Baseball Isn’t Boring

While the chaos of the MLB postseason is unfolding, the future of baseball is showing their stuff in the Arizona Fall League. So instead of just looking at the whole scene from afar, Baseball Isn't Boring has its own AFL correspondent to bring you the what's what when it comes to life in the prospect-heavy league. Red Sox pitching prospect Christopher Troye kicks off the first installment of 'Troye Story' with Bradfo, going deep when it comes to his journey, mindset and perception of this new world around him. There is talk of working out with Orlando Bloom and Adam Levine, along with the three prospects in the AFL that have already caught CT's eye. (Spoiler: White Sox fans you will be happy.) It's some unique, entertaining and important baseball talk. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A very important discussion has to be had: Who has the best remaining fan base? Fortunately, we have Courtney Finnicum at the ready to rate the groups that are still standing in this postseason. Courtney joins Bradfo to dive into who is the best of what is still left, with plenty of examples and electricity used to support the picks. There is also talk of ballpark Prosecco. Go ahead, listen and then start the debate ... To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Dodgers are down 2-0. The Phillies just lost their first postseason game in heartbreaking fashion. And now the Orioles are facing elimination. We need perspective, and that's what the face and voice of the O's fans, Eric Arditti (@editti22), is here for. For hope. For inspiration. For some laughs. For a look at what has been and what might be. Listen to all good old fashioned postseason therapy session with Eric and Bradfo. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bradfo sits down with PGA Tour Champion Keegan Bradley to discuss his love of Boston sports, the similarities between baseball and golf, and his friendship with the late great Tim Wakefield To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rangers are red-hot, winning the first two games of their best-of-five series against the Orioles. How did they get here? Well, Bradfo and Rangers broadcaster C.J. Nitkowski dig in on how this roster was built and how much credit former President of Baseball Operations Jon Daniels should get when it comes to what we're witnessing with the Rangers. It's all part of a lengthy conversation between the two involving all things Texas Rangers. To listen to the complete podcast, click here. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rangers are on the cusp of sweeping the Orioles after winning their fourth postseason game in a row. There is nobody better to explain what is going on with Texas than C.J. Nitkowski. Bradfo sits down with the Rangers broadcaster - and MLB Network Radio host - to dissect exactly what is happening with a team some thought wouldn't even make it to the playoffs. It is the best way to explain what is happening with one of October's best stories. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As part of the debut episode of STAT (Saturday's Think About This), Liam 'Skiff' Skiffington catches up with former major leaguer Jonny Gomes. One of the topics discussed by the pair is something Gomes is very familiar with: Team chemistry. In this part of the conversation Skiff and Gomes look back at his 2013 run with the Red Sox and how important having the right vibe on that team was in their success. To listen to the entire episode, click here. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the first episode of STAT: Saturday's Think About This, Liam Skiffington sits down with MLB veteran Jonny Gomes. Together they explore Jonny's postseason experience, discuss the keys to postseason success, touch on his distinctive beard care, and dive into his work as the head of business strategies at the cutting edge technology company, Yakkertech. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Producer Evan and Bradfo get you ready for the next round of postseason games, which includes, of course, the Phillies against the Braves. The guys pick their winners in the four series, while analyzing if Jonathan Papelbon will be making $150,000 from his wager on Philadelphia to win the whole thing. We also have a contest! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rich Hill gives his perspective on the downfalls of analytics used in the Postseason (i.e. Blake Snell and Jose Berrios) and which pitchers he would want on his team when entering a crucial game in the 2023 Postseason To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bradfo caught up with Phillies GM and Red Sox GM/POBO candidate Sam Fuld during the Phillies celebration last night to discuss building a winning culture, watching the games as an executive as compared to a player, and what he has learned working under Dave Dombrowski To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Phillies are certainly a unique group, perhaps representing the hottest team in baseball heading into the second round of baseball. Bradfo caught up with President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski, owner John Middleton and GM Sam Fuld in the midst of the Phillies' celebration to discuss the building of this collection of players. Also included is Jake Cave proclaiming that the Phillies celebrate better than any team in baseball. