The Book of Joe with Joe Maddon & Tom Verducci

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...

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'...

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...

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!

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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...

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 Vitell...

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 op...

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...

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.

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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 c...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the final two weeks of the regular season and teams finding their playoff seedings.   How much does home-field advantage and playoff experience matter in the postseason?  Tom points out the young pitchers that are peppered throughout the rosters.  Joe reveals his philosophy going into the playoffs and the messages he would deliver to players.  We note the passing of...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci begin with the blatant sign stealing happening in baseball.  Joe explains what teams can do about it and what reactions he's had about dealing with it.  Has the game become too polite? Tom points out how it's affecting the game and the lack of concern from teams stealing calls.  We turn to the Mets collapse and what issues they've faced down the stretch.  Tom also wonders what i...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci start with the energy of September putting life into the final stretch.  The Yankees have a losing record against winning teams and the upcoming schedule will challenge them.  We move to the Phillies and an amazing comeback victory on Labor Day.  Joe notes the chemistry of their lineup.  Trea Turner's defense has improved and we look at the rest of the season for Philly.  T...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci welcome longtime sportswriter and NY Times best-selling author Jane Leavy to discuss her latest book, 'Make Me Commissioner' (available Sept. 9th). Tom looks at some of the ideas and suggestions that Jane has for MLB.  Jane notes the lack of true superstars in the game and the ways that the game needs to draw young fans.  What does the future hold for MLB and how can the game evolve while...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci begin with the Cubs addressing the struggles of Kyle Tucker.  Joe talks about the approach a manager takes when handling a talented player in a rough spot.  Tom notes the Yankees and Aaron Judge getting on the same page regarding injuries.  Can there be fan interference without the fan actually touching the ball?  Home run ratios increased during the last postseason, so which te...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci begin with an analysis of the Milwaukee Brewers as the best team in baseball, and the crucial element they are missing that could end up holding them back. They give their feelings on Padres vs. Dodgers, and will it be the Mariners or Astros in the American League West? They talk discuss the New York Yankees and if Max Fried and Aaron Judge will overcome their struggles. And Joe spills the wisdom a...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci begin with the Yankees struggling with fundamentals. What can Aaron Boone do that will make a difference on the field?  Tom wants to know if you think the Tigers are still one of the best teams in baseball.  Can the Mariners run down the Astros in the AL West?  Tom relives his experience at Bristol Motor Speedway this past weekend and how a rain delay inspired some MacGyver-esque man...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci look back at the Hall of Fame induction speeches.  Tom highlights the careers of Billy Wagner and Dave Parker.  Joe remembers his time with Parker and what truly made him special. Joe tells the story of his first meeting with Dick Allen.  Tom gives his thoughts on the speeches from CC Sabathia and Ichiro Suzuki.  Plus, we remember HOF Ryne Sandberg and his legacy with the Cubs.&...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci begin with their thoughts around the Yankees and what can be fixed with this team.  Tom offers some lineup changes that could smooth things out.  The trade deadline is approaching and Joe reveals what's happening in the front office and the clubhouse. Shohei Ohtani continues to rewrite history with his onslaught of HR's.  Does Joe think there's a special approach you should take to p...