FLIPPIN' BATS WITH BEN VERLANDER
Is the New York Yankees’ Duo of Juan Soto & Aaron Judge the Best of All-time & More with John Smoltz
Ben Verlander welcomes Atlanta Braves' legend John Smoltz back to Flippin' Bats for another edition of 'Saturdays with John Smoltz'. Ben and Smoltz discuss if the combo of Juan Soto and Aaron Judge is the best 1-2 punch of all-time, share some early thoughts on the upcoming trade deadline and Smoltz shares his favorite David Justice stories.
Shohei Ohtani (????) News, Houston Astros' Injury Woes, Revisiting Yamamoto's Contract & More
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry bring you everything you need to know about Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani in 'This Week In Shohei Ohtani News' including the Dodgers' recent struggles of late. Ben and Alex also discuss who the Cleveland Guardians should target at the trade deadline. They also revisit whether or not Yoshinobu Yamamoto's contract has been worth the money & whether or not it's time to worry about the Houston Astros after they lost two more starting pitchers to Tommy John surgery.
Atlanta Braves Keep Sliding, MLB Teams Need to Make Trades, Aaron Judge Almost to 300 HRs & More
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry discuss New York Yankees Aaron Judge's pace to be the fastest player to 300 home runs and how teams need to make more moves before the All-Star break. Ben updates his weekly MLB Power Rankings and he gives his 'Team of the Month'. They also discuss the Detroit Tigers optioning Spencer Torkelson to AAA & more.
The Atlanta Braves Minus Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto’s Upcoming Free Agency & More with John Smoltz
Ben Verlander welcomes Atlanta Braves' legend John Smoltz back to Flippin' Bats for another edition of 'Saturdays with John Smoltz'. Ben and Smoltz discuss what the Atlanta Braves’ next step is without MVP Ronald Acuña Jr., if Juan Soto is going to stay a New York Yankee long-term and why Bryce Harper fits with the Philadelphia Phillies so well.
Atlanta Braves Lose Ronald Acuña Jr. for the Year, the Negro Leagues Are in the Record Books & More
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry bring you everything you need to know about the Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani in 'This Week In Shohei Ohtani News' including Ohtani nursing a hamstring injury. Ben and Alex also discuss where the Atlanta Braves go after losing Ronald Acuña Jr., the Negro Leagues finally having players in the MLB record books, Ángel Hernández retiring, and Jorge López’s unfortunate afternoon.
Baltimore Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson on Corbin Burnes' Impact, Lessons from the 2023 Playoffs & More
Ben Verlander welcomes the Baltimore Orioles young superstar Gunnar Henderson to the show. Ben and Henderson discuss the Orioles hot start to the season and the impact that bringing in veterans such as Corbin Burnes and Craig Kimbrel has had on the team. The pair then break down the Orioles’ new ownership and the energy they’ve brought to the team and Henderson explains what the postseason experience was like last season.
Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr.’s Injury, the Best Season in Philadelphia Phillies History & More
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry discuss the injury to Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto’s upcoming free agency and if he’ll stay with the New York Yankees or not, the Philadelphia Phillies being on pace for their best season in franchise history and if the Kansas City Royals’ young superstar Bobby Witt Jr. is the most underrated player in MLB. Ben then updates his weekly MLB Power Rankings & Team of the Week and Alex has a special birthday surprise.
Shohei Ohtani (????) or Elly De La Cruz for NL MVP, Best Offseason Trades and More with John Smoltz
Ben Verlander welcomes Atlanta Braves' legend John Smoltz back to Flippin' Bats for another edition of 'Saturdays with John Smoltz'. Ben and Smoltz debate whether Shohei Ohtani can win MVP as a DH for the Los Angeles Dodgers or if the Cincinnati Reds’ Elly De La Cruz can steal his way there. They then discuss what the best offseason trade was and which division races are already look like they will come down to the wire.
