Why not make the entire podcast out of Around the Horn.
Hisashi Iwakuma returns to Japan, Julio Urias returns to Los Angeles, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia returns to the majors.
On the 33rd episode of the DFA podcast, R.J. and Bryan walk us through a couple of recent catcher extensions … Kurt Suzuki and Tucker Barnhart! With this as a springboard, the guys discuss the recent spate of catcher concussions, and R.J.’s recent research and discussion with Tyler Flowers.
On the 32nd episode of the DFA podcast, Bryan and R.J. take a left turn from their recent discussions about good teams to talk about a bad one: the San Diego Padres. Sure, they talk a bit about Clayton Richard’s extension, but it’s mainly an excuse to talk about the interesting young players on the Friars’ roster and their fascinating skipper, Andy Green.
On the 31st episode of the DFA podcast, Bryan and R.J. had so much fun talking about the surging Indians last week, that they choose to follow the same format this week. This time, the topics du jour are the two other playoff teams: the (quiet) Washington Nationals and the (loud) Houston Astros.
On the 30th episode of the DFA podcast, Bryan and R.J. mix up the format in order to talk about Cleveland’s surprising 21-game win streak and the moves and deals that brought them to this point. (Also, they argue about the respective merits of Yandy DÃaz vs. Giovanny Urshela. It’s a good show anyway.)
On the 29th episode of the DFA podcast, your intrepid hosts review a pair of slightly different transactions: the Pirates’ extensions of Neal Huntington and Clint Hurdle. When they get back to player moves, Bryan and R.J. review Victor Robles’ callup, Juan Nicasio’s latest move, Jimmy Nelson’s injury, and whatever the heck happened to the Royals’ bullpen. (Mike Minor!)
On the 28th episode of the DFA podcast, Bryan and R.J. go over a trio of top prospect callups: Walker Buehler, Alex Verdugo, and J.P. Crawford. The guys then hit the small waiver-wire moves that took place, consider the Cardinals’ process, and close things out with some talk about Nori Aoki.
On the 27th episode of the DFA podcast, Bryan and R.J. discuss the Tigers’ flash teardown and their deals of Justin Verlander to the Astros and Justin Upton to the Angels. Plus, the other little moves that made our second deadline so exciting, including Mike Leake to the Mariners, Brandon Phillips to the Angels, and more.
On the 26th episode of the DFA podcast, Bryan and R.J. are talking about the two most prolific home run hitters of the past month: Rhys Hoskins and Giancarlo Stanton. Will Hoskins be Kevin Maas or Aaron Judge? (Or neither?) Will Stanton break 60 dingers? (Or 70?) Plus much, much more.