The Book of Joe with Joe Maddon & Tom Verducci

The Book of Joe with Joe Maddon & Tom Verducci

Borrowing the podcast title from their forthcoming book, three-time Manager of the Year Joe Maddon and three-time Sportswriter of the Year Tom Verducci provide exclusive insight, commentary and discussion on the MLB postseason, from the stars to the strategy. As manager of the 2016 Cubs team that broke a 108-year championship drought, Maddon knows what it takes to navigate October pressure. Part Phil Jackson, part Yogi Berra, Maddon brings unique and entertaining takes on not just on dugout strategy but also life lessons and leadership - not to mention classic cars and rock and roll. A five-time Emmy winner with Fox and MLB Network, Verducci has behind-the-scenes access to the players and managers throughout the postseason. “The Book of Joe” is your home to learn - and laugh - about the real stories behind how postseason games are won and lost. To purchase a copy or for more information on "The Book of Joe," please click below... https://www.amazon.com/Book-Joe-Trying-Suck-Baseball/dp/1538751798/ref=asc_df_1538751798/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=564627793350&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8568231967918177387&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031189&hvtargid=pla-1844067081352&psc=1

Episodes

August 11, 2026 48 mins

Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci look at the current standings and the surprising number of wins that it could take to push into the postseason.  What does Joe think is 'wrong' with the Dodgers at the moment?  Tom looks back at the career of Tim Anderson, who announced his retirement after 10 seasons.  For the first time in 3 years, Shohei Ohtani is not the MVP favorite.  Who is the new favorite and can he win t...

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci watched the MLB Trade deadline come and go.  The Yankees need to pivot, so what moves will they be making?  The Dodgers made the biggest move and Tom explains why the deal for Tarik Skubal wasn't just about money.   This year, pitching was a big focus and the Cubs and Padres geared up for postseason hopes.  Tom is also excited to see two active teams that haven't been in the...

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci start with the Tigers possible interest in trading for Tarik Skubal.  Tom highlights two teams that should be trying to make a deal.  Is it worth it for the Padres to find a deal for Mason Miller?  Tom still predicts an active trade deadline and offers up some ideas for the Phillies.  Joe explains how a manager handles new players coming into the clubhouse after a trade.  To...

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the Cubs 10th Anniversary of the 2016 World Series Championship.  Joe attended a weekend event in Chicago with the team and recalls having some of his players together again.  The Red Sox have turned things around in a major way.  Plus, MLB and the Blue Jays mourn the passing of Duane Ward. 

The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.  

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci recap the 96th All-Star Game in Philadelphia.  Joe talks about the pregame festivities while Tom focuses on the power of the pitching.  Tom explains why he thinks this is the best All-Star game in all of sports.  Joe describes what a manager can learn from being surrounded by the best players in the game.  Looking ahead to the 2nd half of the season, what's to come for the Dodger...

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci dive into the stories of baseball this season including another milestone for Shohei Ohtani.  Tom looks at the surprising feat of Royals outfielder Tyler Tolbert. Kyle Schwarber tells Tom how he struggles with 'catcher's brain' versus his 'hitter's brain'.  31 year old Matt Seelinger makes his MLB debut with the Mets, but it didn't go as planned.  Plus, the little known story of Nick ...

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the struggles of the Mets this season and problems with the team that may not be apparent. Joe wants to know why league stats are so mediocre while new methods of teaching with analytics are supposed to be so much better. Tom points out the shocking turnover with managers in MLB.  Tom asks Joe about the current state of the Angels and what elements of success have been missing for a lon...

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci welcome Guardians 2B Travis Bazzana to discuss All-Star voting and his amazing rookie season.  Tom puts this season into perspective with how Travis' numbers stack up historically.  Travis recalls playing cricket and baseball simultaneously while growing up.  Tom wonders why Travis' numbers have improved since coming up from the minors. Travis talks about the Guardians' success and his app...

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the possibility of the Angels trading Mike Trout and what kind of deal it would take.  Joe explains the Angels approach to making moves like this and what was learned from how they handled Shohei Ohtani.  Which teams know it's time to start making deals? Tom gives one team he believes is ready!  Plus, after seeing a game last just 112 minutes..how do fans feel about really fast MLB...

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss how the Yankees move forward without Aaron Judge for at least a couple of months.  Tom reveals what he learned from a conversation with manager Aaron Boone. As a former catcher, Joe comments on the current state of catchers and the surprising batting averages around MLB.  Plus, players have to adapt to the game as they get older.  But how has analytics changed that process?

The Boo...

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Welcome to June baseball and it's time for Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci to look at how offense has changed this season.  The impact of ABS on pitching, hitting, and the umpires can't be denied and Tom shares the surprising evidence.  What is the biggest struggle of the Yankees this season and can they fix it? Tom and Joe reveal their biggest pet peeves in baseball before highlighting one of the best hitters in the game.&nb...

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci look at hitting in May and an unexpected result from the addition of the pitch clock.  Tom gives his thoughts on 'combined' no-hitters and different ways the feat can happen.  Meanwhile, Joe explains what he's seeing with Kyle Schwarber.  We hear the latest example of 'analytics' gone too far.  Plus, how about players try something new and different?

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The Rays have the best record in baseball but are close to the bottom of the league in home runs?  Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci examine the differences in the AL East and the resurgence of the 'bunt'. Joe explains when he had players swing away on a 3-0 count.  How many pitches does a pitcher really need?  Tom notes Shohei Ohtani's growth as a pitcher.   Plus, a warning that Joe takes very seriously!

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The baseball season is at the quarter pole and hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci point out the surprises we've seen.  What will sort itself out and what is a real issue?  Tom points out a possible hitting 'slump' for Shohei Ohtani and how it affects the Dodgers.  Plus, we honor the legacy of 2x World Series Champion and 4x Manager of the Year Bobby Cox.

The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.  

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci highlight Joe's road trip from Tampa to PA before diving into some May baseball!  The Tigers are facing some hurdles with the suspensions of AJ Hinch and Framber Valdez and surgery for Tarik Skubal.  Tom explains the Dodgers' plan for Shohei Ohtani and the impact it's having on his outings.  Plus, what happens when you're the SECOND person to make history?

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April 28, 2026 52 mins

Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci begin with the Red Sox parting ways with Alex Cora.  Tom explains what led to the decision and the moves that played a big part.  What are Cora's options moving forward with a couple other teams possibly looking for change? Tom notes a growing trend in the league that is adding time and a different strategy for pitchers.   Plus, we honor the passing of legendary rocker Dave Maso...

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci begin with a look at the turnaround of the Rays and their stadium improvements.  Tom points out the slow starts from the biggest spending teams, while the lowest payrolls are doing well!  Hitting has been off and Joe explains the adjustments that need to be made.  While thinking of the most dominating pitchers that we've actually seen, Tom could be adding a new name to the list. ...

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci look at the slow start of the Mets and wonder if there are bigger issues at play.  Joe points out how time together can help smooth out a lot of issues.  Twins manager Derek Shelton talked about what he learned from a year being in the media that he now uses in the dugout.  Joe reveals his approach to dealing with the media as a manager.  Plus, the legacy of 'flipping the spread...

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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 managi...

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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 t...

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