Shohei Ohtani's (????) 1st Dodgers Walk-off, Astros Worry Meter & Revisiting World Series Picks
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry bring you everything you need to know about the Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani in 'This Week In Shohei Ohtani News' including Ohtani’s first walk-off hit in Dodgers blue. Ben and Alex also revisit and give a confidence rating for all of their AL and NL preseason awards as well as their World Series picks. Ben and Alex also provide an update on the 2026 World Baseball Classic, break down Bryce Harper’s promposal assist & more.
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Zac Gallen on 2023 World Series Run, All-Star Game Stories and More
Ben Verlander welcomes 2023 Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star starting pitcher Zac Gallen to the show. Ben and Gallen discuss Arizona’s run to the World Series last season, sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS and what game planning in the Fall Classic is like. The pair then discuss if Zac is the biggest sneakerhead in MLB and he shares some stories about hosting Jack Flaherty during his time at the University of North Carolina.
Baltimore Orioles vs Yankees for AL Top Spot, Houston Astros' Kyle Tucker Joins AL MVP Race & More
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry discuss who is the top team in the American League between the Baltimore Orioles & New York Yankees. The AL MVP race heats up with New York Yankees' Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, Baltimore Orioles' Gunnar Henderson & Houston Astros' Kyle Tucker continue to battle it out a third of the way through the season. Ben answers the question whether or not Pittsburgh Pirates' Paul Skenes is a top 10 pitcher in MLB after his last stellar start & Ben also updates his weekly MLB Power Rankings & Team of the Week.
Shohei Ohtani (????) & Betts or Judge & Soto, Padres' BIG Move & More with John Smoltz
Ben Verlander welcomes Atlanta Braves' legend John Smoltz back to Flippin' Bats for another edition of 'Saturdays with John Smoltz'. Ben and Smoltz break down Paul Skenes’ electric first MLB start for the Pittsburgh Pirates and discuss if the San Diego Padres turned themselves into contenders by trading for Luis Arráez. Finally, the pair debate if the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 1-2 punch of Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts is better than Aaron Judge and Juan Soto of the New York Yankees.
Shohei Ohtani (????) 1st in MLB, Astros' Ronel Blanco Suspended & Braves' Ronald Acuña Jr. Struggles
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry bring you everything you need to know about Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani in 'This Week In Shohei Ohtani News'. Ohtani became the first player in MLB with double digit steals and home runs. Ben also talks about the state of MLB City Connects after the Los Angeles Dodgers' second city connect was leaked. Ben also discusses Houston Astros' Ronel Blanco being ejected and suspended for sticky substances & more.
Seattle Mariners' Ty France on Their Stellar Rotation, Front Office Relationship & More
Ben Verlander welcomes back Seattle Mariners' Ty France back to Flippin' Bats. They discuss the unbelievable run that the Mariners' rotation has been on, his first all-star game & his favorite Tony Gwynn story. Ty also gives his answer on whether San Diego or Los Angeles has the better Mexican food & more.
Philadelphia Phillies Take Over NL East, MLB Power Rankings, Paul Skenes' Debut & More
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry discuss whether or not the Philadelphia Phillies are the favorites to win the NL East, the Baltimore Orioles' new owner, & Justin Verlander's big start for the Houston Astros in Detroit. They also discuss whether or not the Pittsburgh Pirates are a playoff team after Paul Skenes' magical debut. Ben updates his weekly MLB Power Rankings & his 'Team of the Week' which is led by Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper.
Seattle Mariners’ World Series Chances, Adam Wainwright Stories & More with John Smoltz
Ben Verlander welcomes Atlanta Braves' legend John Smoltz back to Flippin' Bats for another edition of 'Saturdays with John Smoltz'. Ben and Smoltz break down the Seattle Mariners’ stellar starting pitching and their World Series potential. They also discuss if this is the golden era of shortstops in MLB and Smoltz shares his favorite Adam Wainwright stories.
