Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci dive into the stories of baseball this season including another milestone for Shohei Ohtani. Tom looks at the surprising feat of Royals outfielder Tyler Tolbert. Kyle Schwarber tells Tom how he struggles with 'catcher's brain' versus his 'hitter's brain'. 31 year old Matt Seelinger makes his MLB debut with the Mets, but it didn't go as planned. Plus, the little known story of Nick Testa and his MLB connection to 9/11.

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

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the struggles of the Mets this season and problems with the team that may not be apparent. Joe wants to know why league stats are so mediocre while new methods of teaching with analytics are supposed to be so much better. Tom points out the shocking turnover with managers in MLB. Tom asks Joe about the current state of the Angels and what elements of success have been missing for a long time. Plus, what can the Blue Jays do to help fix the issues of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.?

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci welcome Guardians 2B Travis Bazzana to discuss All-Star voting and his amazing rookie season. Tom puts this season into perspective with how Travis' numbers stack up historically. Travis recalls playing cricket and baseball simultaneously while growing up. Tom wonders why Travis' numbers have improved since coming up from the minors. Travis talks about the Guardians' success and his approach to hitting in the majors.

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the possibility of the Angels trading Mike Trout and what kind of deal it would take. Joe explains the Angels approach to making moves like this and what was learned from how they handled Shohei Ohtani. Which teams know it's time to start making deals? Tom gives one team he believes is ready! Plus, after seeing a game last just 112 minutes..how do fans feel about really fast MLB games?

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss how the Yankees move forward without Aaron Judge for at least a couple of months. Tom reveals what he learned from a conversation with manager Aaron Boone. As a former catcher, Joe comments on the current state of catchers and the surprising batting averages around MLB. Plus, players have to adapt to the game as they get older. But how has analytics changed that process?

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Welcome to June baseball and it's time for Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci to look at how offense has changed this season. The impact of ABS on pitching, hitting, and the umpires can't be denied and Tom shares the surprising evidence. What is the biggest struggle of the Yankees this season and can they fix it? Tom and Joe reveal their biggest pet peeves in baseball before highlighting one of the best hitters in the game.

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Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci look at hitting in May and an unexpected result from the addition of the pitch clock. Tom gives his thoughts on 'combined' no-hitters and different ways the feat can happen. Meanwhile, Joe explains what he's seeing with Kyle Schwarber. We hear the latest example of 'analytics' gone too far. Plus, how about players try something new and different?

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

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The Rays have the best record in baseball but are close to the bottom of the league in home runs? Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci examine the differences in the AL East and the resurgence of the 'bunt'. Joe explains when he had players swing away on a 3-0 count. How many pitches does a pitcher really need? Tom notes Shohei Ohtani's growth as a pitcher. Plus, a warning that Joe takes very seriously!

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

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