Passion for the Pastime

On this episode I am joined by Chicago White Sox beat writer for MLB.com, Scott Merkin. We will discuss baseball on the Southside and look at the LaRussa hiring. Also what are team expectations for 2021? How will Jose Abreu follow up season after winning the AL MVP? As well as an outlook on Lucas Giolito and Michael Kovach. Its all that and more and you wont want to miss it.

This time we are heading to the other side of the bay to talk Oakland A's baseball. Joined by Martin Gallegos of MLB.com, we will be discussing the fall out of Marcus Semien leaving to Toronto, how well of a position are the A's in for the race of the AL West, outlook on prospects and the uncertain future of Matt Chapman. Oh yeah and Burritos, we LOVE burritos. 

On this episode of the podcast, we will be chatting with San Diego Padres beat writer for the San Diego Union-Tribune, Jeff Sanders as we all try to make sense of what is happening in San Diego. The Padres are real players in the NL West and are now gaining recognition of being baseball's elite. We speak with Jeff about the new starting rotation, how it all came about, and who is the true "ACE" of...

In this episode, I am joined by Toronto Blue Jays beat writer for Sportnet, Ben Nicholson-Smith. We will explore Vlad Jr's expectations going into 2021 as well as some key signings by the Blue Jays. Are the Blue Jays ready to compete? Are they finished adding pieces? Ben Nicholson-Smith gives us his answers and provides what to expect from the Blue Jays in 2021.

On this episode of the podcast, coming all the way from the South Side, NBC Sports Chicago, and White Sox Talk's very own Vinnie Duber talks White Sox baseball. We will discuss the decision of parting ways with Rick Renteria and bringing in Tony LaRussa to get the White Sox over the hump. We will also discuss what are the expectations for the White Sox in 2021 and beyond and what move is possibly...

Let's reflect on the 2020 season as we wrap up the year. The highs and the lows but right when you thought 2020 was over, a flurry of blockbuster trades involving the game's top pitchers really ends 2020 with a BANG!

We have about two weeks left in 2020 so lets end it on a high note. Some big news, both negative and positive in the final weeks of the year. 

Wrapping up the Winter Meetings and there isn't much to talk about. Some movement, but with many questions of the upcoming year and baseball season, not many teams are pulling the trigger on players. Phillies find a new President of baseball operations, but what does it mean for the future of the franchise, especially since the Mets are trying to seem like big players in free agency. All that and...

Welcome to the Winter Meetings 2020. Like much of 2020 the meetings will take on a new look being completely virtual, but that does not mean there will not be action. Is Nolan Arenado on his way out of Colorado? Will Blake Snell have a new team? Is Trevor Bauer the missing piece for a contender out west? Here are the latest rumors of free agents and trades leading up to the Winter Meetings. 

On this episode we will talk about some off season managerial changes as well as the awards given out for the Off Season such as Cy Youngs and MVPs.

We have made it through to the end of the World Series. So lets break it down and react to the results. You getting all the feels in this one and Im not holding back.

The stage is set for the 2020 Covid World Series set. The Los Angeles Dodgers will return to the World Series for the third time in four years to take on the AL-Best Tampa Bay Rays, who are returning to the World Series for the first time since 2008. Here's how they got there, with a recap of the LCS and a World Series preview and predictions. 

In this episode we will take a look at the 8 remaining teams and look at the matchups. A lot of Bad Blood in this Division Series.

The 2020 regular season has just concluded and it doesn't feel right. Thankfully we have plenty of postseason baseball coming our way. Talking bracket world series picks and much more.

This is it. This is the last weekend of the regular season. It was quick but fun. It all comes down to this. The American Leagues is worried about seeding meanwhile the National Leagues is just trying to get in the dance. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the weekend.

We are getting down to the final stretch as teams try to assert themself into a playoff spot. Thoughts on the playoff format and no booze celebrations. Dodgers, White Sox, and Rays have already clinched berths, with many teams hoping to clinch this weekend. The Yankees continue to stay hot and breaking history while they are at it and the Reds are the surprise, out of nowhere team. Many teams in t...

Two weeks remain in the regular season and on the biggest sports day in recent memory, with the NFL kicking off. Baseball roars right back into the headlines. Albert Pujols finally reach Mays, after a month between 659 and 660, but he finally did it. But to join him, just like on many of his historic days, is a Chicago Cubs by the name of Alec Mills, who threw the clubs 16th franchise no-hitter on...

In this episode, we will remember the legend of Tom Terrific, Tom Seaver as he passed away at the age of 75. Also, talk baseball and how the Mets paid tribute to Seaver and what has been going on with Yankees and the entire NL East. Clayton Kershaw reaches yet another milestone to add to his resume for Cooperstown. 

The trade deadline has ended and the Padres have made a statement. We are ready and arent going anywhere. Padres made some big noise at the deadline, by adding some key pieces as they attempt to tip the scales of power and challenge the Dodgers. Dodgers, on the other hand, did nothing at the deadline and welcome the challenge for the division and the national league as both teams have the top two...

As we approach the half way point, we review the divisions and how the current playoff format would look if the playoffs ended today. Also with tons a rookies making their debuts, its fun to look back on some of the game best debuts because one of these rookies could be the next superstar of the league.

On this episode of Passion for the Pastime, we will be looking at a key debut for the San Francisco Giants. As rookies across the league make their first starts, some may be making their last starts. For their current teams that is. The ever so mysterious trade deadline is only days away and with some much to be determined, there is no telling how this deadline will go down. Names have been rumore...

Its time to talk baseball. In this episode, we remember Roberto Clemente on what would have been his 86th birthday. Also, we will look at the player closest to replicate Clemente's unique style, in Fernando Tatis Jr. as he has now opened the door of baseball's unwritten rules.

The wild west just got wilder. With Mookie Betts heating up and writing the record books, Charlie Blackmon looks to write some history of his own. Will the public look at any accomplishments in 2020 as less than? We are talking records, Mookie's greatness and playoff bubbles. Yes that is now a thing.

To say this weekend was just another normal weekend would do a disservice to the game. This weekend had everything. Upsets, great games, long balls you name it. Even weird things like losing a no-hitter due to brightness, in a night game. Oh and a player being sent home, like he was a bad kid in school for breaking the rules. Even a heated discussion in Oakland, which at first doesnt seem like muc...

We are talking everything baseball past as we reflect on 756 with Barry Bonds breaking Hank Aaron's HR record. We will also look at the present state of baseball with the Cardinals testing postive again, what that means for them and baseball as well as looking at other series all around the league.