Baseball Bar-B-Cast

Latest Episodes:

Phillies make managerial change, Travis Bazzana makes his Guardians debut & Shohei Ohtani prioritizing his pitching Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

The Philadelphia Phillies became the second team in the first month of the 2026 season to make a change at the manager position, following the Boston Red Sox making that decision over the weekend. Rob Thomson was relieved of his duties after the Phillies got off to a disappointing 9–19 start to the season, with the hope that a change will be able to jumpstart what has been a sluggish campaign.

On this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the Phillies’ decision to fire Topper and name Don Mattingly the interim manager, what the vibe was like at Citizens Bank Park yesterday following the firing and the interesting dynamic now between the manager and GM. They also highlight the rather surprising journey that found Thomson at the helm of the Phillies and what could be next for him.

Later, Jake and Jordan discuss the debut of Cleveland Guardians’ top prospect Travis Bazzana, the impact he’ll have on baseball in Australia and whether the draft class he came out of will be one of the best of all time. The guys close the show by discussing Shohei Ohtani not hitting—at least for now—when he pitches and why this is different from what he was doing when he was with the Los Angeles Angels.

1:07 - The Opener: Phillies fire Thomson
15:12 - What to expect from Mattingly
29:45 - Field Report: Travis Bazzana joins the show
39:40 - 2024 MLB Draft class all-timer
48:29 - Kind of a Big Deal: Ohtani not hitting

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🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Alex Cora out as Red Sox clean house, changes could be coming soon for Mets & Shohei Ohtani Cy Young chances update Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

Over the weekend, the Boston Red Sox made the shocking decision to fire Alex Cora, along with five other members of the coaching staff, in hopes of jump-starting the club after a rough start to the season. Cora, who was in his eighth season managing in Boston, found himself as the fall guy for the Red Sox—but was his firing fully justified?

On this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman examine the difficult position Red Sox ownership created by making a change at this point in the season rather than sticking with the manager who delivered a title to Boston in 2018. Should the team’s Chief Baseball Officer, Craig Breslow, receive more blame, since this is the roster he constructed? Or is there a larger issue that needs to be addressed when it comes to payroll limits set by principal owner John Henry?

Later, Jake and Jordan take a look at the situation with the New York Mets after being swept by the Colorado Rockies following the end of their losing streak. If the Mets begin to slide after this weekend, is there a real chance Carlos Mendoza could find himself, like Alex Cora, out of a job? They also discuss Shohei Ohtani’s current odds of capturing his first Cy Young Award, the New York Yankees calling up Jasson Domínguez and preview the latest MLB power rankings.

0:43 - The Opener: Red Sox fire Alex Cora
37:01 - How Sweep It Is: Mendoza on the hot seat
45:53 - Other sweeps around MLB
51:13 - Around the League: Ohtani Cy Young watch
56:30 - Yankees call up Jasson Domínguez
59:34 - Turbo Mode: Everything else from the weekend

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🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Cubs stay hot for Dodgers duel, Braves return to World Series contender form and Yankees ready for new uniforms Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

When the Chicago Cubs made some big moves this past offseason, the hope was to get the club back to its winning ways after a few disappointing seasons. Bringing in veteran Alex Bregman and star pitcher Edward Cabrera were just a few signs of that commitment, and so far this season, it’s paying off for fans in the Windy City.

On this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about what the Cubs are doing so well during their nine-game winning streak, which has them sitting atop the NL Central and ready for a big matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Even though their pitching staff has been depleted due to injuries, the Cubbies are ready to make some noise in the National League and make a statement in Los Angeles this weekend.

Later, Jake and Jordan discuss the Atlanta Braves impressing this season in all facets of the game with their MLB-best 18–8 record, and how manager Walter Weiss set the tone early for this team to fight until the end of every game. They then get into the San Diego Padres signing Lucas Giolito, the New York Mets finally snapping their 12-game losing streak and make their picks for this week’s edition of The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.

1:11 - The Opener: Cubs stay hot
19:00 - Field Report: Braves success in 2026
29:30 - Around the League: Padres sign Giolito
37:36 - Mets snap losing streak
44:35 - The Good
51:50 - The Bad
58:22 - The Uggla

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

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🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Phillies trying to get out of slump, Mets losing streak reaches 12 & Munetaka Murakami keeps homering Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

The Philadelphia Phillies currently sit in fourth place in the NL East, only one win better than the New York Mets, and concern is starting to grow for a team that was a favorite to make some noise in the postseason this year. While things don’t look sunny in Philadelphia at the moment, there is slight hope this can turn around.

