Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander

John Smoltz joins the show to explain the change he’d make to the MLB playoff format and why he thinks it could make October even better. We also debate whether pitchers should be able to win MVP, how much postseason experience really matters down the stretch, and what the Brewers and Rays clinching playoff spots says about the big-market vs. small-market debate in baseball. Plus, Smoltz breaks down what separates teams when the pressure ramps up and the postseason gets closer. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:28 Smoltz joins 3:24 How Does Experience Help? 5:38 Should Pitchers Win MVP? 8:53 Rays/Brewers First Teams in Playoffs 12:36 How to Change Playoff Format 17:47 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Judge says pitchers shouldn’t be able to win MVP because they already have the Cy Young Award. I completely disagree. We break down why pitchers absolutely should remain eligible for MVP and why the argument against them doesn’t make sense. Plus, the playoff races are getting wild with the Astros fighting to hold onto the AL West, the AL Wild Card coming down to the wire, and the Padres surging at the perfect time. We also reveal a new MLB Power Rankings as October gets closer. Should pitchers be allowed to win MVP? Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:45 Around the League Playoff Updates 6:49 Aaron Judge's MVP/Cy Young Comment 11:42 New Power Rankings 21:11 Moving Back East 24:10 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Smoltz joins the show to reflect on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and one of the most unforgettable nights in baseball history. Smoltz shares what it was like being on the field at Shea Stadium when Mike Piazza hit his iconic home run, why the night felt so special, and why that moment seemed like it was meant to happen. Plus, Smoltz weighs in on MLB expanding, what cities he thinks will get an MLB team, and Shohei Ohtani being done pitching this season and whether he still believes Ohtani should continue as a two-way player moving forward. What do you remember most about Piazza’s home run after 9/11? Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:37 John Smoltz Joins 2:41 MLB Expansion 8:53 Is Shohei Done As 2-Way Player? 13:13 John Smoltz Remembers 9/11 18:47 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shohei Ohtani is officially heading to the IL and is done pitching for the rest of the season. But does this mean we should start questioning his future as a two-way player? We break down the latest on Ohtani’s injuries, Dave Roberts admitting the Dodgers should have put him on the IL sooner, and why the conversation about Shohei giving up pitching needs to stop. Do you expect Shohei Ohtani to return as a two-way player next season? Timestamps: 0:00 Shohei Ohtani Hits the IL 3:17 Will Shohei Pitch Again? 7:19 Smoltz talks 9/11 8:18 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ronald Acuña Jr. and the Phillies brought the drama this weekend, while an umpire somehow found himself at the center of controversy after confronting a pitcher making his MLB debut. We break down all of that, plus the Blue Jays’ resurgence, the Mariners and Orioles falling apart, the latest on Shohei Ohtani, which AL teams can actually beat the Dodgers in October, and a new MLB Power Rankings. Should the umpire be punished for what he did? Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:52 Braves/Phillies Drama 2:44 Absurd UMP SHOW 5:18 Blue Jays are BACK?! 7:13 Mariners are DONE 8:57 Orioles Blow Great Opportunity 10:56 Ohtani Dealing With Lots of Injuries 13:27 AL Teams That Can Beat the Dodgers 20:02 MLB Power Rankings 28:38 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Smoltz joins Ben Verlander to discuss what the Dodgers should do with Shohei Ohtani as he continues to battle injuries heading into October. Should Ohtani keep building up as a starter, focus solely on hitting, or could a bullpen role make sense for the postseason? Plus, Smoltz makes his AL Cy Young pick between Dylan Cease and Cam Schlittler and reveals which team he believes is best built to take down the Dodgers in October. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:13 John Smoltz Joins 1:27 What Should Dodgers Do With Shohei? 5:00 Dylan Cease or Cam Schlittler AL Cy Young Race 7:41 Best Team To Beat the Dodgers? 11:12 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shohei Ohtani has been battling knee and biceps issues for months, and now those injuries may be taking a toll on his performance at the plate. After a four-strikeout game and an extended offensive slump, Dave Roberts acknowledged that Ohtani may need some time to rest. Ben breaks down Ohtani’s recent struggles, the latest on his stalled return to the mound, and why his health should now be the Dodgers’ biggest priority heading into October. Timestamps: 0:00 Shohei Ohtani is Injured 3:03 Knee Affecting His Offense 4:47 Dave Roberts Comments On Injuries 6:37 What Should Dodgers Do With Shohei? 