St. Louis Cardinals' Legend Adam Wainwright on Albert Pujols, Getting Traded to the Cardinals & More
"Ben Verlander welcomes FOX MLB analyst and St. Louis Cardinals' legend Adam Wainwright to Flippin' Bats. They discuss Wainwright getting drafted by the Atlanta Braves and getting traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. They also talk about Wainwright getting pushed into the closer role as a rookie & closing out the 2006 World Series. Ben and Adam talk about his music career, his new role as Fox MLB game analyst & more. "
San Diego Padres Land Luis Arráez, MLB Power Rankings, Top 5 Shortstops & More
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry discuss the BIG trade from the weekend with the San Diego Padres landing Luis Arráez from the Miami Marlins and whether or not this makes the Padres a playoff team. Ben updates his weekly MLB Power Rankings with the Los Angeles Dodgers taking over the top spot after a sweep of the Atlanta Braves. Ben gives his 'Team of the Month' which is led by Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani & Mookie Betts. Alex and Ben discuss whether or not we are in the Golden Era of shortstops, Ben gives his current Top 5 shortstops of 2024 & more.
Shohei Ohtani (????) News, Mike Trout's Injury, Shota Imanaga's Dominance & More
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry discuss the dominance of Chicago Cubs' Shota Imanaga and whether or not he was the best pitcher free agent signing. They also talk about Cincinnati Reds' Elly De La Cruz's hot start, Arizona Diamondbacks' Corbin Carroll's sophomore slump & Mike Trout's knee injury. They bring you a new edition of 'This Week In Shohei Ohtani News' & more.
Shohei Ohtani (????)'s MVP Chances, Astros Vs Yankees Rivalry, Paul Skenes & More
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry discuss whether or not that New York Yankees own the Houston Astros after the last five years, trouble in Cincinnati & Willson Contreras' broken arm. Ben also discusses what it would take from Shohei Ohtani to win the MVP at DH in 'This Week in Shohei Ohtani News, the Pittsburgh Pirates calling up MLB's No. 3 prospect Paul Skenes & more
Michael Wacha Talks About His St. Louis Cardinals Years, the Royals' Hot Start & More
Ben Verlander welcomes 2013 NLCS MVP Michael Wacha to the show to discuss his red hot Kansas City Royals team, Bobby Witt Jr., & the Royals stellar pitching staff. Wacha also discusses his St. Louis Cardinals' days, losing a no-hitter, getting called up the big leagues and pitching in the playoffs a year removed from college, coming up & learning from Yadier Molina, Adam Wainwright, & more. He also discusses being able to find his old form after some injuries with the Tampa Bay Rays & who is in his Top-5 pitchers of all-time.
New York Mets' Pete Alonso Joins Exclusive Club, Aaron Judge's Slow Start, MLB Power Rankings & More
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry discuss the latest in MLB news including New York Mets' Pete Alonso joining the 200 home run club. Ben breaks down whether he thinks Alonso will join the 500 home run club & whether or not New York Yankees' Aaron Judge is full healthy after his slow start to the season. Ben also takes a look at the Seattle Mariners' turnaround with their pitching staff finally hitting their stride & whether or not George Kirby will finish the season with more games started than walks this season. Verlander updates his weekly MLB Power Rankings & 'Team of the Week' & more.
Atlanta Braves' Legend John Smoltz on the Houston Astros & Los Angeles Dodgers’ Slow Starts
Ben Verlander welcomes Atlanta Braves' legend John Smoltz back to Flippin' Bats for another edition of 'Saturdays with John Smoltz'. Ben and Smoltz discuss the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers’ less than spectacular early seasons and whether or not the Pittsburgh Pirates’ top prospect Paul Skenes should be called up to the Majors.
