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

September 30, 2025 59 mins

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 ...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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.&...

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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...

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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 ...

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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...

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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...

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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 ...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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