Baseball Isn’t Boring

BIB on the Go: The Story Behind Willson Contreras' Plan Against Kenley Jansen

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Wondering how Willson Contreras hatched his plan to lure Kenley Jansen into a pitch clock violation? Bradfo sits down with the Cardinals' catcher to h...

The Day Paul Goldschmidt Called Mike Trout His Favorite Hitter

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It is quite a way to kick off a new week, with Bradfo catching up with reigning NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt, the recently-in-the-news Willson Contreras an...

BIB on the Go: Where Are All The May Trades? Alex Anthopoulos Explains

14 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Why aren't there more trades made in Major League Baseball in the month of May? Well, that's what Bradfo wanted to find out so he turned to Braves gen...

BIB on the Go: WBC teammates Lars Nootbaar, Masa Yoshida reunite

13 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Prior to the St. Louis Cardinals game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Team Japan teammates Lars Nootbaar and Masa Yoshida got a chance to r...

BIB on the Go: James Paxton Is Back

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For the first time since April 6, 2021, James Paxton is pitching in a major league game. The big lefty makes his first start with the Red Sox after ba...

Betting Isn't Boring: Will The Orioles Make Power-Ranking History?

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's that time of week: Power Ranking time. For the third time this season, Producer Evan is rolling out his Top 10 teams in Major League Baseball. Ex...

BIB on the Go: Kenley Jansen Tells Us How He Became Better Than Ever

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kenley Jansen joined Bradfo on the day the Red Sox closer notched his 400th career save to answer simple question: Is he better than ever? And if he i...

Talking Team-Building and History-Making With Alex Anthopoulos, Charlie Morton and Kenley Jansen

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos makes his return to Baseball Isn't Boring, offering his viewpoint on the impact of contract extension, explain...

BIB on the Go: Inside The Mind Of Aaron Nola

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Aaron Nola appeared on the Baseball Isn't Boring podcast and then proceeded to pitch well. That's how it works. Nola joined Bradfo to talk about why b...

Relatively Speaking: What It's Like To Be The Brother Of An MLB Hitting Coach

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The attention. The criticism. The Tweets. The tickets. The journey. The perspective and stories coming from someone related to anyone in Major League ...

BIB on the Go: We're Talking Role Models With Bryce Harper

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bryce Harper has become an iconic player in Major League Baseball, with his recent comeback only cementing that. Bradfo caught up with the Phillies st...

Through The Eyes Of Brandon Marsh, Aaron Nola and Bryce Harper

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Brandon Marsh still can't believe he has played alongside Mike Trout and Bryce Harper. Living life in the postseason has left Aaron Nola with the kind...

BIB on the Go: Marvin Harrison Jr. Will Shock You With His Take On Home Runs

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Marvin Harrison Jr. might be the best college football player in the land right now. The wide receiver out of Ohio State could very well be the first ...

Justin Turner Guides Us Through The Realities Of A Baseball Season

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What a weekend! Mookie homers. The Rays roll (again). An epic pregame standoff. And what a week it's going to be! There is no better way to brace your...

BIB on the Go: Bryce Harper talks Masa Yoshida Fandom, First Home Game

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bradfo was one of the crew to catch up with Phillies star Bryce Harper prior to his first home game of the season at Citizens Bank Park. Harper reflec...

BIB on the Go: We Are Reacting To The Matt Harvey Retirement News

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Matt Harvey has retired. There is only one thing to do: Have the resident Baseball Isn't Boring Mets super fan Producer Evan react. He jumps on the po...

Betting Isn't Boring: Welcoming the Red Sox, Rangers Into The Power Rankings

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Four - yes, count them, FOUR - teams have entered into Producer's Evan Top 10 Power Rankings this week, with the Orioles rocketing up the ranks. In th...

Ballpark Review: Courtney takes on Busch Stadium

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's getting to be that time of year, where baseball fans and families are planning for their trips to various ballparks all over Major League Basebal...

The Dustin Pedroia/Kevin Gausman Reminder

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's not always easy to become a star in the major leagues, which is a reality Bradfo helps remind us on today's podcast. He reflects on one of the be...

