Best Rob Manfred Podcasts (2025)

1
Offseason Check-In + AL East Arms Race 49:54

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7d ago49:54

49:54

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are back for a special holiday edition! They kick off with a quick recap of the Toronto Blue Jays' offseason, discuss the team's plans in the position player market — be it Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker or Alex Bregman — and share their favourite memories from the World Series and the Jays' unforgettable 2025 season. Then, th…

1
Mr. Grinch: Bleacher Tweet Holiday Mailbag; Red Sox Trade for Wilson Contreras; Phillies' Bullpen Makeover 58:53

8d ago58:53

58:53

Buster put the call out to the listeners and the Bleacher Tweeters answered! Buster digs into the inbox to deliver shoutouts to our One Dot Club listeners and answer questions. Plus, what's Buster making for Christmas dinner, and why can't he keep a secret? Then, Tim Kurkjian stops by as he awaits the birth of a grandchild to talk about the Red Sox…

1
Copacetic: State of the Mets; Evaluating Catchers; Phillies & Braves' Latest Moves; Labor Situation 1:10:11

13d ago1:10:11

1:10:11

Hembo and Buster discuss their yearly task of putting together top-10 player lists, evaluating catchers, the Phillies signing Adolis Garcia, the Braves' retool plan, and the market trends Hembo is seeing this offseason. Then, Jeff Passan talks about the state of the Mets, how he thinks the Tigers should handle Tarik Skubal, the shifting intra-divis…

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Episode 307 - Ross Grimsley: Baseball’s Dirtiest Hair, Slowest Pitch, and Strangest 20 Game Winner 1:00:48

12d ago1:00:48

1:00:48

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark dig into one of the strangest success stories of the 1970s: Ross “Scuz” Grimsley, the pitcher who looked like he threw 100 mph and won by barely breaking 50. Before the deep dive, the show warms up with some classic Two Strike Noise chaos — including a bizarre Mariners stat involving pitchers named…

1
Dominoes: Pete Alonso is an Oriole; Ripple Effects for the Mets; Paul Skenes’ Interesting Comments 1:09:13

19d ago1:09:13

1:09:13

Hembo and Buster discuss whether Paul Skenes is gently pushing the Pirates into action, the Orioles signing Pete Alonso to a five-year deal, the Mets’ surprising lack of interest in Alonso, the pressure on David Stearns, and why Bo Bichette should be the Yankees’ free agent prize. Then, Alden Gonzalez and Jorge Castillo stop by to talk about the im…

1
Dwindling Reliever Options + Kyle Tucker's Market 49:56

19d ago49:56

49:56

For the final episode of 2025 —barring any emergency podcasts— Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open with their reactions to the Atlanta Braves taking closer Robert Suárez off the market with a 3-year, $45M deal. Then, they share their thoughts on Jeff Passan's report that the Jays could be in on both Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker. MLB Network's Dan Plesa…

1
Getting to Know Dylan Cease with Mike Shildt 49:50

20d ago49:50

49:50

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker check in on the final day of MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando. They react to Pete Alonso signing a 5-year, $155M deal with the Baltimore Orioles, follow up with some takeaways from Dylan Cease's introductory press conference yesterday, and revisit Shane Bieber's decision to pick up his player option. Cease's former manager…

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Set The Market: Kyle Schwarber Re-Signs with Phillies; Edwin Diaz is a Dodgers; More from Winter Meetings 48:47

21d ago48:47

48:47

There is big-name player movement! Buster talks to Bob Nightengale, Jesse Rogers and Steve Phillips — all three at the Winter Meetings in Orlando. CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected] REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS 3:53 Bob Nightengale 16:40 Jesse Rogers 42:05 Steve Phillips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit p…

1
Welcome to Toronto, Dylan Cease! 50:48

16d ago50:48

50:48

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open today's program ahead of this afternoon's introductory press conference for new Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher, Dylan Cease. The boys sift through the news of the day including Edwin Diaz's three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers and Kyle Schwarber's five-year, $150 million extension with the Phillies.…

1
Winter Meetings Buzz with Jon Morosi 49:55

17d ago49:55

49:55

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are back for the week to cover MLB's winter meetings! They go through the Blue Jays' early offseason moves, what free agents they'd be willing to part with, the need for a closer, and back-up plans if the team can't bring Bo Bichette back. MLB Network insider Jon Morosi joins the show (16:00) from the winter meetings in …

