Curtain Call

Ahead of Opening Day 2025, Flip and Justin weigh the strength of the current Yankees roster, identify three players they feel have to take a step forward for the team to succeed and give their reasons why this year will be better than the last. The pair touch on Juan Soto’s latest comments on his free agent decision and wrap it up by giving their World Series predictions.

In the wake of Giancarlo Stanton’s immediate future being uncertain, Flip and Justin discuss why the Yankees need to bring in more offense. They size up the challenge of the Yankees winning the AL East now that the Red Sox added Alex Bregman. Plus, thoughts on hair policies and postgame stadium songs.

John and Justin weigh in on the offseason silence throughout baseball and what can be done to spice up the activity in the winter months. The hosts examine the pros and cons of the Yankees having an in-house solution at third base. Lastly, with the NBA trade deadline approaching, Justin has Flip blind rank five of the biggest trades in Yankees history.

John and Justin discuss what the Yankees still need to add this offseason, the options to fill a spot in the infield, Alex Bregman’s future, and why the AL East is seemingly in decline.

John and Justin break down what “tomorrow” looks like for the Yankees and baseball in New York following Juan Soto’s reported signing with the Mets.

Flip and Justin try to pick up the pieces after the Yankees performance in Game 5 of the World Series. They wonder what the fundamental shortcomings stem from, and how to address it for next year. Speaking of next year, the hosts look to what comes next following Juan Soto’s comments after Game 5.

Flip and Justin reflect on the first three games of the World Series, and how the Yankees should have never been in a 3-0 hole. They discuss the residual results of an epic Game 1, and how and why the Yankees' strengths have not shown up in the Fall Classic.

Flip and Justin size up a massive World Series matchup between the Yankees and Dodgers. Both look back at the journey the Yankees have been on from a year ago until now, and they explain what needs to go right for the Yankees in a World Series that’s made for everyone. The hosts also discuss how this matchup impacts the business of the sport.

Flip and Justin look back at the first two games of the ALCS and wonder what Aaron Judge’s first home run of October could lead to. The Yankees are on the doorstep of a pennant despite not playing their best brand of baseball. Can it hold up? Plus, both explain why they would make lineup changes ahead of Game 3 in Cleveland.

Flip and Justin discuss what they saw from the first two games of the ALDS between the Yankees and Royals, wonder if momentum is still with the Yankees, and whether the supporting cast of each team will decide this series.

Flip and Justin get set for the Royals-Yankees ALDS matchup, and explain why Kansas City might be the biggest obstacle the Yankees face the entire month of October. The hosts detail what areas of this Yankees team excite and worry them as the team gets ready for Game 1 on Saturday. Pre and postgame coverage of every postseason game is on YES Network and the YES app!

With less than three weeks to go, are the Yankees primed to peak at the end of the regular season? Have the recent moves given us the best version of the Yankees roster all season? John and Justin answer those questions, their concerns (or lack there of) regarding recent cold streaks for Juan Soto and Aaron Judge, and give us their projected playoff series rotations. Plus, John tries to guess what Justin has in common with Brad Pitt (hint: not much)!

John and Justin try to gauge the fans’ satisfaction level of the first-place New York Yankees. They discuss whether Aaron Judge’s home run chase in 2024 is more exciting than 2022. They also wonder which pursuit has more juice: Judge’s home run pursuit or Shohei Ohtani’s pursuit of a 50/50 season? Lastly, the hosts try and figure out the most optimal Yankees bullpen over the final month and into the postseason.

John and Justin give their biggest takeaways from the Yankees 5-1 road trip through Boston and Philadelphia. They examine whether Alex Verdugo and Gleyber Torres have turned a corner on offense and look at the emergence of Austin Wells. Then, the hosts examine the Yankees' moves at the trade deadline and whether they made enough additions. Plus, 26 Emmy nominations!

John and Justin feel like it’s time for what’s become the annual question out of the All-Star break: just who are the Yankees?! The hosts wonder if the Yankees are good enough to be the most aggressive team ahead of the trade deadline. And with the deadline itself, both believe it is crucial for MLB to start pushing the deadline date back to mid-August.

Flip and Justin discuss their biggest concerns with the Yankees, and which areas currently need the most fixing from outside the organization. Both believe the first series against the Red Sox exposed some deficiencies on this Yankees team, and why the Yankees have the talent to return to playing well. The hosts also wonder why the Yankees have yet to play at a higher level against division opponents.

John and Justin look back at the weekend series against the Dodgers, and why October only holds the true “statement series.” The hosts examine what the lineup is without Juan Soto, and express their level of concern over the right side of the Yankees infield. Both explain why Aaron Judge has ascended to another level among all-time Yankee greats.

Flip and Justin discuss the team’s biggest surprises through the first 50 games. Flip believes bullpen upgrades will be needed and addressed. The duo discusses what choices the Yankees will have to make once DJ LeMahieu and Gerrit Cole return from their respective injuries, and they dive into Hal Steinbrenner’s recent comments about Juan Soto and payroll sustainability.

Flip and Justin discuss the Yankees' current success without Gerrit Cole, and how it can be sustained. Does Juan Soto’s impending free agency come to mind with every great thing he does on the field? How juiced up are you for the Astros series? Plus, the Knicks and Rangers playoff run and what it does for New York City.

Flip and Justin discuss Aaron Boone’s ejection in Monday’s game vs Oakland and how little public accountability umpires have received. They give their way-too-early impressions and concerns on the Yankees season thus far, thoughts on John Sterling’s retirement, and a quick reflection on Whitey Ford.

John and Justin dissect what matters from the Yankees' four-game sweep of the Astros and what might be an overreaction. They discuss how Juan Soto’s fingerprints are all over the offense and what small details could add up over a long season. John and Justin also debate Clay Holmes in the closer’s role.

Former Yankees catcher, manager, and returning YES Network Analyst Joe Girardi joins Flip and Justin to answer some of the biggest questions surrounding the Yankees as they inch closer to opening day. Girardi explains what needs to break right for the Yankees in the early portion of the schedule, how an opposing manager approaches Juan Soto, and what could determine this season’s AL East winner.

John and Justin are all over the positive vibes from the Yankees' spring training so far, which have been highlighted by Juan Soto’s early performance. However, John reels it in, reminding us Soto is likely heading to free agency after the season. The hosts give their “one thing” that, despite it being spring training, they can’t help themselves over. Who are they buying stock on after just a couple of weeks? Is Spencer Jones in play for the big leagues this year? And are we past the point of pillow contracts for Blake Snell?

As pitchers and catchers report to Tampa, Flip and Justin give their takeaways from Aaron Boone’s first press conference. Flip detailed a recent breakfast he had with Boone ahead of Spring Training. Justin wonders if big free agents still on the market will need to get creative with short-term deals. Plus, what does Corbin Burnes’ presence in Baltimore mean for the rest of the AL East?

On the heels of last week’s Hall of Fame elections, John and Justin dive into why the voting process needs a complete overhaul. Justin thinks that today’s pitching culture is going to force voters to lower the bar when it comes to evaluating worthy pitchers in the future. With the Chiefs back in the Super Bowl, John explains how he would approach the Taylor Swift phenomenon in the TV production truck.

John and Justin are back in 2024 with not much changing in the Yankees offseason. When it comes to pitching needs, John thinks two starters could be added on top of a dynamic reliever. With the names being reported (Snell, Montgomery, Burnes, Cease, Bieber, and Luzardo), the hosts outline their list of moves the Yankees can make from least to most enticing.

John and Justin quickly react to Yoshinobu Yamamoto choosing to sign with the Dodgers and where the Yankees go from here.

John and Justin discuss Juan Soto’s arrival to the Bronx, whether the Yankees are done adding to the offense, and how Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s list of deep-pocketed teams is making this a fascinating free agent story. Plus, what does Shohei Ohtani’s deal mean for Soto a year from now?

Ahead of the Winter Meetings and with rumors swirling, John and Justin discuss the number one move the Yankees need to make. The hosts go through the landing spots for the top free agents and touch on Luis Severino staying in New York with the Mets.

John and Justin discuss the direction the Yankees may be going in after hiring James Rowson as their hitting coach. Does Juan Soto or Cody Bellinger make more sense for the Yankees? Which three teams will be driving the MLB offseason?

John and Justin size up the World Series and explain why they’re both rolling with the Diamondbacks to win over the Rangers. Plus, how much should Yankees fans read into reported talks for the Padres Juan Soto?

With four teams left standing, John and Justin go back and forth on whether the new playoff format is good for baseball. Will the team with the championship DNA still rise above the tournament style that the sport has ushered in? Has Bryce Harper’s career exceeded everyone’s expectations? Also, John reveals his favorite offseason hobby!

On Episode 100, John and Justin dissect the end-of-season comments made by Aaron Judge and why people should be listening closely to Judge’s words. Also, John and Justin touch on the departure of Buck Showalter from the Mets, and they take a look at the Wild Card games that are getting underway.

Ahead of the Yankees' final homestand of the regular season, John and Justin wonder whether there is anything left to see in order for us to fully evaluate the 2023 Yankees. Will how the team finishes affect how deeply the organization evaluates itself? Which teams will capture the final two AL Wild Card spots? Plus, a look at Shohei Ohtani and the recent front office moves made by the Mets and the Red Sox.

John and Justin examine the realistic chances the Yankees have to grab the final wild card in the AL. They explain why Jasson Domínguez’s abilities are real and why you should buy into “The Martian.” Both think Michael King’s progress as a starting pitcher is one of the most important storylines to watch the rest of the way. Plus, a look at 2023 Old-Timers' Day.

Former Yankees reliever and YES analyst Jeff Nelson joins John and Justin to discuss what changes we may see with the Yankees moving forward. They also focus on the bunched-up Wild Card races in each league and look ahead to Old-Timers' Day on September 9.

John and Justin recap an interesting week for the New York Yankees on and off the field. The cure to the issues on the field is simple: just win. The hosts also weigh in on the lack of big trades at the deadline.

With a week before the trade deadline, John and Justin give reasons as to why the Yankees can turn it around, even with the soft portion of their schedule ending. Why have key hitters with proven track records collectively struggled all at once? Two former players in Sean Casey and Andy Pettitte have joined the Yankees staff within the last three weeks—why? What other teams are fooling themselves as contenders at this point?

John and Justin discuss the struggles of the recent Yankees homestand, the dismissal of Dillon Lawson, Shohei Ohtani, Ellly De La Cruz, and more.

John and Justin revisit the state of the Yankees offense following the Subway Series and believe great pitching has nothing to show for its wonderful work. YES Network’s lead producer for Yankees broadcasts, Troy Benjamin, joins the show to discuss watching Yankees baseball, and sports in general, through the eyes of a TV producer.

Within the ultra-competitive AL East, Flip and Justin wonder if the Yankees season is currently at a crossroads with Aaron Judge being out. The hosts also dive into the state of the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry and whether fewer divisional matchups are a good thing for the sport.

As the Yankees get set for a series with the Padres, John and Justin take the temperature of the Yankees with the MLB season reaching its first unofficial time-mark on Memorial Day Weekend. The overall consensus? Could be better, could be worse. The hosts look around at the stacked AL East, analyze what holds the Blue Jays back and wonder if the Rangers and Dbacks can hang around.

John and Justin preview round two of Rays-Yankees in the Bronx and whether the AL East is still attainable and a priority for the Yankees. John believes the Yankees showed a lot in last weekend’s series in Tampa Bay. The hosts talk about the value that Yankee players who grew up in the tri-state area have from a marketing perspective. They discuss the Astros' vulnerability, the Braves' model of success, the Mets without the best version of Max Scherzer, and an early trade suggestion to solve the Mets' back of the bullpen.

NY Times bestselling author and YES Network analyst Jack Curry joins John and Justin to discuss his new book: The 1998 Yankees; The Inside Story of the Greatest Baseball Team Ever. Jack lets us know what he learned about the team while writing the book, and who gave him the most dirt! The trio then discusses the current issues involving the Yankees of 2023. They look at the depth of teams competing in the AL East and the schedule ahead.

John and Justin discuss the recent success of all the pro teams in New York City, with all five local NBA/NHL teams making it to the postseason. The hosts go through what matters in the Yankees' start to the season and discuss why the Rays are a legit threat in the AL East.

Yankees TV voice Michael Kay joins the show to discuss Anthony Volpe, pitching depth, and other topics surrounding the Yankees ahead of opening day. John touches on how the TV broadcasts could look and sound different with baseball’s new rules.

Flip and Justin react to what they saw over the first several spring training games where new rules were enforced. Flip feels the pitch clock adds a crispness to the game that has been sorely missed. Justin wonders how the new rules will be explained and presented via TV production. The hosts try and solve the Yankees infield puzzle, while also wondering whether Anthony Volpe can do anything that will force the Yankees to put him on the Opening Day roster.

John and Justin react to Scott Rolen being voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and the overall mood around the current voting process. John feels the Hall of Fame is becoming more acceptive of borderline players while Justin feels Rolen is worthy. The duo wonders whether the Yankees need to address certain questions hovering over a handful of positions prior to the start of spring training, and they dive into comments made by Red Sox brass at the team’s recent Winter Weekend.

Flip and Justin ring in the new year by discussing whether everyone who will be in the Yankees opening day lineup is currently on the team. The news of Carlos Correa signing back with the Twins broke while the hosts were discussing…Carlos Correa. They react. Also, was there a mandate for the Yankees to add people like Brian Sabean and Omar Minaya to their front office? And a look at the Brooklyn Nets, who will be without Kevin Durant for the immediate future.

John and Justin return after Aaron Judge was named the 16th captain in Yankees history. John explains the impact Judge’s return and captaincy has on the business side of the Yankees, why the MVP is the perfect choice for this honor and what the Yankees need to continue to do to get closer to a championship this off-season. The hosts wonder what has led to MLB owners spending more and committing long-term deals to marquee free agents this winter.