have to be able to keep the Dodgers in the ballpark,

01:04:28or keep them at bay, the Yankees potentially, on paper.

01:04:31The Braves have been an amazing story.

01:04:33I want to see the starting rotation breathe a little bit past sale.

01:04:36Okay, so that was door three.

01:04:38That is off the table here, Sean Casey.

01:04:40You can go any direction.

01:04:42One, two, four.

01:04:43I'm going to go door number one.

01:04:44Door number one.

01:04:46Door number one, baby.

01:04:46The question, which player would you rather have for the next decade?

01:04:52Decade?

01:04:53Acknowledge him, Roman Anthony, Connor Griffin, McGonagall, or J.J. Weatherholt?

01:05:01I hate you, Mark Capalbo.

01:05:03There's a lot of good players.

01:05:04I know.

01:05:05Obviously, I want all those guys.

01:05:08I know.

01:05:08But I'm going to have to say, living in Pittsburgh and seeing this kid come up,

01:05:12Connor Griffin, because you're going to have a future shortstop, middle of the diamond player,

01:05:19makes me think of kind of like a Bobby Witt Jr., and you got him for the next 15 years,

01:05:24I'm taking him.

01:05:25And he's hitting over 400 over his last, how many games, Nace?

01:05:29Over his last 10 games, Connor Griffin hitting.

01:05:32I'm with Case 2.

01:05:34I would take them all.

01:05:35I hate this question.

01:05:38Kevin McGonagall's going to win batting titles.

01:05:40J.J. Weatherholt's going to win batting titles.

01:05:42That's the kind of bat-to-ball skills.

01:05:45But I want Connor, too.

01:05:46You know I'm in love with Ron Anthony.

01:05:48Yeah, I know.

01:05:48You've been on.

01:05:49Yeah.

01:05:49They're all going to be stars.

01:05:51But I've been on Connor since he was 16 years old.

01:05:54No wrong answer.

01:05:55That's four stars right there.

01:05:56This is 40-40.

01:05:58Are you going to say that every time you're on him since 16?

01:06:02Are you the only guy that was on him at 16?

01:06:03Yeah.

01:06:04Yeah.

01:06:05I honestly think I might have been.

01:06:07I kind of like Kevin McGonagall a little bit.

01:06:09He wears my favorite number seven.

01:06:12Okay.

01:06:12I get to pick now.

01:06:14I'm going to pick door number two.

01:06:18All right.

01:06:19Roll flow.

01:06:19What do we got?

01:06:21Ooh, blind resume.

01:06:22You know how we love a good blind resume.

01:06:24On the left, Nolan McClain.

01:06:27Who is that on the right?

01:06:29I mean, do we get any hints?

01:06:31Well, your hints are those stats there.

01:06:33I know, but American or National League.

01:06:36ERA is slightly better.

01:06:38Strikeout percentage.

01:06:43Pitch is in the same city as Nolan McClain.

01:06:47Max Freed.

01:06:48I'm sorry.

01:06:49Will Warren.

01:06:50Will Warren.

01:06:50Do it where?

01:06:51Will Warren.

01:06:52Will Warren is correct.

01:06:54Did someone say that to you?

01:06:55No.

01:06:56Wow.

01:06:56I mean, no, no, you're right.

01:06:58You're right.

01:06:58I'm just, you know.

01:06:59Mix in a four box one night.

01:07:01Peruse the landscape.

01:07:02Maybe lock in on how good Will Warren's been.

01:07:06Yeah, one time.

01:07:07Good point.

01:07:08D-Row, why don't you take the last door?

01:07:11Yeah, give me door number one for the win.

01:07:14No, no.

01:07:15No, no, no.

01:07:15We've already chosen.

01:07:17Door four.

01:07:18I'm sorry.

01:07:18Door four.

01:07:18I thought that was the last one.

01:07:20I backdoored it.

01:07:21The question.

01:07:22Sorry.

01:07:24Which previous MLB Central guest would you like to see return?

01:07:29Napkin Killer on the far left.

01:07:33What is he doing right now?

01:07:35Easy, easy Ed Alstrom, the organ player in the middle.

01:07:38I like the organ.

01:07:39And then don't sleep on the far right, the musical group, Run River North.

01:07:45Who would you like to see come back?

