The Book of Joe with Joe Maddon & Tom Verducci

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci know it's early in the season, but how many 'good' teams have ever had terrible starts?  The Red Sox stumbled out of the gate, but can they turn it around? Tom notes the incident with Wilson Contreras and the Brewers and what happens next. Tropicana Field is open once again and Joe recalls his time in Tampa and the stadium.  We're starting to see injuries pop up and Joe talks about managing things early so they don't become a season-long issue. Plus, Tom and Joe bid farewell to the legendary 'Dark Horse' in Boulder, Colorado. The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci dive into the use of the ABS system, which has already had a tremendous impact.  How does Joe think the use of the system changes as the game moves forward?  Tom reveals where the most success comes from with challenges.  How does this affect catchers and their influence on pitching? The Yankees have had an amazing start to the season.  Tom notes Shohei Ohtani's first start of the year.  Plus, is there any advantage to signing young players to big deals? Tom shows how the current line of thinking is playing out. The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss Opening Day and the need for teams to get off to a good start!  What is the biggest thing a team will see in the first few weeks of the season?  Joe reveals the team he thinks can most challenge the Dodgers in the NL.  Tom talks about the players who will benefit from a solid performance in the WBC.  Following a memorable Babe Ruth story,  Joe and Tom name their World Series teams! The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss Venezuela's win over USA in the World Baseball Classic.  Joe points out the passion from Venezuela and the huge role baseball plays in their country and culture.  Tom asks about USA's hitting and what happened through the tournament. We offer kudos for the showing from Team Italy!  Plus, could there be MORE changes coming to baseball? The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci have been impressed with the games from the World Baseball Classic!  Tom explains how he's been very impressed with the DR lineup and the one breakout star from the Classic.  The Phillies extend Jesus Luzardo and Joe explains why he thinks it was perfect timing.  Tom is impressed with the Phils lineup and has a surprising comp for Kyle Schwarber. Plus, the passing of someone involved in one of the most pivotal moments in our Country's history! The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci the difference between Spring Training and the World Baseball Classic.  What makes it so popular and great for baseball?  Tom notes the growing popularity of the event as it starts its 6th year.  Konnor Griffin has been impressive in Spring Training.  Tom gives some impressive comps that has Joe excited about Griffin as a player.  Legendary ump Bruce Froemming passed away and Joe happens to have been his very last ejection.   Plus, a fun promotion coming this season for the Cardinals! Joe recalls some great event nights for teams and even some that should be avoided! The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci open with Arte Moreno saying winning isn't in the top 5 of the needs of the Angels. Joe explains what he believes the owner meant in the statement for the fans of the LA Angels. Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski passed away and Tom asks where Maz's home run in the 1960 World Series ranks amongst all-time hits.  Plus, will a coming rule change cause a safety issue for coaches?  The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci open with the future of Nick Castellanos with the Padres.  Tom looks at what's ahead for Mike Trout this season while Joe suggests a plan for the team to follow for success.  It's time for the ABS system in baseball and Tom explains how teams are preparing to use it.  After being at Dodgers camp, Tom talks about the team and Shohei Ohtani's start to the season. Plus, our hosts pay homage to the passing of Robert Duvall. The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci give their recap of the Super Bowl and how Sam Darnold blossomed into the QB he was supposed to be.  What did Joe think about the commercials this year? Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal wins a record arbitration case, but should he have been treated better by Detroit?  Heading into Spring Training, Tom is wondering about the plan in Boston for the Red Sox while Joe comments about the use of the ABS this season.   Plus, Tom notes the passing of the great QBs John Brodie and Sonny Jurgensen.   The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci welcome author Danny Funt, who wrote the book, Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling, which explores the growth of gambling and social acceptance in sports.  Danny discusses the mixed messages being sent and methods used to create habits which now has fans gambling on their phones throughout a game.  How did gambling go from 'evil' to being a partner of the professional leagues? The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci starts with the Seahawks/Patriots Super Bowl and the time commitment it takes for the head coaches.  