On this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman are joined by a Phillies beat writer for The Athletic as they get into the major pitching struggles the team has been having and why a returning Zack Wheeler could be a major factor in turning their recent struggles around. With Philadelphia sports fans being slightly distracted by other teams in their area competing in the playoffs, now might be the best time for the Fightin’ Phils to get their worst play out of the way.

Later, Jake talks about his experience at Citi Field in the midst of the Mets’ 12-game losing streak, the Houston Astros being decimated by injuries and Chicago White Sox slugging Japanese free agent signee Munetaka Murakami hitting a home run in four straight games. They also bust out “Why Haven’t You Homered Yet?” to figure out why some notable players have yet to fill the home run column this season.

1:32 - The Opener: Phillies are in a mess
25:47 - Field Report: Mets losing streak hits 13
40:34 - Why Haven’t You Homered Yet?
51:18 - Around The League: Astros decimated by injuries
55:57 - Murakami smashes four in a row

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

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📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ

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🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Mets’ shocking losing streak hits 11 games, Braves pitching appears elite and Tony Vitello learning on the job for the Giants Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

The New York Mets have found themselves in a really bad position, as they currently sit on an 11-game losing streak, which has led them to the worst record in the National League and tied for the worst in baseball. With the second-highest payroll in all of baseball for 2026, to say this season is not going as expected would be a complete understatement.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the Amazins’ rough road trip, which concluded with them getting swept in walk-off fashion by the Chicago Cubs on Sunday. Even though the Mets are missing Juan Soto due to a calf injury, how exactly they’ll be able to change their tune and stop their losing ways remains a bit of a mystery. They also discuss how the Flushing faithful might have a little less faith in this new core that was brought in during the offseason.

Later, Jake and Jordan recap all the other action from the weekend, including the Atlanta Braves sweeping the Philadelphia Phillies on the back of their MLB-best pitching staff and Salvador Perez showing displeasure at getting a rest while the Kansas City Royals were swept by the New York Yankees. Then the guys talk about Munetaka Murakami smashing home runs for the Chicago White Sox and remember Los Angeles Angels great Garret Anderson.

0:55 - The Opener: Mets have lost 11 in a row
18:28 - Braves are pitching great
29:51 - How Sweep It Is: Yankees over Royals
39:11 - Yordan Alvarez is the Astros’ shining light
49:51 - Tony Vitello is learning to win and lose
53:56 - Turbo Mode: Rest of the weekend action

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

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📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

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🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Mike Trout is back to MVP form, eye-popping early ABS challenge system trends and Dalton Rushing is crushing at the plate Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

The Los Angeles Angels split their series with the New York Yankees in the Bronx this past week, and while the team cares about results, what they saw from Mike Trout might be the most encouraging takeaway. The three-time MVP turned back the clock against the Bronx Bombers and had one heck of a series at the dish.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about Trout’s performance, which included five home runs in four games, and why it could be a good sign for his 2026 campaign if he can stay healthy. They also discuss Trout sharing the field with Aaron Judge—also a three-time MVP—and the mutual respect the two sluggers clearly have for each other after they both put on a show.

Later, Jake and Jordan dive into a few eye-opening early-season stats from MLB’s newly implemented Automatic Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system, including who is challenging the most, who is challenging the least and what these trends could be telling us about team strategies. They then close the show by making their picks for The Good, The Bad & The Uggla, highlighting Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing’s strong performance at the plate and an interesting post-playing career from a former dominant closer.

1:07 - The Opener: Mike Trout is BACK
14:23 - What is Trout doing differently?
29:30 - ABS Workout: Early-season trends
51:31 - The Good, The Bad & The Uggla
1:12:30 - Breaking News: Padres are being sold

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

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📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

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🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Jackie Robinson Day remembrance, early season power rankings drop and Mets owner Steve Cohen’s curious remarks Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

Every year on April 15, the entire baseball world celebrates the achievements of Jackie Robinson for breaking the color barrier and becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. The impact that Jackie had—not just on the sports world, but globally—through his courage, endurance, and military service shows the importance of the figure the Hall of Famer was.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about Jackie’s story, including how his wife, Rachel Robinson, was just as important a figure in his life and continues to spread the message of her late husband. Jordan also discusses Charles Follis, the first African American professional football player, who also played in the Negro Leagues, and his relationship with Branch Rickey.