01:07:47And remember, this is back in 2016.

01:07:49This was before I became part of the show.

01:07:52We were going down such a dark path with this show early.

01:07:56Is it Run River North?

01:07:58That is what I have here.

01:07:59That is correct.

01:08:00And that, of course, is Napkin Killer.

01:08:02His claim to fame was he could write little sketches on napkins in baseball.

01:08:08And you know what, guys?

01:08:09He brought a guest.

01:08:13You know what?

01:08:13I wish we did have you when this was going down.

01:08:16You would add some one-liners.

01:08:18Yeah.

01:08:18And then this is Easy Ed Alstrom.

01:08:20All right.

01:08:20If we're going to bring any of those three back.

01:08:23I was there when Easy Ed would play on opening day.

01:08:27I wouldn't mind Easy Ed for opening day.

01:08:30Okay.

01:08:30You know, playing the organ.

01:08:32I think that's a good choice.

01:08:33The other two, I hope you're doing great.

01:08:35Easy Ed.

01:08:36Easy Ed.

01:08:37That's a clean sweep.

01:08:38God, that was 10 years ago.

01:08:40Wow.

01:08:41Time flies.

01:08:41That's crazy.

01:08:42All right.

01:08:43So we'll have to do this again.

01:08:44That was excellent.

01:08:45The MLB Central Wall of Wonders.

01:08:50Okay.

01:08:51Hey, guys.

01:08:52Your portfolio taking a beating?

01:08:54I know.

01:08:55Same.

01:08:56But coming up, our resident stock expert, Gordon Dero, has some tips for you.

01:09:03Which player is expected to rise in the month of May?

01:09:08You're watching MLB Central.

01:09:09I don't throw darts at a board case.

01:09:12I bet on sure things.

01:09:20MLB.

01:09:20In order to make your dream your goal, you must be honest in thinking about what is important

01:09:26to achieve it.

01:09:27In the middle of my internal struggle, something historic happened.

01:09:33Hideo Nomo became the first major leaguer from Japan in my lifetime.

01:09:37His success inspired many, including me, because of Hideo Nomo's courage.

01:09:43My eyes suddenly opened to the idea of challenging myself by going somewhere I never imagined.

01:09:50When I came to America, many people said I was too skinny to compete with bigger major

01:09:56leaguers.

01:09:57The first time I ran out on the field, I was in awe of the competition.

01:10:01But I knew if I stuck to my beliefs about preparation, I could overcome the doubts, even my own.

01:10:09Going into America's Baseball Hall of Fame was never my goal.

01:10:14But being here today sure feels like a fantastic dream.

01:10:23All right.

01:10:24Let me lock in on the financials.

01:10:27Yeah, that's right.

01:10:28Let's bring in our resident stock expert, Gordon Dero, who joins us from his place in the Hamptons.

01:10:36Gordon, the portfolio has been down for largely everyone here recently.

01:10:42But give us some hope.

01:10:43Give us some players we should be buying stock in for the month of May.

01:10:47Yeah, not here.

01:10:48A quick recap of April.

01:10:50We're going to have two holds, Victor Scott and Yuri Perez, and three upside winners.

01:10:56We're going to start selling some guys at some point.

01:10:58Oh, sell them?

01:10:59Okay.

01:11:00Listen, we're going to hold these guys.

01:11:02Robert, you called it.

01:11:03We don't want to just start buying pump and dumps.

01:11:05Do not want that.

01:11:06No, we don't want that.

01:11:07No one wants that.

01:11:07So I brought Bud Fox with me.

01:11:09I got the robe on.

01:11:10Great to be here.

01:11:11Are you a robe guy?

01:11:12Yeah.

01:11:12Yeah, I actually am.

01:11:13Every once in a while.

01:11:15Every once in a while.

01:11:15You?

01:11:15You're definitely a robe guy.

01:11:16I'm a huge robe guy.

01:11:17Saturday morning robe.

01:11:18Cup of coffee.

01:11:19Let the dogs out.

01:11:20Musk up.

01:11:21And here we go.

01:11:22All right?

01:11:22Let's go up to the Hamptons.

01:11:24Come on.

01:11:24Here we go, Case.

01:11:26I can put the phone down.

01:11:27Yeah.

01:11:28All right.

01:11:29I'm going to give you a five.