BIB on the Go: Reflecting on Alex Verdugo's Alek Manoah comments

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bradfo takes a few minutes on the day that Alex Verdugo is set to face off with the pitcher he criticized on the Baseball Isn't Boring podcast, Alek M...

Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio Reveal Some Powerful Lessons

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A lot is going on in big league baseball these days, with the news from the two Bryces - Miller and Harper - highlighting the latest round of MLB game...

Breaking Down Baseball's Good, Bad And Awesome With Triston McKenzie, James Karinchak

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

So, is baseball still the best game to go to? How has these new rules impacted the enjoyment, both on and off the field? What is it like to get that f...

Baseball Continues To Make Dreams Come True

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Baseball makes dreams come true in so many ways, with Bradfo showing that reality on the latest podcast. He first celebrates the 90th birthday of his ...

BIB on the Go: The Latest Example Of Triston Casas' Uniqueness

28 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder why Triston Casas was having conversations with the home plate umpires so much even after balls were called? We have answers. Bradfo sits ...

Betting Isn't Boring: Shocking The World With Our First Power Rankings

28 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's time. We felt the world needed Producer Evan's Top 10 teams in Major League Baseball at this very moment, and, boy, are his picks spicy. Spoiler:...

On Draft Day, Chaim Bloom Talks The Art Of The Draft

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It is NFL Draft Day, which is a great time for Bradfo to sit down with someone who is in charge of a team's Draft. In this case, the conversation is w...

The Inside Story Of How The Pirates Are Grabbing Headlines

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Regular Baseball Isn't Boring contributor Rich Hill once again joins Bradfo, this time to offer an insider's look into how the Pirates have become one...

Rookie Lessons From Grayson Rodriguez, Triston Casas

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The lessons just keep on coming, just ask rookies Grayson Rodriguez (Baltimore) and Triston Casas (Boston). Bradfo catches up with the two first-round...

The Smiles. The Frowns. Diving Into These Unexpected MLB Standings

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bradfo is joined by Matt Spiegel of 670 The Score in Chicago to try and make sense of his upside-down world in the Major League Baseball Standings, so...

Betting Isn't Boring: The Anatomy Of Fixing Things, By Chris Sale

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's easy to ride the hot hand of a star pitcher, which is why it is tough to bet against the likes of Zac Gallen even against the Padres. But figurin...

Twins President Of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey Talks The Art Of The Trade, Extensions

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's a great time to talk trades and contract extensions and there is no better person to dive into those subjects than Twins President of Baseball Op...

WBC Central: A Closer Look At The Excellence Of WBC Champion Samurai Japan

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Congratulations to Samurai Japan, the 2023 World Baseball Classic champions! In this episode of WBC Central, Shawn Spradling and special guest Yakyu C...

Celebrating This Extraordinary Baseball Season With Ellen Adair

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bradfo is joined by actor - and diehard Phillies fan - Ellen Adair to spend some time reflecting on the electricity that has come with the first three...

Looking At The Impact Of The WBC On MLB Players So Far

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

David Robertson. Benji Gil. Shawn Spradling. They all have unique perspectives on how we should be looking at the impact of the World Baseball Classic...

The Speech. The Rules. The Retirement. It's Andrew Miller Time.

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's a great time to catch up with Andrew Miller. The recently-retired pitcher, former MLBPA player rep and member of the 2013 Red Sox offers unique p...

BIB on the Go: Jake Peavy with some powerful reminders, memories

16 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Former big league star pitcher Jake Peavy joined Bradfo to reflect on the 10-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing and the 2013 world champi...

BIB on the Go: Brandon Nimmo Weighs In On New Rules

15 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For the second time this season, Bradfo catches up with the alway insightful Brandon Nimmo to talk about the what's what when it comes to Major League...

Betting Isn't Boring: Jonathan Papelbon Is On An Absolute Heater

14 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's that time again, time for Jonathan Papelbon to make you some money. The former All-Star closer is back with Bradfo giving the what's what when it...

WBC Central: A Look Back At The 2023 WBC, By The Numbers

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Shawn Spradling is back with another episode of 'WBC Central' and he has some data with him. It's time to take a peek back at the tournament that laun...