Shohei Ohtani (????) News, Houstos Astros' Struggles, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Concerns & More
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry bring you the latest MLB news including Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani breaking Hideki Matsui's record for most home runs by a Japanese born player in MLB history. They also discuss the Houston Astros' historic bad start and whether or not they could make the postseason. Ben answers whether or not he thinks the Chicago White Sox could break the record for most losses in a single-season. Ben & Alex also discuss whether not it's time for the Toronto Blue Jays to start worrying about Vladimir Guerrero Jr & more.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Will Smith on Prepping with Shohei Ohtani (????) & the Kentucky Derby
Ben Verlander welcomes 2023 Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star catcher Will Smith to Flippin’ Bats. Ben and Smith discuss the Dodgers’ massive offseason, if Smith has started game-planning pitching with Shohei Ohtani, and his upcoming Netflix is a Joke event in support of his Catching Hope foundation.
Shohei Ohtani (????) Breaks HR Record, Orioles' Fountain Saga, Paul Skenes Query & Power Rankings
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry bring you the latest MLB news including Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani breaking Hideki Matsui's record for most home runs by a Japanese born player. Ben also talks about the Baltimore Orioles' fountain saga where Colton Cowser accidentally threw Craig Kimbrel's 422nd save ball, tying Billy Wagner for 7th all-time, into the fountains at Kauffman Stadium. Ben also breaks down why Pittsburgh Pirates' Paul Skenes should still be in AAA. Verlander also updates his weekly MLB Power Rankings & 'Team of the Week'.
Atlanta Braves' Legend John Smoltz on Spencer Strider’s Surgery & How MLB Can Help Stop Arm Injuries
Ben Verlander welcomes Atlanta Braves' legend John Smoltz back to Flippin' Bats for another edition of 'Saturdays with John Smoltz.’ Ben and Smoltz discuss the Atlanta Braves’ World Series chances without their ace Spencer Strider, how MLB can help prevent arm injuries around the league and what’s currently the best rivalry in MLB.
Shohei Ohtani (????) News, MLB's Top 3 Most Concerning Teams & More
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry bring you everything you need to know regarding Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani in 'This Week In Shohei Ohtani News' where they discuss tying Hideki Matsui for most home runs by a Japanese born player & his offensive numbers being better in 2024 than they were in 2023. Ben gives you his Top 3 most concerning teams through the first month of the season including the Seattle Mariners & more.
Houston Astros & Texas Rangers' Rivalry, New No. 1 Team for MLB Power Rankings & More
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry discuss is the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers' rivalry is currently the best in baseball, whether or not Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. is the best shortstop in baseball and whether or not the NL Central is the best division in baseball. Ben also gives his updated MLB Power Rankings with a new team at the top & his updated 'Team of the Week'.
Atlanta Braves' Legend John Smoltz on His Almost No-hitters & the Rash of Recent Pitching Injuries
Ben Verlander welcomes back Atlanta Braves' legend John Smoltz back to Flippin' Bats for another edition of 'Saturdays with John Smoltz'. Ben and Smoltz discuss the cause of all the pitching injuries and his best stories from his almost no-hitters.
Shohei Ohtani (????)'s Former Interpreter Faces Fraud Charges, Jackson Holliday's Debut & More
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry break down all the latest news after the DOJ announced charges for Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter. Baltimore Orioles' finally debuted Jackson Holliday and Ben gives his Top 5 most anticipated MLB debuts since 2000. Ben also talks about Los Angeles Dodgers' Tyler Glasnow becoming the front runner for the NL Cy Young & much more.
Seattle Mariners' Bryce Miller on Julio Rodríguez, His New Splitter & More
Ben Verlander welcomes Seattle Mariners' Bryce Miller to Flippin' Bats. They discuss his near perfect MLB debut, his new splitter he developed this offseason and the craziest thing he's ever seen Julio Rodríguez do. Miller also talks about his Texas A&M Aggies, facing his childhood friend & Baltimore Orioles' Jordan Westburg and his thoughts on the rash of pitching injuries.