01:11:31There's some dirt in the cleats with these five.

01:11:33I'm not going young guns.

01:11:35Okay.

01:11:35You can jump in.

01:11:36All right.

01:11:37I'm going to start small.

01:11:39Somebody's going to get hot in the Philadelphia Phillies lineup

01:11:42outside of the Turners and the Schwarbers and the Harpers.

01:11:46Who am I buying?

01:11:48Real quick.

01:11:49I think Bryson Stott's got it in the tank.

01:11:51Okay.

01:11:52Low heartbeat.

01:11:53Let's buy him at the start of May.

01:11:55I know he's gotten off to a tough start.

01:11:57He's slashing a buck 98 with two bombs in 29 games.

01:12:00But he's played on the biggest of stages.

01:12:02The Phillies need somebody to get rolling.

01:12:06And if I'm Bryson Stott, left-handed hitter,

01:12:08I'm walking up to my manager and saying,

01:12:11Help me.

01:12:13Donnie Baseball.

01:12:14Give me something.

01:12:15So I'm in on number five from the Phillies.

01:12:17I have been since he's arrived on the scene.

01:12:19Oh, I like this one.

01:12:20Okay.

01:12:20I like this one.

01:12:21Let's go.

01:12:21Yeah.

01:12:22The buckos are interesting.

01:12:23Yeah.

01:12:24And if he gets going and starts doing this going around the bases with the cones.

01:12:31I'm buying, too.

01:12:32I'm buying.

01:12:32Come on, Marcel.

01:12:33You know when he gets hot, he gets really hot.

01:12:36His stock could just go through the roof.

01:12:38942 OPS in May since the start of 2023.

01:12:41That's the sixth highest in baseball.

01:12:43And I'm telling you, these guys are dying to jump on his back.

01:12:46No, they really are.

01:12:47And this guy could change a game in a heartbeat.

01:12:49Start to hit the ball out of the ballpark out there at PNC Park.

01:12:52You're seeing it.

01:12:52You need to start believing, and I know they do in Pittsburgh.

01:12:55You throw out, and Tom Verducci was on earlier in the show.

01:12:59Case, they throw out guys that can stuff on the mound.

01:13:02There's a chance here.

01:13:03Yeah, nice chance.

01:13:04There's a chance here.

01:13:05I like this one here.

01:13:06Hey, all I've watched and read online and the depths of social media, which I need to get off of

01:13:15because it's a cesspool.

01:13:17Everybody is trying to fix Fernando Tatis.

01:13:19The fact that he doesn't have a homer is crazy.

01:13:22It is crazy.

01:13:22But you know what?

01:13:23He's jumping off his backside case.

01:13:25He's doing some things that...

01:13:26No, he is.

01:13:26He's going to right this ship here at some point.

01:13:28He's still hitting the ball hard.

01:13:30Yes, he is.

01:13:30That's the great sign about it.

01:13:31And you know how it goes.

01:13:32You just need that one, and then you start getting the slot.

01:13:35I'm going to buy the upside of Fernando Tatis.

01:13:38I'm also going to buy the upside of Quetel Marte.

01:13:40He's gotten off to a slow start as well.

01:13:42I was watching him over the weekend when they were playing the Cubbies.

01:13:45Imanaga was giving him pitches to hit.

01:13:47He was swinging right through him.

01:13:49That's not going to stay.

01:13:51This guy's number is the best second baseman in baseball.

01:13:54It's him and Terang and Nico Horner.

01:13:56He's hitting .214 with five.

01:13:59Yeah, Nase is in my ear.

01:14:00Look at the expected numbers, D-Row.

01:14:02He's got a .300 expected batting average with a .472 expected slug.

01:14:07So, huge upside coming for Quetel Marte.

01:14:10This guy's like Disney right here.

01:14:11Just keep buying.

01:14:12If I'm going to the electric chair.

01:14:14Apple.

01:14:15And I need one guy to take it at bat to save my life.

01:14:18Why wouldn't you go with it?

01:14:19This is a blue blood stock right here.

01:14:21That's Freddie Freeman.

01:14:21That's Freddie Freeman, man.

01:14:23And why do we do this?

01:14:24Because Nase dives into the numbers.

01:14:26He leads Major League Baseball with a .363 batting average in May since the start of 2020.