1
Episode 306 - Sig Jackuki, The Accidental Ace Who Saved the Saddest Franchise 1:10:14

24d ago1:10:14

1:10:14

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark bring listeners the extraordinary story of Sig Jakucki, a talented yet troubled pitcher whose career was marred by alcoholism. Despite his struggles, Jakucki played a crucial role in the St. Louis Browns' only pennant win in 1944. The duo dives into fascinating anecdotes from Jakucki's career, incl…

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Theme of the Winter: What Buster’s Hearing on Free Agency; Nationals President of Baseball Ops Paul Toboni Stops by 1:14:49

27d ago1:14:49

1:14:49

Hembo and Buster discuss the free agency trend Buster is seeing as he talks to people around the league, which blockbuster trade Hembo wants to go down, and the most polarizing free agent on the market. Then, Buster talks to the Nationals’ new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni. Later, Alden Gonzalez and Jorge Castillo get into Kyle Tucke…

1
What Dylan Cease Brings + What's Next for the Blue Jays? 49:29

1M ago49:29

49:29

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are back for an offseason edition as the Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly signed starting pitcher Dylan Cease to a 7-year, $210 million contract. They share their reactions to the move, what Cease can bring to Toronto's rotation, and what comes next on the Jays' list of offseason priorities. Sportsnet insider Shi Davidi…

1
Thanksgiving: Blue Jays Sign Dylan Cease; Red Sox Trade for Sonny Gray; Brandon Nimmo-Marcus Semien Swapped 14:37

1M ago14:37

14:37

Buster sits down to give thanks and discuss the Blue Jays signing Dylan Cease to a seven year deal, Toronto pursuing an aggressive posture, the Mets trading Brandon Nimmo for Marcus Semien, the Red Sox trading for Sonny Gray, St. Louis adding to its talent as the team rebuilds, and the confusion around the Grayson Rodriguez-Taylor Ward trade. HAPPY…

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Emergency Pod: Blue Jays Land Dylan Cease 15:11

29d ago15:11

15:11

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker reconvene for an emergency podcast to discuss the Blue Jays reported signing of right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease to a 7-year, $210 million contract. It's the largest pitching contract handed out by Toronto in franchise history and Blair and Barker break it all down! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are th…

1
Episode 305 - Before Valenzuela, How Mel Almada Broke MLB’s Barrier 55:50

1M ago55:50

55:50

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, hosts Jeff and Mark start with humorous-ish banter and discuss various baseball history topics including a deep dive into the first Mexican-born MLB player, Mel Almada, and his significant contributions to the sport. They also explore the MLB MVP debate and recount a baseball game that caused a stir with interna…

1
Pitcher Manager: New Padres Skipper Craig Stammen; Mariners Sign Josh Naylor; Orioles Make a Big Trade 48:15

1M ago48:15

48:15

David Schoenfield and Buster discuss the Mariners signing Josh Naylor, the Orioles trading Grayson Rodriguez to the Angels for Taylor Ward, the Cy Young and MVPs being awarded, Tarik Skubal’s trade value, and a pitcher in the manager’s seat. Then, new Padres manager Craig Stammen stops by to talk about when his conversations with San Diego started,…

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Fluent: Rockies Hire Football Guy; Dombo and Harper on the Mend; Notable Japanese Free Agents 54:44

2M ago54:44

54:44

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss the Rockies hiring Paul DiPodesta from the Cleveland Browns to run the team, Dave Dombrowski and Bryce Harper patching things up, Paul Skenes’ future with the Pirates, Nolan Arenado’s trade prospects, and what’s next for the Blue Jays. Then, Hembo stops by to talk about the big free agents coming out of Japan in Tats…

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Episode 304 - Ted Kluszewski, Chuck Klein & Captain Kirk Walk Into a Bar 57:02

2M ago57:02

57:02

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark recount various intriguing baseball history stories. They discuss the recently concluded World Series that garnered the most viewers since 1991's thrilling series and listen to the funniest baseball joke ever told, according to William Shatner, while sitting atop a horse. Included is an exploration…

1
Ambitious Vision: New Giants Manager Tony Vitello; Ravy on the Red Sox & Pete Alonso 53:08

2M ago53:08

53:08

Buster and Karl Ravech discuss Ravy’s experiences with new Giants manager Tony Vitello while he was in Knoxville, why World Series Game 7 in 1991 was on-par with this year’s World Series Game 7, the much-discussed Isiah Kiner-Falefa secondary lead, the Tigers exploring trades for Tarik Skubal, if the Mets will re-sign Pete Alonso, and what the Red …

