The Book of Joe with Joe Maddon & Tom Verducci

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...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci recap the All-Star game and the unique finish with a 'Swing-Off!'  Tom takes us into the clubhouses after the game and the special encounters between players.  Joe reveals some of his favorite moments from around the game.  How did Tom feel about the ABS challenge system that was used five times? Joe comments on the Hank Aaron tribute and remembers when he saw the home run record be ...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci focus on another change in MLB with the Nationals moving on from manager Dave Martinez and GM Mike Rizzo.  Joe weighs in on the moves and what's next in Washington. How is Aaron Boone preparing to manage the AL All-Star team?  Joe talks about making the lineup and picking his pitchers.  With the All-Star game around the corner, Tom delivers the Top 5 storylines of the season!

The Boo...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci give tribute to the passing of Dave Parker, who was to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in a month.  Joe discusses his relationship with Parker that spanned over several decades.  Tom also notes the passing of 'Bad Company' guitarist Mick Ralphs, who coincidentally will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year.  Plus, is there a two man race for AL MVP betwe...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci look back at Padres/Dodgers and pitchers hitting players.  Is having this be part of the game worth risking an injury to a star player? Joe explains why he's in favor of keeping this move. Looking at the College World Series, why did we see so many headlines around the managers of these teams? Tom highlights the young pitchers coming into the game quickly and why sometimes it makes sense!

The ...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci weigh in on the Red Sox trading Rafael Devers to the Giants. Was there a way to avoid this or handle the situation better? Joe explains why this might have been doomed at the start. Shohei Ohtani is back on the mound for one inning.  How does the team handle his continued pitching rehab?  Plus, Joe's playlist this week will be full of Sly Stone and Brian Wilson's music.  

The Bo...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci look at the 'best' in the game right now starting with Red Sox prospect Roman Anthony's debut at Fenway Park.  Has the approach changed for bringing players up from the minors? Tom asks Joe how the young prospects should be handled.  What shows Tom that Pirates Ace Paul Skenes could be the greatest young pitcher EVER?  The Dodgers are supposed to be the best team, but why aren't they...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci highlight the Braves changing their 3rd base coach and how rarely you see that happen.  We touch on the Knicks moving on from Tom Thibodeau and Joe explains why he doesn't understand the move.  Was the rundown with Orioles rookie Coby Mayo just bad base-running or was it a dirty play?  Joe thinks this could show the importance of spending time in the minor leagues.  Why does Tom...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci notice the pace of the season picking up! Shohei Ohtani has been on a tear and why has Juan Soto gotten slower?  Joe explains what he's seeing with Soto and why he doesn't agree with the approach being taken.  Tom wants Jose Ramirez on the Hall of Fame radar immediately!  Players are talking about a change in the strike zone.  Why are we seeing it happen? Plus, what are the bigg...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci start with changes in Baltimore as the Orioles fire Brandon Hyde.  What can you do when a bad team isn't getting better?  Joe walks through the steps of changing a manager.  Jose Alvarado is suspended which leaves the Phillies looking for bullpen help. Do the Rangers have the next two-way player in MLB and could it become a growing trend in baseball?  Plus, did Joe lose any pull...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci explore the managerial changes with the Rockies firing Bud Black and the Pirates letting Derek Shelton go. Joe looks at the best way to handle the situation while Tom explains why it's so tough to win in Colorado. Onto the new inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  How music has changed so much in 30 years and why Joe thinks things are so different now.  Plus, we had an old-fashi...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci try to explain the success Aaron Judge is having right now.  When someone is this hot at the plate, Joe explains how he would approach each at bat.  Tom looks at the slower start for Juan Soto as he prepares to return to play in the Bronx.  Kyle Schwarber continues to hammer the ball and sits 3rd in home runs over the last two years.  Tom has some questions about the Marlins pit...

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci dive in with the Yankees changing closers after just 8 innings for Devin Williams.  Joe explains the timing and reasoning for making such an early switch.  Tom is floored by the start of the Rockies and sees a trend with bad teams getting worse.  We switch gears to soccer and a new head coach doing things a bit differently and Joe loves it!  What happened in baseball that's more...

Almost a month into the season, Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci are in awe of the performance from Aaron Judge.  Tom shares some of the early eye-popping numbers from the Yankees.  Joe has been shocked by the Cubs offense and praises Kyle Tucker as the reason. Tom highlights Braves' manager Brian Snitker being called out by his own player and Joe reflects on his own experiences to explain how this is handled. ...

How much can you believe from the baseball being played in April? 

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci recap The Masters with the 'relief' from Rory McIlroy to finally win the tournament.  Joe saw the same relief from the Cubs when they won the World Series, so we look at where Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber are now. 

Tom highlights the starts of the Rockies, the Marlins, and the Padres....all with uniqu...