Tom also thinks there's no sport that relies on a single player more than teams do with a quarterback.   Cody Bellinger stays with the Yankees  and Jose Ramirez reworked his deal with the Guardians.  Tom asks if the MacKenzie Gore deal makes sense for the Rangers. Plus, how did the US car market do last year and what's coming in the future?  The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci recap 'Cubs Convention 2026' celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Cubs World Series.  Joe touches on the some of the conversations he had and how the team coming back together was such a special event.  Tom notes the connection this team had with Cubs fans after ending the long drought in Chicago.   Turning to contracts and deals being done, Tom points out the real eye-popping numbers in the Dodgers deal with Kyle Tucker.  Is there a shift to high value, shorter term deals?  Andruw Jones and Carlos Betran are the newest Hall of Fame members.   Plus, Indiana wins the CFB Championship and Tom asks Joe about the aura of Head Coach Curt Cignetti.  The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci welcome Ken Lazarus to the podcast!  Ken is the CEO of Infinite Sky AI and explains what his company can do for pitching and baseball.  Tom notes the amount of data that's used for this process and what makes compiling a real answer so hard.  Joe asks about the impact on scouting and the ability to predict future talent or even needs for a team at the trade deadline.  This is an informative and entertaining look at the future of baseball! The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci reflect on their holidays and start with a note from the NFL and the Raiders. Joe talks about coaches/managers being let go after 1 season and how it reflects on those decision-makers.  Tom asks about the growing staffs on teams and how that affects chemistry and performance.  Don Mattingly is headed to the Phillies and Tom explains why he likes the move and Don! Tom looks at players that are available and players you'd take the risk on. What moves are the Blue Jays making to keep their momentum?  The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Tom Verducci welcomes the coming New Year by celebrating the 90th birthday of Sandy Koufax!   Tom looks back and the accomplishments of Koufax and how his career started and how he ended as a Hall of Famer, 4x World Series Champion, and 3x Cy Young Award winner. Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh wins the SI Breakout Player Award.  Tom documents his career from getting cut in high school to making the Major Leagues. What happens next for Raleigh and how does he respond after his 60 home run season? Pitchers are throwing faster than ever, but using less fastballs overall.  Tom brings out the data from this season to look at where the use of the fastball is heading.  Throwing 100mph used to be an anomaly, now every team has a pitcher that hits the mark.  The number of 100mph pitches has quadrupled in just the 6 years!  Tom wraps up 2025 with some MLB news on the A's and the future of Alex Bregman. The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the recent trade of Willson Contreras to the Boston Red Sox, exploring his potential impact and the dynamics of the Red Sox roster. It's a competitive landscape in the AL East,what are the strengths and weaknesses of the teams? Luke Weaver signs with the Mets and we touch on the evolving role of relief pitchers in today's game. Tom notes Adrian Houser switching to the Carnivore diet, could Joe stick to that menu?   The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci are watching free agency moves and focus on the NL East.  Tom notes the Phillies signing Adolis Garcia and how the team is looking for a turaround.  What does this mean for the future of Nick Castellanos?  Tom moves onto the Braves' depth strategy and the Mets' shift towards a more defensive approach.  What is available in free agency for starting pitchers or other impact players? Tom and Joe also pay tribute to George Altman, reflecting on his diverse career and dedication to baseball. The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the MLB Winter Meetings with Tom joining us from Orlando.  Kyle Schwarber re-signs with the Phillies and Joe explains how both sides fit each other so well.   How did the Schwarber deal help shape the future of Pete Alonso in Baltimore? Edwin Diaz heads to the Dodgers, but how do the Mets respond? Plus, Tom gives an update on the Rays new stadium while they quietly made an impactful deal.   The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci explore players available in free agency and some of the early signings we've seen.  Tom notes reliever Devin Williams leaving the Yankees to sign with the Mets.  The MLB Hall of Fame's 2026 Contemporary Baseball Era ballot features 8 players.  Which three would Joe choose for the Hall? Plus, Joe gives his thoughts on the Rays hiring Brandon Hyde. The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   For more info on Joe's event in Tampa, Fl. please check out: Joe Maddon's Thanksmas #fsr  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci update their weekend of College Football describing their gameday experiences as Joe attended the Lehigh/Lafayette game and Tom saw Nebraska/Penn State.  