The finale of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season goes up against the scandals, scapegoats, superstars and, yes, the Yankees of the past. Sam Miller judges every October since 1903.
Jesse Rogers joins Buster to discuss Justin Turner refusing to stay isolated during the postgame celebration, his take on the Blake Snell situation after covering the Rays during the World Series and free agency already looking ugly for the players (8:15). Then, Tim Kurkjian hops on to talk about the wackiest season ever, giving credit to the teams for adapting to an usual lifestyle while playing, their concern for the sport and if Turner will be suspended (22:33). Next, Hembo stops by to be the only person in civilization to defend Kevin Cash (35:14). And finally, Todd Radom administers the last quiz of the season (42:31).
St. Louis declined Kolten Wong's $12.5 million option for 2021, making the longtime Cardinals second baseman a free agent. The Cardinals will pay Wong a $1 million buyout.
Sure, the 2020 season just ended. No, we haven't a clue how the offseason will play out. We're ranking all 30 MLB teams for next year anyway.
Bomani Jones discusses why despite the “want to” from Jimmy Butler that won the Heat Game 3 of the NBA Finals, he stills hates the zone (0:58). If the Lakers come out on top would LeBron be deserving of the MVP and why did LSU gives up on COVID stadium protocols (21:27)? Plus, Bo tells stories about how much of a “bad man” Bob Gibson was following his passing (34:15), an IYHH including a 67 year-old woman known as “ninja lady” (41:42) and your voicemails from the “game within the game” (55:19). IYHH Stories @heatherkelly on what the future holds for tech’s billion-dollar headquarters: https://wapo.st/34C9CIO @Brian_Rokos on the 67-year-old “Ninja lady” who made good on her threat to an intruder: https://bit.ly/2SuofYO @shanmcmahon_ on the “cruises to nowhere” that may be setting sail soon: https://wapo.st/3jxmYfs
Tim Kurkjian joins Buster Olney to discuss the passing of Cardinals legend Bob Gibson, renaming the MVP award for Frank Robinson, Phillies GM Matt Klentak “resigning,” the big questions facing the Cubs in the offseason and the division series ranked by animus between the teams (7:10). Plus, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game and gives her picks for the division series (33:02).
San Diego used nine pitchers to finish off St. Louis, but it will be much harder to bank on that formula against L.A. in the NL Division Series.
Few pitchers intimidated hitters as regularly -- or wanted to win as badly -- as the Cardinals Hall of Famer.
St. Louis Cardinals great Bob Gibson, who was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981, his first year of eligibility, died Friday at age 84, the Cardinals confirmed to ESPN.
Craig Stammen and eight fellow relievers combined on a four-hitter in a brilliant, record-setting effort that sent the San Diego Padres over the St. Louis Cardinals 4-0 Friday night in the deciding Game 3 of their NL wild-card series.
Tony Kornheiser and Frank Isola discuss the Padres' big comeback win over the Cardinals last night, Kyrie Irving's comments on coaching, Jimmy Butler's Game 2 prediction and much more.
Miami's surprising 2020 run continued with a National League Wild Card Series win in Chicago. Plus, it's a winner-take-all matchup in San Diego.
Buster Olney and Matt Vasgersian discuss the Padres punching back and forcing a game three against the Cardinals.
Matt Vasgersian joins Buster to discuss the Padres’ comeback win, how a homer in an empty ballpark plays differently, vintage Clayton Kershaw, Matt’s relief the A’s won an elimination game and calling two marathon playoff games in one day (11:55). Later, Todd Radom hops on to analyze a clip of Lou Gehrig “confirming” Babe Ruth called his shot, talk about Target field and administer the weekly quiz (34:36).
Fernando Tatis Jr. led a five-homer attack for San Diego, Clayton Kershaw was on top of his game, and the Braves and A's moved on to the next round.
Fernando Tatis Jr. and Wil Myers each hit two home runs and Manny Machado also connected for the San Diego Padres, who rallied to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 11-9 Thursday night to force a deciding Game 3 in their NL wild-card series.
New York knocked out Cleveland in a wild one, the Braves won in style, and the Twins and Jays are gone. Here's all the info on MLB's eight-game frenzy.
Dan Shulman joins Buster to discuss a marathon day of baseball, a spectacular game between the Yankees and Indians, the competitive arrogance of the Rays, Carlos Correa embracing his inner villain, the Twins’ 18-straight playoff losses, and Dinelson Lamet and Mike Clevinger going down for San Diego (13:50). Later, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with notes on the A’s winner-take-all losing streak, the strikeouts in Reds-Braves and Minnesota’s postseason futility (33:29).
The Reds, Padres and Brewers all could be swept, while the A's and White Sox play a winner-take-all Game 3. Here's what you need to know.
Paul Goldschmidt hit a two-run home run during a four-run first inning, St. Louis' bullpen held strong after starter Kwang Hyun Kim stumbled in his playoff debut and the Cardinals ruined the San Diego Padres' long-awaited return to the playoffs with a...
Karl Ravech joins Buster to discuss the Yankees shelling Shane Bieber, the Astros surviving against the Twins despite appearing to be on the ropes, Yuli Gurriel signing a one-year deal to stay in Houston, the Rays being the Rays making hitters miss and the White Sox impressing after limping into the playoffs (9:51). Plus, Hembo drops by to give his keys to each of the NL series (26:52).
With the National League side of the bracket starting up, every team in the 16-team field is in action. Here's what you need to know.
| TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 34 | 26 | .567 | - | W1 |
| St. Louis | 30 | 28 | .517 | 3 | W1 |
| Cincinnati | 31 | 29 | .517 | 3 | L1 |
| Milwaukee | 29 | 31 | .483 | 5 | L1 |
| Pittsburgh | 19 | 41 | .317 | 15 | L1 |