1
Mark Shapiro & Ross Atkins End-Of-Season Avails 1:24:13

2M ago1:24:13

1:24:13

We hear from Blue Jays President and CEO Mark Shapiro and General Manager Ross Atkins discussing a wide range of topics, including Shapiro's contract, Bo Bichette's free agency, Shane Bieber picking up his player option and much more! Plus, Jeff Blair heads to the Back-Leg Line to get your reactions on the Jays' front office end-of-season media ava…

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After Your Shower: The Offseason is Here; Reporter Roundtable; Hembo; “Green Fields of the Mind” 1:22:05

2M ago1:22:05

1:22:05

Alden Gonzalez, Jesse Rogers, Jorge Castillo and Buster take a look at the offseason and discuss what’s next for the Dodgers, Cubs, Blue Jays, Yankees, Brewers, Padres, Phillies, Mets, and Tigers. Then, Hembo stops by to talk about the dynamic in Philadelphia between Dave Dombrowski and Bryce Harper, his top three sleep free agents, and if he would…

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Post-World Series Priorities with David Samson 49:44

2M ago49:44

49:44

Former MLB President and host of 'Nothing Personal' David Samson (1:28) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about how he would plan for the upcoming offseason, assessing 'breakout years' from the likes of Ernie Clement and George Springer, Jeff Hoffman overcoming the game-tying home run in Game 7, Yoshinobu Yamamoto's uniqueness, how he would…

1
An Incredible Run Comes to an End 49:38

2M ago49:38

49:38

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker reflect on the Toronto Blue Jays' Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, falling short of a World Series title. They break down the game, including Jeff Hoffman giving up a game-tying home run to the Dodgers' nine-hole hitter and Isiah Kiner-Falefa's base-running in the ninth inning. Then, they share positive takeaways …

1
Speechless: Dodgers Repeat as World Series Champs in Dramatic Game 7 41:00

2M ago41:00

41:00

Eduardo Perez and Buster discuss the Los Angeles Dodgers defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the World Series, and winning back-to-back championships. They talk about Miguel Rojas’ home run to tie the game, if this was the best game they’ve ever seen, a devastating loss for the Blue Jays, Will Smith’s go-ahead home run, if Dave Roberts pun…

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Episode 303 - Frank Pastore & John Beradino, They Left Baseball — And Got Famous Anyway 50:25

2M ago50:25

50:25

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark dive into a variety of engaging topics. They kick off by discussing baseball players who stand out due to their 6,7 height. Jeff quizzes listeners on Chicago White Sox mascot Southpaw's weight in baseballs. They transition to humorous Pantone color discussions and a potential new curse linked to Co…

1
Party in the Club: Dodgers Win Game 6; World Series Game 7 on Deck; Clown Stroll 34:04

2M ago34:04

34:04

Jessica Mendoza and Buster go on a Clown Stroll in the streets of Toronto after the Dodgers beat the Blue Jays 3-1 in Game 6, forcing Game 7 of the World Series. They discuss George Springer playing through pain, Mookie Betts finally getting a big hit, another Yoshinobu Yamamoto gem, Justin Wrobleski stepping up, Kike Hernandez’s catch, why Miguel …

1
The Magnitude of 'One More Game' with Pat Gillick 49:26

2M ago49:26

49:26

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker hear from both Bo Bichette and John Schneider ahead of Game 6, reacting to Bo's comments about his future, returning from injury to play in the World Series, his maturity through the years within the Blue Jays' organization, and John's comments on how he spent Halloween at his doorstep a year ago to now having the chance…

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A Chance to Close Out Against Yamamoto 50:17

2M ago50:17

50:17

It's game day! Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look ahead to Game 6, a potential World Series-clinching stage for the Jays against the Dodgers. They go through the lineup, including George Springer's return to the lead-off spot and Bo Bichette's corresponding move back to second base. Then, two-time World Series champ and MLB Network's Al Leiter joins …

1
Closing Out the World Series with MVP Jack Morris 49:52

2M ago49:52

49:52

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by 3-time World Series Champion and National Baseball Hall of Famer Jack Morris (4:20) to chat Trey Yesavage's historic Game 5 start in the World Series, the differences in pitching in the Fall Classic and regular season, how Kevin Gausman should approach pitching in a clincher, playing in extra-inning postsea…