The Always Opinionated, Insightful Matt Strahm

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Matt Strahm has become one of the best stories of the young season for the Phillies, morphing from reliever to lock-down starter. He also isn't shy ab...

Xander Bogaerts Reveals What A Difference A Year Makes

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For the second time this season, Bradfo sits down with Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts. This time the two chop it up just before Bogaerts hit his fou...

BIB on the Go: Padres' GM A.J. Preller Explains Baseball's Acceptance Of Older Players

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller - who has locked up numerous players recently to contracts that take them into their 40's - sits down wi...

Padres GM A.J. Preller, A Few Fascinating Pitchers and Brandon Nimmo

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If there was one place to be in the baseball world Monday it was Citi Field, with two of the most polarizing teams in all of MLB - the Mets and Padres...

How The Heck Are The Rays Doing This?

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Rays not only exited the weekend as Major League Baseball's only undefeated team, but they are absolutely rolling their competition while cruising...

Betting Isn't Boring: Diving Into Verdugo vs. Manoah, Blue Jays vs. Odds

07 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's been a big week at Baseball Isn't Boring, with the conversation Bradfo had with Alex Verdugo regarding Alek Manoah creating a lot of buzz. Well, ...

Do the Pitchers Even Want All This Information? We Ask Them

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

So much information. So many analytics. And it is all there for every Major League Baseball pitcher to use. But do they really want it all? Bradfo tur...

Baseball's Top Prospects Talk Living The Life of a Top Prospect

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Adley Rutschman. Gunnar Henderson. Triston Casas. KeBryan Hayes. All have lived the life of a top prospect in baseball, and all have now sat down with...

Alex Verdugo, Andrew McCutchen Passionately Talk About Baseball's New Wave of Emotion

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We were wondering if the emotion and passion of the World Baseball Classic would carry over to the Major League Baseball season. Well, it hasn't hurt....

BIB on the Go: Undefeated Rocco Baldelli Explains the Value of a Hot Start

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How important is a hot start for a Major League Baseball team? Well, Rocco Baldelli is here to offer some insight. The Minnesota Twins manager - whose...

The Great Pitching Ninja Helps Recap a Wild First Weekend

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Baseball is officially underway, and there is no better place to start riding this seventh-month wave that by listening to the Baseball Isn't Boring. ...

Betting Isn't Boring: Jonathan Papelbon Takes His Opening Day Victory Lap

31 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For weeks Jonathan Papelbon had come on the Baseball Isn't Boring podcast to proclaim that everyone should bet money on the White Sox beating the Astr...

BONUS: Which MLB Players Would You Pay To Watch? | 'The Boone Podcast'

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

From 'The Boone Podcast' (subscribe here): Jerry Crasnick tells host and former MLB All-Star Bret Boone which top five baseball writers he would choos...

Unwrapping The Gift That Is Baseball's Opening Day

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It is finally here! Opening Day is upon us and Baseball Isn't Boring is all about the celebration that comes with Day 1 of the Major League Baseball s...

What are GMs thinking right now? Chaim Bloom explains

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We have gone through the offseason. We have gone through the WBC. We have gone through spring training. And now we have the games that actual count in...

We have a spring training MVP: Matt Olson

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Baseball Isn't Boring has identified this year's spring training MVP. His name is Matt Olson, and he plays first base for the Atlanta Braves. Bradfo c...

WBC Central: Top 5 off-the-field WBC moments in Miami

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With a week passed since one of the most impactful few days we have seen in baseball for some time, our WBC Central host Shawn Spradling reflects on h...

Does it matter if your team gets off to a good start? The experts weigh in

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

So, does it matter if your team gets off to a good start. Well, it certainly helped the Yankees in 2022. The Twins and Angels? Not so much. Bradfo sit...

BONUS: Team Mexico Manager Benji Gil Compares WBC to the College World Series | 'The Boone Podcast'

25 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

From 'The Boone Podcast' (subscribe here): Host Bret Boone talks to Team Mexico Manager Benji Gil. Gil talks about the intensity of the WBC and why it...

Betting Isn't Boring: Jonathan Papelbon is predicting the future(s)

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A new era is upon at Baseball Isn't Boring. Betting Isn't Boring. Every Friday during the baseball seaso former All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon will...

Kenley Jansen is talking hoops and pitch clocks

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kenley Jansen can speak on a lot of things. That's what happens when you turn in the kind of potentially-Hall of Fame-worthy career he has. And one of...

WBC Central: We just saw one of the most impactful baseball games of all-time

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Was Japan's win over Team USA in the finals of the WBC the greatest game of all-time? That's a tough one. But a strong case could be made that this sh...

The excellence of the WBC and Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here we go! The launching pad for the 2023 Major League Baseball season has been the World Baseball Classic and thanks to the Team Japan walk-off Mond...

The stories behind Joe Kelly's new book, new pitch

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joe Kelly wrote a book. "A Damn Near Perfect Game: Reclaiming America's Pastime" is gettin get reaction and reviews since being released a few weeks a...

Brandon Nimmo navigates this new world of baseball

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The debates are flying throughout baseball. Most recently, there has been the arguments for and against the World Baseball Classic after Edwin Diaz's ...

Arizona GM Mike Hazen talks contract extensions, team-building, potato chips

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There has been another notable contract extension in Major League Baseball, this one belonging to Arizona's Corbin Carroll. So, how did it come about?...

Meet top prospect Brett Baty, one of the big winners during the WBC

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There have been a ton of winners during the World Baseball Classic, including the great game of baseball, itself. But one player who isn't even playin...

Life in spring training with top prospects Anthony Volpe, Marcelo Mayer

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What is it like to be a top prospect in major league spring training? We have answers. Bradfo catches up with perhaps the top two shortstop prospects ...

WBC Central: The Tournament has officially gotten crazy

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Shawn Spradling is boots on the ground in Arizona for Baseball Isn't Boring, soaking in the WBC chaos. Shawn reports on all the goings-on from Phoenix...

BIB on the Go: On anniversary of lockout ending, Commissioner Rob Manfred joins us

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On the exact one-year anniversary of the Major League Baseball lockout ending, Commissioner Rob Manfred joined Bradfo for an exclusive interview to re...

WBC Central: This powerhouse team is on the cusp of elimination

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The WBC has officially kicked off and we already have a super team on the bubble of getting past pool play. Shawn dives into all the games and what to...

Rich Hill has some issues with a few of these new rules

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Baseball Isn't Boring Pitch Clock Correspondent Rich Hill joins Bradfo to offer unprecedented insight into what is going on with Major League Baseball...

Can the WBC craziness, personality carry over to an actual baseball season?

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The horns. The flags. The dugout celebrations. The bat flips. The fist pumps. It's World Baseball Classic time which means only one thing: March baseb...

An unbelievably honest conversation with Chris Sale

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Sale is heading into spring training as one of the most interesting storylines in all of Major League Baseball. So when Bradfo sat down with the...

We tell you who is going to be the next big thing

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There is no better person to catch up this time of year than Sam Dykstra of MLB Pipeline. That's why Bradfo sits down with him to pick through the wha...

Let's talk shoes with Jazz Chisholm and Trevor Story

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With the pomp and circumstance of the World Baseball Classic kicking off, all eyes will be on the entertainment and flair the players are bringing to ...

Buster Olney is back with some big baseball opinions

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bradfo and ESPN's Buster Olney team up again for a deep dive into what's going on in the magical world of Major League Baseball. The pair dissect the ...

WBC Central: Jon Morosi waxes poetically about international ball

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Shawn sits down with one of the biggest names in National Baseball coverage to talk a little bit about the growing international coverage of baseball....

ICYMI: Don Orsillo reflects on the best broadcasting advice he's received

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Don Orsillo has broadcasted some of the biggest spots in baseball in the last two decades. But in those moments it's always the instances that humaniz...

WBC Central: Pool B Breakdown

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

WBC Central Podcast. Episode 7! I'm Shawn Spradling. I do a full breakdown of Pool B in the World Baseball Classic. I also cover: - New MLB rules are...

