Baseball Connection

The Astros entered 2021 with high expectations and they delivered. They boasted the best lineup in baseball and dominated the AL West. At the end of the day, there can only be one champion and Houston fell just short by losing in the World Series. Moving forward, they'll have to replace Carlos Correa but they did bring back Justin Verlander. All this (and more) on today's episode.

No team carried bigger expectations entering 2021 than the LA Dodgers. They were looking to defend their title and had the most talented team in baseball yet again. It was a great season in LA as they won a franchise-record 106 games, but they faced more competition than expected, both within their division and in the playoffs. With the Giants now looming, they'll need to bring their A-game again in 2022. All this (and more) on today's episode.

Nobody could've guessed the Red Sox would end the 2021 season in the ALCS. It was a shocking turnaround for a team that was one of baseball's worst the prior year. Their thrilling postseason run came to an end at the hands of the Astros but Red Sox nation enjoyed many fun moments in October. They'll need more pitching in 2022. All this (and more) on today's episode.

The Giants had the most surprising turnaround in MLB. Few could have guessed they would lead MLB with 107 wins in 2021. It was made possible by vintage seasons from their veteran core, as well as great pitching. Buster Posey has since retired and Kevin Gausman is now a Blue Jay so the Giants have huge shoes to fill in 2022. What should we expect?

After a trip to the World Series in 2020, the Rays entered 2021 with their eyes set on a return but they ran into a surprise in the ALDS. They lost to a hot Red Sox team and saw their season come to a surprising end. Despite this, 2021 was a successful year for Tampa Bay and they're just getting started. Equipped with a strong young core and future superstar, the Rays will be scary in 2022.

Pitching carried the Brewers to new heights in 2021. Led by NL Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes, they had one of the best rotations in baseball. A trade for Willy Adames was the surprising boost to their struggling offense, as Adames turned out to be their best hitter. Will Yelich ever regain his old form? All this (and more) on today's episode.

After not pitching in 2021, Anibal Sanchez is attempting an MLB comeback. It will be a bit of an uphill battle considering the fact that he's 38 and wasn't so great his last time around. Why are the Orioles moving their left field fence back? It's time for Toronto to start discussing extensions for Bo and Vlad. All this (and more) on today's episode.

It was a good year on the South Side of Chicago. The White Sox played great baseball all season and won the AL Central quite handily. They were eliminated in the ALDS by the Astros but there's plenty more left in the tank for this team. Talent isn't an issue at the moment - they just need to keep getting better as they have been doing already.

Melky Cabrera has announced his retirement from baseball. After 15 MLB seasons, with his last appearance being in 2019, Melky hangs up his cleats with a World Series Ring and an All-Star Game MVP. Something must have been in the Yankees' water in 2009.... Despite the ongoing lockout, Seiya Suzuki is set to come to the Major Leagues this season. All this (and more) on today's episode.

After a rough couple months to begin the 2021 season, the Yankees looked like a lost cause. They turned things around over the summer and made key moves at the deadline which jolted the team. Anthony Rizzo and Joey Gallo came over and breathed life into the Yankees' season. Gerrit Cole figured out how to pitch without sticky stuff and finished with great numbers. The Yankees ran into a hot Red Sox team in the Wild Card game and made an early playoff exit. How can they get back to the World Series?