1
One. More. Win. 49:48

2M ago49:48

49:48

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker reflect on the Blue Jays' 6-1 win over the LA Dodgers in Game 5 to take a 3-2 World Series lead back to Toronto. They discuss Trey Yesavage's masterpiece on the mound and Addison Barger's awareness on the basepaths before looking ahead to Game 6 and how the Jays adjust to Yoshinobu Yamamoto the second time through. Later…

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Strong Feeling: Blue Jays One Win Away From a World Series; Clown Car 54:36

2M ago54:36

54:36

Jessica Mendoza and Buster are in the Clown Car following the Blue Jays’ 6-1 Game 5 victory in the World Series. The discuss the Trey Yesavage show, all-time swing and miss performance in the World Series, how Yesavage utilized his slider, the Dodgers looking tired, the Blue Jays executing the game plan against Blake Snell, what it takes to win bac…

1
Can Jays Take a Fall Classic Lead Back to Toronto? 49:43

2M ago49:43

49:43

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker start the second hour leading up to Game 5 of the World Series with Baseball Today host and Jomboy Media's Chris Rose (1:00). He shares his impressions of the first four games of the Fall Classic, the Dodgers' bottom-of-the-order hole, Chris Bassitt's bullpen breakout, and a national POV of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s postse…

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Jays Get to Ohtani to Even Up World Series 49:33

2M ago49:33

49:33

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker start with a look back on the Blue Jays' 6-2 win over the Dodgers in Game 4 to tie up the World Series, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s big home run off Shohei Ohtani and Shane Bieber's bounce-back. Then, they look ahead to Game 5, how the starters in Blake Snell and Trey Yesavage will adjust from their Game 1 outings,…

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Punch Back: Blue Jays Tie World Series 2-2 with Dominant Game 4 Win; Clown Car 39:34

2M ago39:34

39:34

Jessica Mendoza and Buster are in the Clown Car discussing the Blue Jays responding to win Game 4 after the 18-inning heartbreak in Game 3. They talk about why these teams continue to appear so evenly matched, Shohei Ohtani and Shane Bieber both performing admirably on the mound, when the Dodgers offense will really break through, the hole at No. 9…

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Overcoming an 18-Inning Loss Ahead of Game 4 49:25

2M ago49:25

49:25

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by MLB Network analyst and two-time World Series champion Jake Peavy to chat about what he thinks the message would be in the Blue Jays clubhouse before Game 4 after a gut-wrenching Game 3 loss, Shane Bieber's gameplan at attacking Shohei Ohtani, hitting against high velo pitches, and why we're seeing two of t…

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Questionable Decisions in the Game 3 Marathon 49:48

2M ago49:48

49:48

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' marathon Game 3 against the LA Dodgers, a 6-5 in the 18th inning. They reflect on the Jays' consequential decision to pitch to Shohei Ohtani in the seventh inning, John Schneider's pinch-run replacements, questionable umpire calls, Nathan Lukes' 12-inning at-bat against Clayton Kershaw with th…

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It Was Yesterday: Dodgers Take 2-1 Lead in 18-Inning World Series Epic; MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred; Clown Car 41:51

2M ago41:51

41:51

Jessica Mendoza and Buster discuss an 18-inning instant classic as the Dodgers win Game 3 and take a 2-1 World Series lead. They discuss the excitement they felt throughout, the parade of pitchers, Clayton Kershaw’s final days in the league, how Dave Roberts and John Schneider will handle the pitching in Game 4, why the series still seems up for gr…

1
A Must-Win for Both Teams at Dodger Stadium 49:37

2M ago49:37

49:37

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by former MLB pitcher and co-host of 'VSiN By The Books' Jensen Lewis (1:03) to chat about the challenges for the Blue Jays playing in a late afternoon game in L.A. for the next three World Series games that includes shadows, the keys to attacking Tyler Glasnow and vice versa for pitching against the Jays' bat…

1
Sizing Up Game 3's Starters with Jeff Passan and Eric Karros 49:21

2M ago49:21

49:21

As the World Series heads to Los Angeles, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look ahead to Monday night's Game 3 and share their expectations for the game's starters in Max Scherzer and Tyler Glasnow before welcoming ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan to the show (11:33). They discuss how Scherzer and George Springer are viewed in LA, whether Game 3 is a must-w…

