Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the surprise of a 3-0 series lead for the Brewers over the Dodgers. Tom reveals the one way the Brewers match up so well against the Dodgers. Brewers manager Pat Murphy shared some interesting analytics that really surprised Tom. Joe explains some hitting strategies at the plate that can help or hurt teams in the postseason. What is the biggest issue with Shohei Ohtani right now?

Over in the American League, Joe gives his thoughts on the Rays/Guardians series. How evenly matched are these two teams? Tom touches on the upcoming labor situation and some ideas that are being shared between owners and players. What is the idea that Joe has embraced?

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci are enjoying the early intensity of the playoffs. Joe explores the Rays success over the Yankees. Tom notes the quality of pitching and the adrenaline on the mound with players using the 'family of fastballs'. The White Sox have momentum that started with wins on the road. Tom explains how ABS has impacted the postseason so far. What has happened to the Yankees against the Rays? Joe explains how a manager has to trust his players and how that helps form his lineup.

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci note the change in the weather for playoff baseball. Joe explains how a manager talks to his team about the differences on the field. Tom lays out the matchups between the Yankees and Red Sox. The White Sox and Astros is a matchup of polar opposite teams. How much concern is there for the Phillies against the Braves? Tom explains why the Cubs-Padres will be a matchup of the managers! Could we see a team that's never won the World Series go all the way this season?

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci are wrapping up the regular season and discuss what's the plan to get ready for the postseason. The Angels and Yankees have to plan for the schedules of Ohtani and Judge while making pitching decisions as well. Tom questions how much overall pitching changes in the playoffs. Plus, Tom honors the life of Fmr NFL exec Ernie Accorsi and his connection to baseball.

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci begin with the improved play from the Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong. It's been a full year with the ABS system and Joe weighs in with his thoughts. How has the system changed the game from the dugout? Tom highlights Gerrit Cole and what he can do to turn things around on the mound. Plus, a big reason that Joe needs to get back to reading really big books!

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci talk about Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani being the biggest stories in baseball right now. Ohtani will not prepare to pitch but the biggest concern is his hitting slump at the plate. Aaron Judge is cleared to return and Tom notes how well Judge performs in Yankee Stadium. Why are the Brewers such a fun team to watch? Tom explains why it may seem like every pitcher is throwing 100mph.

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci welcome September and the feel of playoff weather! How are teams approaching their run to the playoffs? Joe stresses worrying more about your own team than your opponent. Tom looks at how the Dodgers can prepare for an attempt at a 3rd straight championship. Is there a better way for teams to handle blowouts for pitchers and hitters? Plus, the Mariners and Phillies are headed in opposite directions while the Orioles are surprisingly back in the mix!

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci believe the Rays are the best team in the AL and could be looking at a World Series run. What are they doing that's making the biggest difference from other teams? After another career milestone for Jacob Degrom, Tom asks if the pitcher should be a Hall of Famer. Speaking of pitching, what pitcher is throwing the ball like we've never seen before? Plus, the Cubs name their all-time team and guess who is on it?

The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.

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