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's another offseason which means Rich Hill is back on Baseball Isn't Boring and this time he has some news to reveal regarding his future. After breaking out his plans for 2024, Hill goes on to offer some insight into what happened in his two months with the Padres. Also in the conversation with Bradfo, the lefty offers his take on team-building and where managers are going right and wrong when it comes to the postseason. There is also an innovative suggestion regarding team dinners. On the day four teams punched their tickets to the next round of the postseason, Rich is a great guy to get perspective from. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bradfo is joined by Phillies Ace and Wild Card Game 1 Starter Zack Wheeler to discuss what it's like to pitch in the postseason, how Phillies fans and the Citizens Bank Park playoff environment compares to other places he's pitched, and most importantly, a Phillies 2022 playoff moment that made him go "WOW!" To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Zach Eflin trying to save the Rays' season, it is timely to listen to Bradfo's conversations with Tampa Bay pitching coach Kyle Snyder and Eflin about the idea of the starter serving as a postseason ace. Snyder goes deep into the reasons why he believes Eflin is the right guy at the right time, while Eflin offers insight into lessons he learned in the playoffs with the Phillies as a reliever a year ago. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The celebration of the postseason after Day 1 easily went to Phillies' Nick Castellanos, who sprung up from his double to flash his own dugout his ring finger. It was organic and symbolic. After the Phils' win Bradfo caught up with Brandon Marsh to get the what's what when it came to the moment, while dissecting the entire scene at Citizens Bank Park in Game 1 of Philly's series against the Marlins. We also give you Castellanos' take on the entire night, from the ring finger to Rhys Hoskins' first pitch. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is nobody better to bring on the podcast after the first wave of postseason games than former major league Nick Punto, who went to the playoffs with both the Twins and Cardinals. Punto explains why it took Minnesota 19 years to crack the code in the postseason, while pointing to his time in St. Louis as the proper path to success. The familiarity for Punto didn't stop with Minnesota's involvement, as is evident by his admittance that he was torn between his best friend (Marlins manager Skip Schumaker) and the team he was playing, Punto's former club in Philadelphia. It's the postseason perspective you need. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Phillies Slugger Kyle Schwarber joins Bradfo to talk about the incomparable environment that comes with the postseason crowds he experienced in Philly, Boston, and Chicago that bring out such a euphoric feeling for him and his teammates on the big stage To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just more than two months ago, Jake Burger was playing for a floundering White Sox team with no hope of making the postseason. Today he is a key member of one of the most exciting teams in the playoffs, the Miami Marlins. Burger returns to the podcast to talk with Bradfo about his trade, what it means for his family to play for Marlins' GM Kim Ng, and one of the best fake-paying strategies we have come across. It's always a good time with Jake, a notion the baseball world is about to find out. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's time for the postseason, and there is no better way to kick off the second season than with one of the podcast MVPs of the regular season, Phillies pitcher Matt Strahm. The lefty joins Bradfo once again, this time from the site of Philadelphia's Wild Card round matchup against the Marlins, Citizens Bank Park. Strahm talks Phillies' team dinners, MLB rules and the nonsensical Bryce Harper fine. As always, it's a good time with North Dakota's finest. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mets Owner Steve Cohen and New Mets President Of Baseball Operations David Stearns meet with the New York and National Media to discuss his hiring, why they chose to move on from Buck Showalter, their plans for this offseason, Pete Alonso's future with the Mets, and much much more To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The postseason is finally upon us which means things are going to be taken up a notch. That's why Bradfo, Producer Evan and Liam 'Skiff' Skiffington are ready to rank the Least Boring Postseason Teams ... all 12 of them. And as a special bonus, Baltimore pitcher Cole Irvin and Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen stop by to give their takes. (Spoiler: Irvin's pick might be a bit biased.) Its' a great way to jump into playoff baseball. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just moments after the Red Sox announced the passing of former pitcher/broadcaster Tim Wakefield at the age of 57, Bradfo is joined by MLB.com's Ian Brown to reflect on Wakefield, the person, the player and the iconic ambassador. Both Bradfo and Browne covered the knuckleballer throughout his career, while witnessing first-hand all the good Wakefield did well after throwing his last pitch. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Red Sox' season coming to a close, outfielder Alex Verdugo met with the media prior to Game 162 to answer questions about his 2023 campaign. It was one that started with some much promise, but tailed off with Verdugo experiencing a couple of benchings, various injuries, and life as rumored trade piece. Verdugo - who is entering a contract year - also talked about having to deal with some off-the-field issues. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After watching Kutter Crawford pitch six scoreless innings, giving up just one hit, against the Orioles, Red Sox manager Alex Cora explained what he is seeing and what we will be seeing when it comes to the intriguing righty. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Of the many takeaways from Kenley Jansen's most recent sit-down with Bradfo, one of them was how motivated he is heading into next season. As the closer turns 36 years old, the portion of the conversation serves as a glimpse into Jansen's mindset as the 2023 season comes to a close. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Orioles GM Mike Elias announces Orioles Closer Felix Bautista will not return for the playoffs and will instead undergo Tommy John Surgery To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bradfo catches up with Orioles First Baseman Ryan Mountcastle to discuss his experiences with celebrations and hangovers which are all too familiar after their celebration of winning the AL East To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the dismissal of Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom, the Red Sox front office has been thrust into a mode it experienced four years ago when Dave Dombrowski was let go. All hands on deck. Assistant general manager Eddie Romero - a candidate for the vacant chief decision-maker role with the Sox - sits down with Bradfo to offer some insight into how things are being done heading into the offseason. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Cleveland manager Terry Francona spending his final couple of days in the dugout, one of his favorite players, Dustin Pedroia, talked with Bradfo about the pair's relationship and why Tito is so special to him. There are also some classic Pedroia/Francona stories along the way. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex Cora addresses Nick Pivetta's late season surge, important stats when approaching the postseason, and what has surprised him about the pitch clock To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There have been few seasons in baseball history with as many rule changes/adjustments as 2023, so it only makes sense to ask an MLB manager with experience managing under the old rules and new rules in Gabe Kapler to give his perspective on just how much different it truly was this year To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are only a few people on this planet who know the feeling of being on the mound for the final out of a major league season. Daniel Hudson is one of them, having secured the world championship for the 2019 Washington Nationals. Bradfo not only talks to Hudson about the experience, but also current Dodgers late-inning reliever Evan Phillips and Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen about their drive and dream to experience what the former Nationals' relief pitcher did. You are going to hear some powerful emotions talking about one of baseball's most powerful moments. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The craziest weekend of the regular season deserves to be broken down and analyzed by the Betting Isn't Boring guru, former Red Sox, Phillies and Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon. Pap joins Bradfo to take a deep dive into who they think will be coming out of the next few days as postseason participants, while putting their picks out there regarding the initial wave of postseason series. It's a FanDuel spectacular! Join the fun at fanduel.com/boring. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the 2022 Playoffs, no team made a more surprising and impactful run than the Philadelphia Phillies, which was due in large part to the contributions out of the bullpen from Zach Eflin, now, a year later, as we approach the beginning of the 2023 Playoffs, Zach Eflin hopes to make just as big of an impact, except with a new team, the Tampa Bay Rays, and a new role, the ace of the starting rotation. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This will be the third time James Paxton will be eligible for free agency, and maybe the most unique of all the previous situations. Paxton is coming off an injury-riddled season, making 19 starts for the Red Sox. But all the ailments were to his legs, with his arm (and stuff) holding up throughout the 2023 campaign. So now, with Paxton having been shut down due to a knee injury, how does he view this coming offseason? Bradfo sits down with the 34-year-old lefty for an honest look at this season and what awaits. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach Eflin had some quality moments during the Phillies postseason run a year ago, but it came out of the bullpen. This time around he will be entering the playoffs as a No. 1 starter, being counted on by the Rays to be their workhorse. Can he do it? Listening to Tampa Bay pitching coach Kyle Snyder's conversation with Bradfo, it certainly seems the timing is right. Not only does Bradfo sit down with Bradfo, but he also catches up with Eflin to dissect his mindset after learning those lessons from 2022. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bradfo catches up with Red Sox Closer Kenley Jansen to discuss what makes Mookie Betts so special... To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the first time in 10 years Kenley Jansen is not heading to the postseason, and it is hurting him. The Red Sox closer sits with Bradfo to reveal his true feelings on the Red Sox season and why the frustration of what wasn't done still sits with him. Jansen is open and honest about his present, his future and the one thing that serves as his ultimate motivation. There is also some in-depth talk about Mookie Betts, or as Kenley calls him "Baseball Jesus". While all the celebrations are going on, this is the ultimate look at the pain of being left behind. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most 22-year-olds are learning lessons and aiming to have a long successful career in their chosen field, but most aren't learning those crucial and important lessons on a major league field in the World Series, that's why Kolten Wong's lesson is one that you aren't going to want to miss... To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the final week of the MLB regular season and Producer Evan and Liam 'Skiff' Skiffington are ready to define who are heading into the postseason at their Top 10 teams. We also look back at some of our early-season Power Rankings, while reflecting on Jonathan Papelbon's genius in picking the Phillies at No. 5 even when they were four games under .500. There is, of course, the weekly debate of which team among the Orioles, Braves and Dodgers should be considered the best of the best. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ron Roenicke was the only manager former Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom both hired and fired. It's why his perspective on Bloom's dismissal is an intriguing one. Bradfo caught up with Roenicke, who now works with the Dodgers, to get his reaction to the turnover involving the Sox, and how the unique Boston market may have impacted the decision. Roenicke also discusses how the relationship between front offices and the managers have evolved. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is no better person to examine how Major League Baseball front offices have evolved than J.P. Ricciardi. From living life with the Moneyball A's, to running the Blue Jays as their general manager, to working for the big market Mets, and now being part of the San Francisco Giants way of doing things, Ricciardi has seen a lot ... and has a lot of opinions. J.P. joins Bradfo and NBC Sports' John Tomase to analyze where things have gone wrong, where things have gone right and how front offices can get the absolute best out of the product on the field. If you want to get an raw view of today's front office landscapes, this is the podcast for you. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brandon Gomes understands the life of a postseason major leaguer, having gone through it with the Rays in 2011. But his current existence is something completely different - that of a general manager. The Dodgers' executive sits down with Bradfo to offer some insight when it comes to what life is like for front offices as their teams navigate the days leading into the playoffs and even those series-clinching celebrations. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The race for National League MVP between Mookie Betts and Ronald Acuna Jr. will likely go down to the wire. But there is another relevant conversation that is of particular interest to his Dodgers teammate J.D. Martinez - is this campaign better than Betts' 2018 MVP season? Bradfo catches up with Martinez, who witnessed the entirety of both years, to get the Los Angeles' slugger's unique perspective. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Few have experienced the dramatic ups and downs of the postseason over the last 10 years like Kolten Wong. Brandon Gomes helped build the latest Dodgers team heading to the postseason. And rookie James Outman doesn't really know what to expect when it comes the coming weeks. Bradfo sits down with all three to get their unique perspective when it comes to viewing exactly what awaits in the wild world of the MLB postseason. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ryan Brasier has pitched in 16 postseason games, a number that is going to be increasing thanks to his presence on the National League West champion Dodgers. Bradfo reunited with Brasier once again to talk about what postseason newbies should expect when October roles around, reflecting on some of his more memorable experiences in the playoffs (such as telling Gary Sanchez to get back in the batter's box in 2018). The duo also discusses Brasier's continued resurgence, which has him pitching some of the highest leverage innings Los Angeles has to offer. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bradfo is back with another round of futures that will make you some serious dime! This time around he looks to the division winners and the last wildcard spots in the AL and NL to give you the picks to click! Tail or Fade Bradfo using this website: fanduel.com/boring... To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Talk show host Stephen A. Smith was exposed this week, both thanks to his terrible take on Shohei Ohtani and explanation after, but also on the field when trying to reach home plate on a first pitch at Yankee Stadium. We have examples. We have proof. Conversely, we also have a perfect ambassador for all that is good when it comes to loving the great game. His name is Jonas Never. Bradfo sit down with the artist just a few days after Never painted his second mural of The Godfather (Joe Kelly), this one residing inside Dodger Stadium. The former pitcher talks about his journey and why these iconic murals hit home for so many people. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Among all the front office conversation in recent weeks, one of the chief talks has been news that David Stearns will be headed to lead the Mets. It's a topic that came up in Bradfo's conversation with Former Mets GM, and MLB Network Radio host, Jim Duquette. Duquette offers his thoughts on what Stearns will bring, along with a potential payoff in keeping Billy Eppler around as the GM. To listen to the entire Duquette conversation, click here. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices