Replacement Level Podcast

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Paul Moehringer. Paul is a contributor to the Hardball Times and the creator of the pyramid rating system. He joined me to discuss the player rating system he created. We talked about how his system differs from JAWS and other WAR based models. He explained the top […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Michael Clair. Michael is a writer for MLB.com and CUT4. He joined me to discuss his piece on the history of American baseball being played in the United Kingdon and to preview the London Series between the Red Sox and Yankees. We also power ranked La Croix […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Nathan Rode. Nathan is the national scouting supervisor for Prep Baseball Report. He joined me to discuss the 2019 MLB draft. He gave scouting reports on several top picks including number one overall Adley Rutschman, Bobby Witt Jr., Nick Lodolo and many others. He also spoke the […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Rob Arthur. Rob is a writer for Baseball Prospectus. He Joined me to discuss some of the statistical trends that have emerged so far in 2019 like the resurgence of the juiced ball, starters performing better than relievers, and the decline in fastball usage. We also speculated as to why […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Shi Davidi. Shi is a baseball columnist for Sportsnet in Toronto. He’s also the author of the book The Big 50: The Men and Moments that made the Toronto Blue Jays. He joined me to discuss Vlad Jr.’s promotion, the trade rumors surrounding Marcus Stroman, Aaron Sanchez, […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Evan Drellich. Evan is a frequent contributor to WEEI  and MLB Network. He’s also the author of The Big 50: The The Men and Moments that Made the Boston Red Sox. He joined me to discuss the early season struggles of the Boston Red Sox. We spoke about Chris Sale’s […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Cliff Corcoran. Cliff is a writer at The Athletic and a regular contributor on MLB Network. He joined me to preview the 2019 MLB season. We discussed and analyzed all thirty teams plus spoke about the recent wave of contract extensions. This is a fun episode to get you […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Todd Zolecki. Todd covers the Phillies for MLB.com. He joined me to discuss the eventful offseason in Philadelphia. Topics include the pursuit and acquisition of Bryce Harper, spending “stupid money”, and smashed TVs in the clubhouse thanks to some mid-game Fortnite. If you’re enjoying the podcast please […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features James Fegan. James covers the White Sox for the Athletic. He joined me to discuss the White Sox offseason. Topics include missing out on Manny Machado, the development of Eloy Jimenez and Dylan Cease, and where the organization goes from here. If you’re enjoying the podcast please […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Jason Collette. Jason is a writer for RotoWire. He joined me to preview the 2019 fantasy baseball season. He offered insights on players at every position including some he loves like Jackie Bradley Jr., Tommy Pham, and Zack Wheeler. He also spoke about some of the players he’s avoiding […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Jeffrey Paternostro. Jeff is the lead prospect writer at Baseball Prospectus, he joined me to discuss their top 101 list. We discussed how to reevaluate power for both hitters and pitchers, the prospects involved in the J.T. Realmuto trade, and missing on evaluations. We also discussed prospect […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Chris Bodig. Chris runs the website Cooperstown Cred. He joined me to recap the 2019 Hall of Fame voting results. We discussed some Hall of Fame voting trends, Larry Walker’s surge upward, and Mariano Rivera being the first player elected unanimously. We also previewed next year’s ballot […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features C. Trent Rosecrans. He joined me to discuss the Reds and his Hall of Fame ballot. Some of the topics discussed include Joey Votto’s steep decline in power last year, the trade that brought Yasiel Puig, Alex Wood, and Matt Kemp to Cincinnati, and the development of Eugenio […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features David Lennon. David is the national baseball writer for Newsday. He joined me to discuss the Yankees, Mets, and his Hall of Fame ballot. He spoke about the Paxton trade, the Happ signing, and the likelihood that Manny Machado is playing in pinstripes next year. He also analyzed the Cano […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Jonathan Judge. Jonathan is a senior member of the Baseball Prospectus stat team and one of the creators of DRC. He joined me to discuss the new metric and explain what it does well, how it’s calculated, and how it compares and contrasts to OPS+. We discussed several players who […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Ryan Divish. Ryan covers the Mariners for the Seattle Times. Ryan joined me to discuss the flurry of trades the Mariners have made this offseason. He analyzed each move and the rebuild itself. He also previewed his Hall of Fame ballot. If you’re enjoying the podcast please rate […]

  This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Craig Edwards. Craig joined me to discuss several of his recent posts at FanGraphs and to break down this year’s Hall of Fame ballot. We talked about the Braves posting a profit of 100 million dollars, his prospect valuation system, the Josh Donaldson signing, and we […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Chris Sabo. Chris is a former three-time MLB All-Star, and the new manager of the Akron Zips. He spoke about many aspects of his playing career including developing his aggressive style, playing injured, and his relationships with Pete Rose and Barry Larkin. He also spoke about building a […]

This is a repost of my interview with Tommy John. The interview was originally recorded on July 1st, 2015. Tommy detailed his approach to pitching, how he adjusted to hitters, overcame bad command early on, and the nuisances of the pitcher/catcher relationship. He also spoke about how he developed his curveball and why he used […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features R.J. Anderson. R.J. is a writer a CBS Sports and the co-host of the DFA podcast. R.J joined me to recap the 2018 regular season. We talked about how Ohtani’s success could change the development path for two-way players, the opener, and our favorite stories of the […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Jen McCaffrey. Jen covers the Red Sox for The Athletic. She joined me to discuss the state of the Red Sox. We hit on Chris Sale’s return from the disabled list, Mookie Betts’ side discomfort, and bullpen options heading into the playoffs. We also discussed her excellent feature on […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Mark Armour. Mark is theauthor of six books including In Pursuit of Pennants. He’s also the founder of SABR’s bio project, and the co-chairman of their baseball card committee. He joined me to discuss all things baseball cards. He talked about what got him into collecting, how he collects […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Cliff Corcoran. Cliff is a writer at The Athletic and a regular contributor on MLB Network. He joined me to discuss pitching milestones for active players. It’s unlikely this generation will see a 300-game winner, Cliff proposed using 235 as the new magic number. We also previewed award […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Ben Reiter. Ben is a senior writer at Sports Illustrated and the author of the new book Astroball. He joined me to discuss his book and how the Astros went from a laughingstock franchise to World Series champions. Ben spoke about Jeff Lunhow’s initial pitch to Astros […]

  This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Dan Hirsch. Dan operates the website The Baseball Gauge. He joined me for a Hall of Fame draft. With Hall of Fame induction weekend right around the corner, we drafted active players with the best chances of getting into Cooperstown. We went forty deep, as the current record for […]

  This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Phil S. Dixon. Phil is a historian and researcher who specializes in the Negro Leagues and black baseball in general. Among the topics discussed are barnstorming legends, the formation of the Negro League in 1920, and the Hall of Fame’s special committee to elect more Negro […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Chelsea Janes. Chelsea covers the Nationals for the Washington Post. Among the topics discussed are Bryce Harper’s struggles, Juan Soto’s emergence, Max Scherzer’s continued dominance, and some of the things the Nats and the city of Washington D.C. are planning for All-Star Weekend. All episodes can also be downloaded […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Chandler Rome. Chandler covers the Astros for the Houston Chronicle. Among the topics discussed are the Astros historically good starting staff, Justin Verlander’s reclaimed stuff, potential trade targets, and the new role Jose Altuve has taken on. We also snuck in some College World Series talk too.  All […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Carlos Collazo. Carlos is a writer for Baseball America, he joined me to discuss the 2018 MLB Draft. He gave scouting reports on several top picks including number one overall Casey Mize, Joey Bart, Alec Bohm and many others. He also spoke about why Mathew Liberatore and […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Evan Drellich. Evan covers the Red Sox for NBC Sports in Boston. He’s also the author of the new book The Big 50: The The Men and Moments that Made the Boston Red Sox. He joined me to discuss his book. We spoke about the birth of Red Sox […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Grant McAuley. Grant covers the Braves for 92.9 The Game in Atlanta. He joined me to discuss the early success of the Braves and if it’s sustainable going forward. He talked about Ronald Acuna’s development, Ozzie Albies’ power, Nick Markakis’ age 34 breakout, and the differences in styles […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Russell Carleton. Russell is a regular contributor to Baseball Prospectus and the author of the new book The Shift: The Next Evolution in Baseball Thinking. He joined me to discuss his book and examine how sabermetric research has evolved over the past decade. He spoke about the […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Dan Szymborski. Dan is the creator of the ZIPS projection system and a regular contributor at FanGraphs and ESPN. He joined me for some small sample size fun. He talked about what players off to a hot start have seen their projections increase and what struggling players have […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Joshua Kusnick. Joshua is a MLBPA certified agent and a contributor to Baseball Prospectus. He joined me to discuss the life of a working agent. He talked about getting fired, acquiring new players, and his relationships with some of his current and former clients. He also spoke […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Jared Diamond. Jared is the national baseball writer for the Wall Street Journal. He joined me to preview the 2018 MLB season. We discussed every team and every division in both leagues. Jared offered insights on numerous players including Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, and Carlos Correa. We […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Jason Collette. Jason is a writer for Rotowire, RotoGraphs, and a regular contributor on Sirius XM. He joined me to preview the 2018 fantasy baseball season. He offered insights on players at every position including some he loves like Christian Yelich, Trea Turner, and Francisco Lindor. He also […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Sweeny Murti. Sweeny covers the Yankees for WFAN. He joined me to discuss the Yankees offseason including the Stanton trade, realistic expectations for Aaron Judge this year, and why Aaron Boone was selected to replace Joe Giradi. All episodes can also be downloaded for free on Apple Podcasts & Stitcher. Please rate […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Sahadev Sharma. Sahadev covers the Cubs for The Athletic. He joined me to discuss the Cubs offseason including the Yu Darvish signing, their approach to assembling a bullpen, and how Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo and are still looking to improve. All episodes can also be downloaded for free […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Jeff Long. Jeff is a writer for Baseball Prospectus. Jeff joined me to discuss some of BP’s new pitching classifications, pitch tunneling, and the potential problems of an automated strike zone. All episodes can also be downloaded for free on Apple Podcasts & Stitcher. Please rate and review! Follow me […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Mike Rosenbaum. Mike is a prospect writer for MLB.com He joined me to discuss MLB’s top 100 prospect list. He gave detailed scouting reports on several players on the list including Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuna, and Vlad Guerrero Jr. He also spoke about Ohtani as a two-way player, the […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Nathaniel Rakich. Nathaniel’s work has appeared at FanGraphs, FiveThirtyEight, and in the Hardball Times. He joined me to discuss his Hall of Fame projection system. We went over every player on the ballot, discussed why some players perform better with voters who keep their selections private, and who […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Andrew Baggarly. Andrew covers the Giants for The Athletic. Andrew discussed the Giants busy offseason and their acquisitions of Evan Longoria and Andrew McCutchen. He also detailed what went wrong for the Giants last year which included analysis on Madison Bumgarner, Brandon Belt, and Brandon Crawford. Andrew […]

  This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Ryan Divish. Ryan covers the Mariners for the Seattle Times. Ryan shared some stories on Edgar Martinez, spoke about the Mariners losing out on Ohtani, and discussed his Hall of Fame ballot as well. This is Ryan’s first year voting, he went into great detail about who […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Evan Grant. Evan covers the Texas Rangers for the Dallas Morning News. Evan shared some stories on Adrian Beltre, spoke about the Rangers losing out on Ohtani, and discussed his Hall of Fame ballot as well. All episodes can also be downloaded for free on Apple Podcasts & Stitcher. […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Jayson Stark. Jayson is the author of several books and was previously a senior writer at ESPN. He joined me to discuss the Hall of Fame. Jayson was recently a member of the Veterans Committee that elected Alan Trammell and Jack Morris. He detailed how the room […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Lynn Henning. Lynn covers the Tigers for The Detroit News. Lynn joined me to discuss the careers of new Hall of Fame inductees Alan Trammell and Jack Morris. He called Trammell the most effortless and graceful player he’s ever covered, he also detailed the contempt that Morris […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Rob Biertempfel. Rob covers the Pirates for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Rob discussed what the Pirates plan to do with Andrew McCutchen. He also spoke about Gerrit Cole’s regression, Starling Marte’s PED  suspension from last year, and the rise of Felipe Rivero. He also discussed his Hall of […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Jeff Fletcher. Jeff is the Angels beat writer for the Orange County Register. We started the podcast by discussing Shohei Ohtani. The Angels are one of seven teams he selected as finalists to land his services. Jeff explained how the Angels would use the two-way star. He […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Sean Forman. Sean is the president of Sports Reference and the creator of Baseball-Reference. Sean joined me to discuss Bill James’ recent essay that was critical of how wins above replacement is calculated. He explained the value of metrics being context neutral, but also discussed what a […]

This episode of the Replacement Level Podcast features Joe Lemire. Joe is the senior writer at SportTechie. He joined me to recap the 2017 season and discuss his piece on the top nine tech stories in baseball this year. We started the podcast by discussing the life and career of Roy Halladay. Later, we discussed […]