Also on this episode, Jake and Jordan discuss the early-season power rankings, which have the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees at the top of the list, and why it’s tough to rank teams with so few games played so far. Later, they cover Steve Cohen’s interesting tweet after the New York Mets extended their losing streak, Houston Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai having a difficult time adjusting in the States and try to figure out why Ben Rice isn’t starting every game for the Yankees.

1:34 - The Opener: Power rankings drop
19:07 - Remembering Jackie Robinson
29:56 - The importance of Charles Follis
50:10 - Steve Cohen’s Mets tweet
58:17 - Scary dugout moment in Baltimore
1:07:50 - Why isn’t Ben Rice starting?

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

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📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

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🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Yankees and Mets showing red flags, Mason Miller is a true game-changer & Nationals offense comes alive Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

The New York Yankees started the season on fire, opening with an 8–2 record and sparking thoughts about whether this could be a team that rivaled their infamous 1998 campaign. Since then, the Bronx Bombers have gone on a five-game losing streak and now sit at 8–7, with quite a few red flags popping up. However, they’re not the only team in town dealing with a losing streak and major concerns.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman get into the messy, offense-less weekend from the Yankees and the New York Mets, while also trying to figure out which team should be more concerned about the recent rough stretch. They also discuss the interesting comments made by Jazz Chisholm Jr. after he misplayed a ball that led to the Tampa Bay Rays winning on Saturday night.

Later, Jake and Jordan talk about the San Diego Padres mopping the Colorado Rockies and why Mason Miller has been an absolute cheat code coming out of the bullpen during his unreal stretch. Then the guys discuss the Washington Nationals’ offense coming alive during their sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers, as well as catch you up on all the other action from MLB this past weekend.

0:59 – The Opener: Yankees and Mets slide
11:27 – Jazz Chisholm’s interesting comments
25:20 – How Sweep It Is: Mason Miller, the cheat code
38:42 – Nationals come alive vs. Brewers
45:24 – Turbo Mode: Weekend recap

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

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📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ

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🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Shohei Ohtani’s time conundrum, new City Connect uniforms drop and the Red Sox’s rough start to 2026 Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

There are few more polarizing players in baseball than four-time Most Valuable Player and Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. After returning to the site where he helped lead LA to another World Series title, a debate broke out about how much time the two-way player should be allotted when he pitches and hits. But should he be treated differently than any other player?

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about this conundrum surrounding the unicorn of baseball and why Ohtani’s case should be viewed through a different lens. Jake then talks about spending time near the Japanese All-Star in Toronto, wondering if there is more we should be getting about his story outside of his tremendous abilities on the field.

Later, Jake and Jordan discuss the new City Connect uniforms and rank the eight new looks from best to worst, including one that is a slam-dunk winner and one that clearly looks like the team just phoned it in. They then get into Boston Red Sox fans being fed up with John Henry and imploring him to sell the team after a rough start to the season, followed by making their picks for this week’s edition of The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.

1:07 - The Opener: Ohtani and time
11:01 - Thoughts after being near Ohtani this week
24:52 - New City Connect uniforms
54:55 - We Need To Talk About: Red Sox rough start
1:01:11 - The Good, The Bad & The Uggla

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

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🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ

📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq

⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Braves-Angels clear the benches in fight, Dodgers handle Blue Jays in Toronto & Dalton Rushing joins the show Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

On Tuesday night in Anaheim, there were quite a few fireworks at the ballpark—rather than a notable theme park—and it all went down between the Los Angeles Angels and the Atlanta Braves. In the bottom of the fifth inning, Reynaldo López and Jorge Soler traded blows after their heated rivalry reached its peak, causing benches to clear from both sides.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman break down the fight that saw López and Soler exchange punches before it was eventually broken up, with Braves manager Walt Weiss tackling his former player. The guys then discuss the Los Angeles Dodgers handling a depleted Toronto Blue Jays team in the first two games of their World Series rematch, with the Dodgers looking for a sweep today.

Later, Jake and Jordan welcome Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing to the show, where they talk about his time in Los Angeles’s system, being drafted by a West Coast team and the heavy expectations that come with playing for the club. To close the show, they get into Sandy Alcantara not being thrilled about being taken out of his last start, Konnor Griffin getting a contract extension and two notable pitching injuries that are hurting their clubs.

0:48 - The Opener: Fight Night in California
17:13 - Field Report: Dodgers-Blue Jays recap
27:53 - Dalton Rushing joins the show
47:08 - We Need to Talk About: Alcantara’s not happy
52:17 - Around the League: Konnor Griffin gets an extension
55:43 - Two big pitching injuries

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ

📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq

⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_