The catchers' perspective: Mike Zunino, Reese McGuire and Will Smith talk new rules

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

So many are hearing from the pitchers and batters when it comes to living this new life with Major League Baseball's pitch clock. But what about the c...

WBC Central: Marek Chlup of the Czech Republic

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Shawn sits down with Marek of North Greenville University and now WBC Team Czech Republic. The collegiate athlete is one of a handful of pioneer ball...

Don Orsillo: The voice of the most talked about team in baseball

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Padres keep making splashes, the most recent one coming Sunday when it was reported Manny Machado had agreed to a 11-year contract extension. One ...

WBC Central: Derek West of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

25 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Houston Astros' Double-A affiliate phenom, Derek West, will be setting out for the WBC to represent the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Shawn sits down wi...

Xander Bogaerts opens up about Red Sox, Padres

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bradfo sits down with Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts just prior to playing his first game with his new team. Bogaerts opens up about the path that l...

WBC Central: Full Tilt in Taiwan, what to expect out of Pool A

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We've given you the rosters but now it's time to evaluate each Pool. Shawn jumps into the first Pool, Pool A, in Taiwan when the tournament kicks off ...

Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto is talking extensions, expectations and potato chips

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto is ready to build off a memorable 2022 season, and he is willing to use the Baseball Isn't Boring podcast with B...

State of baseball roundtable with Joey Gallo, Alex Kirilloff and Joe Ryan

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It was the Twins' turn to talk baseball on the latest Baseball Isn't Boring podcast, with Bradfo catching up with three interesting members of the Min...

WBC Central: Players to watch from each country

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The rosters for the World Baseball Classic are starting to take their final form as last-minute injury concerns knock off high-profile players as they...

BIB on the Go: Catching up with our guy, Jorge Alfaro

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The MVP of the Dominican Winter League World Series - and man who is nicknamed 'Aquaman' - Jorge Alfaro joins Bradfo to talk about becoming a celebrit...

Ken Rosenthal reflects on the year baseball rose from the dead

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One year ago, baseball was supposed to be on its deathbed. The sport was in the heart of a lockout, with sports fans ready to turn their back on the g...

Brian Bannister explains why older pitchers are now cool

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

All of a sudden, older pitchers are being accepted more than every in the world of Major League Baseball. Case in point: Yu Darvish signing a six-year...

WBC Central: At just 22-year-old Josh Wolf is living the dream,

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Shawn hosts Team Israel's young buck, Josh Wolf, to talk about how he ended up playing for the country and what it means to be competing against some ...

Betting Isn't Boring: It's prediction time with Papelbon

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Once again, Jonathan Papelbon and Bradfo are out to prove that not only isn't baseball boring, but betting on baseball isn't boring. It's why the two ...

WBC Central: Lingering questions as rosters shift

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Shawn has some good news and some bad news. With Pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training this week, some big-name players have dropped out ...

Spring training is here and so is Jake Burger

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With the football season officially in the rearview mirror, it's time for baseball to step into the spotlight. That's why was a perfect time for one o...

BIB on the Radio: Coop and Joe Kelly dominated the Super Bowl

12 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the heart of Super Bowl week, baseball took over thanks to Coop joining Joe Kelly in dominating Radio Row to talk about the book, "A Damn Near Perf...

WBC Central: Daniel Alvarez-Montes says don't sleep on Team Venezuela

11 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Director and writer for El Extrabase, Daniel Alvares-Montes talks to Shawn about the strength of the Venezuelan roster and how they'll match up in poo...

BIB on the Radio: Bradfo talks the glorious game of baseball (and books) on MLB Network Radio

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bradfo jumped on MLB Network Radio with Jenny Cavnar to take a deep dive into the forthcoming best-selling book "A Damn Near Perfect Game: Reclaiming ...

Ben Cherington tackles the tough WBC question(s)

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Should they play. Shouldn't they play. It's always a tough decision for players and teams every time the World Baseball Classic comes around, with thi...

WBC Central: Live reacting to the WBC Roster with players from the Tournament

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Shawn Spradling jumps on a live stream for the World Baseball Classic's roster announcement to give his thoughts on how each team is shaping up. Along...