Back to baseball, Tom notes the moves by the Rockies by retaining Warren Schaeffer while hiring Paul DePodesta as the new President of Baseball Ops.  We focus on the Mets trading Brandon Nimmo and Hal Steinbrenner saying it would be 'ideal' for the Yankees to lower their payroll.  Baseball is about a year away from negotiating a new CBA, how will it affect the game?   The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the Nationals naming 33 year old Blake Butera as their new manager!  Joe reflects on his days as an early manager and the process of getting started.  We dive into the differences between Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh and how Judge ultimately won the AL MVP.  What are some of the coming offseason moves we should expect to see?  Plus, Tom notes the death of one of Joe's former players.   The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the gambling issues that have found their way into Major League Baseball.  Leagues try to keep gambling away from the teams and players while bringing it closer to the sport as a sponsor and advertiser.  Tom notes how fans are not only upset about their team losing, but losing money changes the civility in sports.  We move onto the Padres hiring a new manager without any previous experience.  Joe explains how we've seen a culture shift in most things that used to value experience and wisdom.  It's Awards Week and we debate who is the MVP.  Plus, Joe comments on Kyle Hendricks announcing his retirement. The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci recap the Dodgers Game 7 win over the Blue Jays. Joe notes how 'off-script' the last few games went and how both teams adjusted and delivered an entertaining series. Tom explores the biggest play of the series and believes a huge mistake was made.  Tom and Joe highlight some of the side stories and blink moments from the World Series! The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci talk about the Blue Jays putting up a fight against the Dodgers.  How much was Toronto underestimated going into this matchup?  Tom explains what has happened in these games that has the series tied at 2! Tom notes the unbelievable play of Shohei Ohtani in this series, but you could see the wear starting to show.  Tom points out some of the big performers in the Series while Joe explains what he's really loved seeing from the Blue Jays! The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci begin their coverage of the 2025 World Series!  The Dodgers are heavily favored, but how can the Blue Jays win 4 games against LA?  How will both teams handle their pitching rosters in this matchup?  Tom notes Shohei Ohtani making history coming into his first World Series and how that carries over against the Blue Jays.  Tom and Joe comment on the Giants hiring Tony Vitello as their new manager.  Plus, we get our World Series picks! The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci are picking their favorite parts of the LCS series we're watching.  The Dodgers have become the team that everyone was expecting all season.  Tom explains what the Brewers need to change and the tough task they're facing.   Joe looks back at his playoff experience and talks about how teams are handling these moments and the players that deliver.  Has Tom changed his opinion on who is the MVP in baseball? Plus, some thoughts on a surprise managerial opening in baseball! The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci start with the Dodgers' 2-0 lead over the Phillies.  This hasn't been about what Philly isn't doing, we're just seeing the Dodgers play up to their potential.  The Cubs could be in trouble as the Brewers are rolling.  Onto the AL, the Blue Jays' bats have come alive against the Yankees.  Tom has a front row seat for the Tigers and Mariners, as the only series that sits tied at 1-1.  We look at the pitching so far in the postseason and how scientific the teaching has become.  The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci are ready for the MLB playoffs and Tom thinks the keyword for the postseason is 'power'.  Joe talks about his philosophy in the playoffs and how some managers change routines or gameplans.  Tom looks at the four teams with byes and how they'll spend the time off.  We discuss every playoff matchup and the managerial matchups we've seen with possibly more to come. The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci eye the last few days of the MLB regular season.  Could this be the tightest MVP race in a long time between Cal Raleigh and Aaron Judge? Who are the hot teams headed into the postseason and which teams have red flags?   Tom notes Shohei Ohtani pitching and his schedule lining up to start Game 1 in the playoffs. What has happened to the Mets down the stretch and what offseason changes could already be in the works? Tom and Joe pick their favorites down the stretch and discuss how to keep a team in playoff form! The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.   #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.