01:14:33So, we're not just throwing darts at a board.

01:14:35Numbers don't lie.

01:14:36Okay?

01:14:36Numbers don't lie.

01:14:37Your most valuable commodity, I know, it's information.

01:14:41Dive in on that.

01:14:43Freddie Briggs.

01:14:44You've got a beautiful house, man.

01:14:45Thanks, man.

01:14:46I was actually thinking of tearing this one down.

01:14:48Thanks for having me over.

01:14:49You were?

01:14:49I'll take this one.

01:14:50We're going to wrecking ball.

01:14:51And that boat is entirely too small.

01:14:53I do know of an airline stock that you probably should stay away from.

01:14:58It rhymes with Schmeritt.

01:14:59It rhymes with Schmeritt.

01:15:01Actually, you might be able to get it real cheap.

01:15:02I don't really know how the whole thing works.

01:15:05So, great stuff, guys.

01:15:06Hey, while I have you, let's talk about Coming Into Focus, presented by Essilor.

01:15:13All right.

01:15:15Can you guess who this was?

01:15:18Can you guess this blurred out image?

01:15:22That is Jackson Churio.

01:15:24That is Jackson Churio, yes.

01:15:26In his return to the Milwaukee Brewers lineup, all he does is throw out four knocks.

01:15:32Got on base five times as what a fantastic debut.

01:15:37Remember, he was scratched right before opening day with the injury to the finger.

01:15:42But he came back in fine form.

01:15:46Andrew Vaughn came back, too.

01:15:47Yes, that's right.

01:15:48Andrew Vaughn.

01:15:49So, definitely good news for the Milwaukee Brewers.

01:15:52Up next here on MLB Central, we're going to be joined by Rangers first baseman Jake Berger.

01:15:57His thoughts on the early part of 2026, his season so far, and what's the ceiling for his Texas Rangers.

01:16:08Jake Berger on the other side.

01:16:10I think Jake.

01:16:16Hey, coming up at the top of the hour, it is MLB Now, I believe hosted by Steve Phillips.

01:16:22I might need to double check on that.

01:16:24Oh, I got confirmation on that.

01:16:25They're going to be silencing us, the central haters.

01:16:29What the heck is that all about?

01:16:30I don't know.

01:16:31Joe Maddon joins the show to talk about Botani and talk about him hitting when he's pitching or not hitting

01:16:38when he's pitching.

01:16:39It's a whole thing going on.

01:16:40Top of the hour.

01:16:42MLB Now.

01:16:43Bando, here we go.

01:16:44Odds and trends.

01:16:45All right, I'm starting over.

01:16:46We're going to actually try from this point forward.

01:16:48You said that last week.

01:16:49No.

01:16:50We're back in it.

01:16:51Yandy Diaz to record at least two total bases.

01:16:54I'm taking it against the Blue Jays.

01:16:55Just the way he's swinging the bat.

01:16:57You like it.

01:16:57I really do like it.

01:16:58Well, I like him.

01:17:00Your vote doesn't count unless you get it right.

01:17:04Okay.

01:17:05Then it goes into D-Rose's tally.

01:17:06Then it goes into my tally.

01:17:07He's seven for 12 with a homer off Gosman.

01:17:10Sign me up for two.

01:17:11All right.

01:17:12He has just two total bases in just four of his last 13.

01:17:16Just keep in mind.

01:17:17Finally, excuse me.

01:17:18Next, Pirates, Diamondbacks on the money line.

01:17:21Diamondbacks have lost four in a row.

01:17:22Pirates have won three in a row.

01:17:25Dominant sweep of the Reds coming off that D-back swept by the Cubs.

01:17:29Your nemesis, Eduardo Rodriguez on the line.

01:17:32Yeah, I watched him dominate in the WBC final.

01:17:36How can I bet against them?

01:17:37Okay.

01:17:38All right.

01:17:39Give me the D-backs.

01:17:40And then finally, Logan Webb over under five and a half strikeouts.

01:17:44Taking on the Padres.

01:17:48Okay.

01:17:48He's gone over five and a half strikeouts.

01:17:50I mean, he's not looking to punch tickets, but he's certainly capable.

01:17:52Yeah.

01:17:54Give it to me.

01:17:54I'm going to take it.

01:17:55I'm going to take it.

01:17:56I'll take it.

01:17:56I'll take it when I'll be over five.

01:17:58All right.

01:17:58I'll be now.

01:17:59All right.

01:17:59Hey, Matt.

01:18:00Guys.

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01:18:20Ballpark M is up and running at Yankee Stadium where the Yankees are red hot.

01:18:26But they take on the Texas Rangers tonight to begin a new series.

01:18:29And how about this matchup?

01:18:31Jacob deGrom returning to New York, albeit not against the Mets, but take it on the Yankees.

01:18:38Jacob deGrom with his numbers.

01:18:39He's two and one.

01:18:41BRA just above two.

01:18:43Elmo Rodriguez gets the start for the Yankees.

01:18:46Speaking of the Rangers, their first baseman, Jake Berger on the other side.

01:18:49Next.

01:18:55We want to remind you that tomorrow it's the MLB Network showcase game.

01:19:00It's the Rangers and Yankees.

01:19:02Seven o'clock Eastern right here on MLB Network.

01:19:07And we expect our good friend Jake Berger to be in that game and that broadcast.

01:19:11Of course, he'll be playing.

01:19:12He's not announcing.

01:19:13It would be weird if he was announcing.

01:19:14He's trying to go deep.

01:19:17And the Rangers first baseman, Jake Berger, joins us now as they get set to begin a series tonight against

01:19:22the New York Yankees.

01:19:23Jake, you were telling us during the break that you had the off day yesterday.

01:19:27Your wife has accompanied you on this road trip, but you're without the little ones.

01:19:32And that's a little weird, right?

01:19:34Yeah.

01:19:34No kids.

01:19:35First time in three years.

01:19:37So, you know, it's weird to be able to just lay down in bed whenever you want to with each

01:19:41other and take a nap.

01:19:43You know?

01:19:44Yeah.

01:19:44You went to bed at 8.30 last night.

01:19:47Was it a room service extravaganza?

01:19:51No, no.

01:19:52We got out, you know, did a little shopping, you know, had a nice dinner.

01:19:56But we were definitely in bed by 8 and watched a show and watched a movie and just kind of

01:20:01vegged out.

01:20:02There you go.

01:20:03Jake, what's your favorite?

01:20:04I mean, like, obviously you're in New York now, but, you know, what's your favorite city to go to where

01:20:08you feel like, all right, I'm glad I have an off day in this city?

01:20:10Uh, I do.

01:20:12I love New York for a good off day, you know, walking through Central Park and then obviously getting food.

01:20:17But for me, it's probably Chicago.

01:20:21You know, I just feel like I know that city the most.

01:20:24Obviously playing there when I did.

01:20:26And so, you know, I kind of have the plugs everywhere restaurant-wise.

01:20:29And also, I mean, summertime Chicago, stuff to beat.

01:20:32Well, you've had the opportunity now in Texas to play for two of the greatest people I've ever met in

01:20:39professional baseball, Bruce Bochy, and now transition to Skip Schumacher.

01:20:44Can you walk me through, I know there's differences there, just walk me through what Skip's been like and kind

01:20:51of bringing that breath of fresh air into the clubhouse.

01:20:53Yeah, Skip's awesome.

01:20:55You know, I love playing for Bochy.

01:20:58He's obviously a legend in the game and, you know, when he talks, he commands the room and it's fun

01:21:04to learn from him.

01:21:05But, you know, obviously I played for Skip in Miami for a year and a half and kind of getting

01:21:09him back in the mix was awesome.

01:21:12And, you know, he brings this energy and just this communication factor.

01:21:16You know, he kind of always keeps a tab on every 26 guy and, you know, just kind of has

01:21:23a pulse on just the clubhouse always.

01:21:26And, you know, he's there to go to battle every single night.

01:21:29You had him in Miami.

01:21:31Has he changed at all?

01:21:33No, same guy.

01:21:34You know, I think obviously he's learned from his time in Miami.

01:21:38And obviously in 23, he went to the postseason there and I know he's hungry to get back.

01:21:43But, you know, obviously you get a couple years under your belt.

01:21:46You learn and take that every single day.

01:21:50And, you know, I think for him, it's just communicating with the guys constantly and letting everybody know where they're

01:21:56at, you know, within the lineup or within the bullpen.