Atlanta Braves' Spencer Strider's UCL Injury, Spencer Steer's Breakout, MLB Power Rankings & More
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry discuss Spencer Striders' UCL injury and what that means for the Atlanta Braves' division title hopes. Ben gives you his updated MLB Power Rankings, Team of the Week and talks about the breakout of Cincinnati Reds' Spencer Steer.
Houston Astros Vs New York Yankees Recap, Oakland A's Situation & More with John Smoltz
Ben Verlander welcomes Atlanta Braves legend John Smoltz back fro another edition of 'Saturdays with Smoltz' where they discuss the New York Yankees sweep of the Houston Astros, the Oakland A's situation and the tough slide from Milwaukee Brewers' Rhys Hoskins against New York Mets' Jeff McNeil.
Shohei Ohtani (????) News, Houston Astros' No-hitter & Texas Rangers' Playoff Hopes
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry bring you everything Shohei Ohtani related in 'This Week In Shohei Ohtani News' including his first first Los Angeles Dodgers' home run. Ben and Alex shout out Houston Astros' Ronel Blanco's no-hitter and Milwaukee Brewers' Jackson Chourio's hot start in 'Flippin' Shout Outs'. Ben talks about whether the Houston Astros' have a bullpen problem, whether or not the Texas Rangers' playoff hopes are crushed due to the Josh Jung injury and more.
Atlanta Braves Lead MLB Power Rankings, Yankees Sweep Astros & Cubs Lose Justin Steele
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry talk about the Milwaukee Brewers & New York Mets benches clearing after Rhys Hoskins' slide into Jeff McNeil. In 'Overreaction Monday' they also talk about whether Justin Steele's injury ruins the Chicago Cubs season, if the Baltimore Orioles are the top dog in the American League over the Houston Astros & if the New York Yankees are World Series contenders with Juan Soto. Ben brings you his Week 1 MLB Power Rankings and his Team of the Week.
2024 National League Preview: Will the Atlanta Braves or Los Angeles Dodgers Reign Supreme?
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry break down everything in the Flippin' Bats 2024 National League Preview. They go through each division and pick out their winners and wild card winners. Who is the team to beat in the NL: the Los Angeles Dodgers or the Atlanta Braves?
2024 American League Preview: Houston Astros the Team to Beat?
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry break down everything in the Flippin' Bats 2024 American League Preview. They go through each division and pick out their winners and wild card winners. Are the Houston Astros the team to beat or is it now the Baltimore Orioles' time?
Los Angeles Dodgers' Super Fan Bryan Cranston on Vin Scully, Kirk Gibson & the 2024 Dodgers
Emmy award winning actor Bryan Cranston joins Ben Verlander on Flippin' Bats to discuss his love for baseball and his recent work with MLB for their Opening Day campaign. Cranston talks about what Vin Scully meant to him, where he was for Kirk Gibson's famous walk-off home run in the 1988 World Series & so much more!
Shohei Ohtani (????)'s Translator Fired, Seoul Series Recap & MLB Power Rankings
Ben Verlander & Alex Curry discuss the recent news that Shohei Ohtani's translator, Ippei Mizuhara, has been fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers after an allegation of 'massive theft' due to questions surrounding at least $4.5 million in wire transfers sent from Ohtani's bank account to a bookmaking operation set off a series of events. They also recap the Seoul Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers & San Diego Padres. Ben gives his 'Week 0' MLB Power Rankings with some familiar faces at the top.
Atlanta Braves' Michael Harris II on Ronald Acuña Jr., His Baseball Journey & More
Atlanta Braves' Michael Harris II joins Flippin' Bats to discuss his baseball journey with Ben Verlander. He talks about getting drafted by his hometown Atlanta Braves, Ronald Acuña Jr., turning it around in 2023 & so much more.
Los Angeles Dodgers & San Diego Padres Seoul Series, Houston Astros Pursuing Blake Snell & More
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry discuss MLB's Seoul Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers & San Diego Padres to kick off the season. They also discuss the Padres landing Dylan Cease from the White Sox and Shohei Ohtani revealing his wife on social media. Will the Houston Astros pursue Blake Snell after another pitcher could be headed for the IL? Ben gives his 5 breakout pitchers for 2024 and more.
