Ben and Sam preview Boston’s season with Providence Journal Red Sox beat writer Brian MacPherson, and George talks to Brian’s ProJo colleague, Tim Britton (at 28:41).
Ben and Sam banter about a LaRoche-related White Sox conspiracy and update Ryan Webb’s save outlook, then answer emails about Ryan Howard, Trout vs. Goldschmidt, a terrible trivia question, and more.
Ben and Sam preview the Giants’ season with Erik Malinowski, and Jeff talks to Grant Brisbee of McCovey Chronicles (at 24:10).
How many simulations does it take for the Rockies to win 106 games, or the Dodgers to lose 121?
Ben and Sam preview the Nationals’ season with Washington Post Nationals beat writer Chelsea Janes, and Jeff talks to Chelsea’s Washington Post colleague, James Wagner (at 23:56).
Ben and Sam preview the Astros’ season with Houston Chronicle Astros beat writer Evan Drellich, and George talks to Evan’s Houston Chronicle colleague, Jesus Ortiz (at 31:38).
Or something like that.
Ben and Sam preview the Blue Jays’ season with Joshua Howsam of Baseball Prospectus Toronto, and George talks to Sportsnet columnist Shi Davidi (at 19:49).
Ben and Sam announce this year’s Effectively Wild fantasy game, “Beat PECOTA,” then answer listener emails about Mike Trout, game theory in the amateur draft, baseball caps, Goose Gossage, and more.
Ben and Sam preview the Yankees’ season with Kenny Ducey of Sports Illustrated and BP Bronx, and George talks to Lohud.com Yankees beat writer Chad Jennings (at 29:32).
Ben and Sam preview the Mariners’ season with BP/Lookout Landing writer Meg Rowley, and George talks to Tacoma Rainiers broadcaster Mike Curto (at 25:23).
Measuring the scale of a single draft pick.
Ben and Sam preview the Pirates’ season with Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Pirates beat writer Travis Sawchik, and Jeff talks to Pat Lackey of Where Have You Gone Andy Van Slyke? (at 23:58).
How the Rays turned a great farm system into an even greater collection of players.
If team names were different, how different would they be?
Ben and Sam preview the Cardinals’ season with Dayn Perry of CBS Sports, and Jeff talks to The Cardinals Way author Howard Megdal (at 22:29).