01:22:00And it's always good to have that type of communication.

01:22:04Jake, I'm always interested in since you broke in to where you're at now, obviously with the White Sox, with

01:22:10Miami.

01:22:11Now you've been with Texas the last couple of years.

01:22:13And, you know, we're here on the network talking about how the pitching has kind of evolved.

01:22:17What have you seen since you broke in to now how the pitching has evolved in baseball?

01:22:22Yeah.

01:22:23You know, I think when I first broke in, it was kind of a north-south attack.

01:22:27Everybody was into the four seams up, the curveball's down.

01:22:31And now it just seems like everybody's throwing, like, three fastballs, you know.

01:22:35And it's, I think every single year, it's, there's always something new, a new pitch that the entire league's working

01:22:44on.

01:22:44But, you know, I think on the hitting side, obviously there's more and more data.

01:22:49And that's given us an advantage as well.

01:22:52So it's always a fun chess game, but it's definitely a little different from when I first got into the

01:22:58league.

01:22:59Jake, we asked you this about the last time you were here, but I think it's worth mentioning again.

01:23:04The Berger Family Foundation is an organization you and your wife started because of your daughter.

01:23:11Tell us about it, if you would.

01:23:12Yeah, yeah.

01:23:13So the Berger Family Foundation, our daughter was born with Down syndrome October 25th, 2024.

01:23:19And ever since that day, we've kind of just taken off with this.

01:23:24You know, the community embraced us and we wanted to give back to the community.

01:23:27We had an awesome softball event last year, you know, with a lot of MLB guys.

01:23:32But, you know, what's really exciting for us is we've been able to place some adults with Down syndrome

01:23:38and kind of subsidize their salaries with, you know, other companies or businesses around the Nashville area.

01:23:46And now let's move into Dallas, too.

01:23:48So it's been really gratifying for us just to give back to this community.

01:23:52And, you know, it's one of those those diagnoses that you shouldn't be scared of because, you know,

01:23:59our motto is Down syndrome is cool.

01:24:00And we feel that way every single day.

01:24:03I love that.

01:24:03That's awesome.

01:24:04Elmer Rodriguez on the bump tonight.

01:24:06We're trying to get, you know, two for three with a walk and a three run pump.

01:24:10But you got it.

01:24:11You got a carb load in the morning.

01:24:13What's Jake Berger having for breakfast?

01:24:16You know, when you're in New York, I feel you got to go with the bagel sandwich.

01:24:19I mean, it makes too much sense, right?

01:24:22Any cream cheese on there?

01:24:25No, I went bacon, egg, and cheese.

01:24:28My wife loves some cream cheese.

01:24:31Jake, you a robe guy?

01:24:34Yeah, he is.

01:24:35Guys.

01:24:36Yeah, you know, hey, when the kids aren't around, you got to be, right?

01:24:43The robe guy.

01:24:44When the kids aren't around, maybe you're not a robe guy.

01:24:47I don't know.

01:24:48Depending on how you're feeling.

01:24:50I don't know.

01:24:50Hey, Jake, always great to catch up with you, man.

01:24:53You're one of our favorites.

01:24:54Good luck this week against the New York Yankees, and best of luck moving forward.

01:24:58Thanks, Jake.

01:24:58Thanks for having me, guys.

01:25:00That's Jake Berger of the Texas Ring.

01:25:02That's great.

01:25:03Awesome guy.

01:25:04All right, let's walk it off.

01:25:05If we, in our A block, in our opening segment, D-Row had the New York Yankees mocked up being

01:25:10invited to the Met Gala.

01:25:12Yes.

01:25:12Well, this is the actual Met Gala.

01:25:14This is not a mock-up.

01:25:16That's Bad Bunny as an older man.

01:25:19As an old man.

01:25:20I don't know why he did it, but he did it.

01:25:23And it's effective.

01:25:25Interesting.

01:25:25And interesting.

01:25:27Yeah, not my cup of tea, but I got it.

01:25:31Steve Phillips looks like he would dominate a Met Gala.

01:25:34I would probably wear a luchador mask.

01:25:36Yeah.

01:25:37And a tuxedo.

01:25:38That is actually a great idea.

01:25:41That could definitely play.

01:25:43MLB Now is next.

01:25:44Oh, my God.

01:25:46Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.

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