Minnesota Twins’ Pablo López on the Postseason, the World Baseball Classic & More
Minnesota Twins’ Pablo López joins Ben Verlander on Flippin’ Bats and they discuss getting traded from the Miami Marlins to the Minnesota Twins’. They also talk about the World Baseball Classic, what he learned from his 1st MLB All-Star Game and what going to Driveline is like. López also dishes on Twins’ young studs Royce Lewis, Edouard Julien and he also talks about how he would grow the game internationally.
Houston Astros' Kyle Tucker on the ALCS Vs Texas Rangers, Contract Extension Talks & More
Ben Verlander welcomes Houston Astros' Kyle Tucker to Flippin' Bats. Verlander & Tucker discuss Jose Altuve's contract extension, his own contract extension talks and new Houston Astro Josh Hader. They also discuss Tucker just missing out on a 30/30 season last year, the wild 2023 ALCS vs the Texas Rangers and much more!
New York Yankees Need Blake Snell, 5 Breakout Players for 2024 & More
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry discuss the New York Yankees recent injury news regarding ace Gerrit Cole and superstar Aaron Judge. Cole is getting an MRI on his right elbow and Judge is banged up, but Ben thinks now is the time more than ever for the Yankees to get Blake Snell. Ben gives his 5 breakout players to look out for in 2024 including Baltimore Orioles' Jackson Holliday and Texas Rangers Evan Carter. Ben and Alex discuss MLB's Spring Breakout and Ben's Top 3 games to watch. There's another edition of 'Name That Swing' and so much more!
Cincinnati Reds' Jonathan India on Their Season Outlook, Trade Speculation & More
Ben Verlander welcomes Cincinnati Reds' Jonathan India to the show. India talks about his new deal to stay with the Reds, dealing with trade speculation and how good he thinks the Reds will be this season. They also discuss his draft day story, getting called up to the big leagues & much more.
Shohei Ohtani (????)'s Dodgers Debut & Marriage News, Phillies' Big Move & More
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry discuss the big Los Angeles Dodgers' news with Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto making their Spring Training debuts as well as Ohtani's surprise marriage announcement. They also talk about two big contracts that were handed out by the Philadelphia Phillies & San Francisco Giants to lock up Zack Wheeler and Matt Chapman. Ben hands out his Top 5 teams to hit the under on their 2024 win totals and another edition of 'Name That Swing'.
Kansas City Royals’ Cole Ragans on Becoming an Ace, KC’s Upgraded Roster & More
Ben Verlander welcomes Cole Ragans to the show to discuss his journey from being traded by the Texas Rangers to becoming the Kansas City Royals’ ace. Cole shares the story of his long journey in the Minor Leagues after being a first-round pick and how be built himself into a top pitcher. He also breaks down all of Kansas City’s moves this offseason, Bobby Witt Jr.’s ceiling and much more.
Chicago Cubs Sign Cody Bellinger, Top 5 Teams to Hit Over on Their Win Totals & More
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry discuss the big news of the Chicago Cubs signing Cody Bellinger to a $80M/3 year deal. Does this move make the Cubs the NL Central favorites? Ben gives his Top 5 teams to hit the over on their win total for 2024 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees & Cincinnati Reds making the list & so much more!
Chicago White Sox’ Dylan Cease on Trade Rumors, Changes in MLB, Brawls & More
Ben Verlander welcomes Dylan Cease of the Chicago White Sox to the show to discuss all the trade speculation surrounding him this offseason and what he wants to see from himself and the White Sox in 2024. Dylan shares his thoughts after a year of the pitch clock and offers some broader changes he’d like to see around MLB. He also breaks down what it’s like experiencing a Major League brawl, dives deep on his love for disc golf and much more.