12:29 This Week in Shohei Ohtani News Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’ve been riding with Shohei Ohtani for NL MVP all season, but it’s time for me to admit it: I was wrong. Pete Crow-Armstrong has changed my mind, and I explain why he’s now my pick for MVP. Plus, we break down a huge Yankees-Red Sox series, the Astros surviving the chaos, Tarik Skubal’s emotional return to Detroit, the 5 teams that can beat the Dodgers in October, and my latest MLB Power Rankings. Who is your NL MVP right now: PCA or Ohtani? Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:41 Shohei or PCA for NL MVP 9:00 Top 5 NL Teams That Can Beat the Dodgers 16:35 Around the League 20:36 MLB Power Rankings 28:53 Outro #FlippinBats #MLB #shoheiohtani #PCA #petecrowarmstrong #dodgers #cubs #powerrankings Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can anyone stop the Dodgers if their rotation is finally healthy for October? John Smoltz breaks down Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound and what this loaded Dodgers staff could look like in the postseason. Plus, Smoltz reacts to the Astros firing their GM while in first place, the Braves sweeping the Dodgers, and Pat Murphy’s unusual decision to bench Cooper Pratt.Are the Dodgers beatable in October? Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:33 Smoltz's Thoughts On Astros GM Firing 3:30 Dodgers Rotation Thoughts 7:15 More Impressed with Braves Now? 10:58 Was Pat Murphy's Benching Warranted? 13:48 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shohei Ohtani could be back on the mound for the Dodgers as soon as Sunday. Ohtani has taken some major steps toward his pitching return, including facing live hitters and continuing to build up on the mound. We break down the latest on when he could pitch, why he won’t need a rehab assignment, and what his return would mean for a Dodgers rotation that is coming together at exactly the right time. Plus, Ohtani continues to make an impact offensively as the NL MVP race heats up. Subscribe for more MLB coverage and This Week in Shohei Ohtani. #FlippinBats #MLB #shoheiohtani #shoheiohtani #ohtani #dodgers #losangelesdodgers Timestamps: 0:00 Shohei's Return to the Mound 4:40 Shohei's Injured Knee Update 6:53 Shohei's Offensive Week 10:21 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Dodgers’ rotation is coming together at the perfect time, and October is starting to look scary for the rest of baseball. We break down why the Dodgers are built for this time of year, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto dealing, Tarik Skubal joining the rotation, Blake Snell dominating, Tyler Glasnow getting closer and Shohei Ohtani working toward his return to the mound. Plus, the Astros made major news by firing GM Dana Brown. What does the move mean for the organization, and what could be next for manager Joe Espada? We also get into the Padres’ new ownership group and their aggressive plans for the future, unveil this week’s MLB Power Rankings, and recap the Little League Classic. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:07 Astros fire GM Dana Brown 6:54 Dodgers Coming Together Just in Time 10:30 Padres New Ownership ROCKS 15:00 New MLB Power Rankings 24:54 Little League Classic Recap 27:00 Outro Are the Dodgers going to win 3 in a row?! #MLB #Dodgers #Astros #Baseball #MLBPowerRankings Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Smoltz makes his pick in the NL MVP race between Shohei Ohtani and Pete Crow-Armstrong! This week on Saturday with Smoltz, I ask the Hall of Famer who he would vote for right now in one of baseball’s biggest award races. We also break down the absolute chaos in the American League Wild Card race and Smoltz gives his pick for which team ultimately gets in. Plus, with the Little League Classic this weekend, Smoltz shares his favorite Little League memory and looks back at what it was like to be a player during the historic Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa home run chase in 1998. Who gets your NL MVP vote right now, Shohei or PCA? Let me know in the comments! #FlippinBats #MLB #JohnSmoltz #shoheiohtani #petecrowarmstrong #PCA #NLMVP Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:54 Smoltz's AL Wildcard Pick 5:03 Smoltz picks his NL MVP 11:11 Remembering the 1998 MVP Race 12:48 Favorite Little League Moment 15:58 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could Shohei Ohtani actually leave the Dodgers? Reports surrounding Dodgers controlling owner Mark Walter have raised major questions about his financial empire, and because of a unique clause in Ohtani’s contract, Dodgers fans are wondering what it could mean for Shohei’s future in Los Angeles. On this week’s This Week in Shohei Ohtani, I break down what’s actually happening with Walter, why this does NOTmean the Dodgers are broke, how Ohtani’s key man clause works, and what would have to happen for it to become relevant. Plus, we have the latest on the NL MVP race between Ohtani and PCA, another big week at the plate for Shohei, and an encouraging pitching update as he continues working toward a potential return to the Dodgers rotation in September. In this episode:• What’s actually happening with Mark Walter• Are the Dodgers in financial trouble?• Could Ohtani’s contract clause allow him to leave?• Why Ohtani’s deferred money isn’t suddenly at risk• Shohei vs. PCA in the NL MVP race• Ohtani’s latest offensive surge• The latest on his return to pitching Let's hear it... Who is Your NL MVP Pick? Timestamps: 0:00 Are the Dodgers in Trouble? 