1
Posing for Pictures: Dodgers Even World Series 1-1 in Toronto; Clown Stroll 44:50

2M ago44:50

44:50

Eduardo Perez and Buster take a Clown Stroll after the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 2 of the World Series. They discuss Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s complete game mastery, why both teams should be feeling good going into Game 3, if the Blue Jays let the Dodgers off the hook in the first inning, what makes Yamamoto so hard …

1
Episode 302 - Mysterious Walker, Baseball's Mystery Man 1:01:50

2M ago1:01:50

1:01:50

This Halloween, Two Strike Noise digs into the eerie side of America’s pastime — haunted ballparks, ghostly players, and one pitcher who went by so many names they just called him Mysterious Walker. Jeff & Mark unearth the weirdest stories ever to cross the foul line: Boris Karloff playing baseball in full Frankenstein makeup Night-shift ghosts at …

1
Hot Dog or a Nap: Blue Jays Take 1-0 World Series Lead Over the Dodgers; Clown Stroll 29:49

2M ago29:49

29:49

Jessica Mendoza and Buster discuss the Toronto Blue Jays winning Game 1 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. They get into the Blue Jays knocking Blake Snell out of the game and attacking the Dodger bullpen, the Dodgers not reciprocating, and why they have the same questions headed into Game 2 that they did Game 1. Plus, the gang ru…

1
World Series Game 1 Special Preview 1:08:07

2M ago1:08:07

1:08:07

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker had the chance to chat with Blue Jays' pitching coach Pete Walker (1:13) from the World Series Media Day to talk about Trey Yesavage making his first Fall Classic start, Chris Bassitt's adjustment into a bullpen role during the ALCS and his projected workload against the L.A. Dodgers, and Jeff Hoffman's closing confidenc…

1
Bo is Back + Blue Jays' National Reach 56:34

2M ago56:34

56:34

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to the Blue Jays' Game 1 lineup, which includes Bo Bichette in the clean-up spot and at second base. They weigh in on the decision and look at the rest of the World Series roster before listening in on Ross Atkins' and Bichette's game-day availability. Later, TVA Sports' play-by-play announcer Denis Casavant (27:58…

1
State of MLB with Rob Manfred + '93 World Series MVP Paul Molitor 49:31

2M ago49:31

49:31

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by the Commissioner of Major League Baseball Rob Manfred (0:35) to chat about the current state of the game on the field and for audiences across all mediums and the world, the international stage being highlighted for the Fall Classic, how MLB approaches the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in L.A., Rogers Centr…

1
Yesavage Gets Game 1, Bo's Options, and Pat Hentgen 49:51

2M ago49:51

49:51

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to the Blue Jays announcing Trey Yesavage as the Game 1 starter for the World Series and lay out their expectations for the 22-year-old. Then, Bo Bichette sits down with Jeff and Kevin (16:40) to discuss his recovery and how he'd approach possibly playing second base. Later, Dodgers President Stan Kasten (20:52) re…

1
World Series Preview: Joe Davis on Dodgers; Dan Shulman on Blue Jays; Giants Hire Joe Vitello 1:12:54

2M ago1:12:54

1:12:54

Hembo and Buster discuss the Dodgers pitching versus the Blue Jays lineup, if Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will stay hot and how Los Angeles will pitch to him, one x-factor for each team, and who Hembo is picking for World Series MVP. Then, the voice of the Blue Jays Dan Shulman stops by to preview Toronto in the Fall Classic. Next, the voice of the Dodge…

1
How Dodgers & Jays Match Up + Hall of Famer Frank Thomas 49:47

2M ago49:47

49:47

MLB Network's Jon Morosi joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker (1:11) to discuss how the Blue Jays match up against the L.A. Dodgers, the differences in types of pitchers and hitters the Milwaukee Brewers have compared to the American League champions, John Schneider's bullpen usage, why Chris Bassitt should get more run in the World Series, and projec…

1
Is Game 1 a Must-Win? 49:47

2M ago49:47

49:47

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look ahead to Friday's Game 1 of the World Series and discuss the Blue Jays' keys against the Dodgers. They get into L.A.'s starting pitching edge and project how John Schneider will deploy the bullpen. Then, former MLB pitcher and cohost of Intentional Talk, Ryan Dempster, stops by (23:46) to discuss his World Series ru…