7:00 NL MVP Race 11:56 Shohei's Offensive Week 14:00 Latest Pitching News 15:40 Outro #ShoheiOhtani #Dodgers #MLB #LosAngelesDodgers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The American League playoff race is absolute CHAOS. With six teams separated by just 1.5 games in the Wild Card race, I’m breaking down the contenders and making my picks for which six teams ultimately make the AL playoffs. Plus, the White Sox just went into Detroit and swept the Tigers in their biggest series of the season. Did Detroit blow its chance to make a run at the AL Central? And are the Blue Jays actually the team best positioned to grab the final Wild Card spot? We’ll also unveil this week’s MLB Power Rankings, talk about the Brewers taking over baseball’s top spot, the Dodgers’ recent struggles, and everything that made this year’s Field of Dreams experience so special. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:47 AL Wild Card CHAOS 2:38 My 6 AL Wild Card Picks 7:56 Tigers Blow Golden Opportunity 11:31 White Sox Dominate HUGE Series 15:10 New MLB Power Rankings 25:33 Field of Dreams Experience 30:25 Ohtani Donates 7 Figures 31:00 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there reason to be concerned about Paul Skenes? John Smoltz joins me for another Saturday with Smoltz to break down Skenes’ recent struggles, what he’s seeing from the Pirates ace, and whether there’s anything to worry about moving forward. We also get Smoltz’s take on one of the strangest plays you’ll see all season involving MLB’s “fourth out” rule, plus he shares a personal story about his Field of Dreams experience and what that game meant to him and his family. Are you concerned about Paul Skenes or not? Let me know in the comments! Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:42 Concerned About Paul Skenes? 5:15 Wild 4th Out Rule 9:30 Smoltz' Emotional Field of Dreams Experience 11:59 Outro #PaulSkenes #JohnSmoltz #MLB #Pirates #Baseball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shohei Ohtani is getting closer to returning to the mound. After not pitching since July 3, Ohtani has now thrown on back-to-back days as he continues working his way toward his next bullpen session. We break down the latest on Ohtani’s pitching timeline, what his recent stolen base could tell us about his knee, and where things stand in the NL MVP race with Pete Crow-Armstrong. Plus, John Smoltz weighs in on the Ohtani vs. PCA MVP debate. Is Shohei still your NL MVP right now? Let me know below! Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:40 Johns Smoltz NL MVP Pick 1:53 Shohei vs PCA 2:41 Pitching Injury Update 4:50 Shohei's Offense 6:25 Who wins MVP? 7:39 Outro #ShoheiOhtani #Dodgers #MLB #Ohtani #DodgersBaseball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Tigers are officially making some noise in the American League — and this might be more than just a hot streak. We break down Detroit’s surge, Troy Melton’s incredible season, Jackson Jobe’s return and why this Tigers rotation could be a serious problem down the stretch. Plus, the Yankees may have found a game changer in George Lombard Jr. Is the rookie already becoming a star in New York? We also unveil this week’s MLB Power Rankings, talk about the Dodgers’ recent struggles, the Brewers taking over the No. 1 spot, and look ahead to MLB at the Field of Dreams. ⚾ On today’s show:• Are the Tigers FOR REAL?• Troy Melton’s ridiculous season• Jackson Jobe is throwing 100 again• George Lombard Jr. looks like a STAR• The latest MLB Power Rankings• What’s happening with the Dodgers?• Field of Dreams week is here Drop your take below: Are the Tigers a legitimate playoff team — and how good can George Lombard Jr. be? Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:40 Tigers are HOT 6:08 Yankees Found Their Star SS 10:35 New MLB Power Rankings 24:16 MLB at Field of Dreams 26:51 Outro #MLB #DetroitTigers #Yankees #Baseball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NL MVP race is officially on. This week, John Smoltz joins the show to break down the biggest debate in baseball: Shohei Ohtani or Pete Crow-Armstrong for National League MVP? Is elite defense more valuable than elite pitching? Who has the stronger overall case? We also discuss: ⚾ John Smoltz's biggest winners from the MLB Trade Deadline ⚾ The Dodgers' pursuit of Tarik Skubal ⚾ The Braves' quiet deadline ⚾ Ohtani's incredible week at the plate and on the mound Who gets your NL MVP vote right now? Let us know in the comments! #Dodgers #ShoheiOhtani #PeteCrowArmstrong #Cubs #MLB #MLBTradeDeadline #JohnSmoltz #mvp Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:53 John Smoltz Joins 1:13 Who is the NL MVP? 4:30 Tarik Skubal Traded to Dodgers 8:36 Braves Underwhelming Deadline 10:50 Jacob DeGrom Declines Trade 15:12 Deadline Winners and Losers 20:22 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NL MVP race is officially here. For months, Shohei Ohtani looked like the runaway favorite. Now, Pete Crow-Armstrong has forced his way into the conversation, and after an incredible head-to-head showdown, it's time to ask the question... Who deserves the National League MVP? In this week's This Week in Shohei Ohtani News, we break down: ⚾ Shohei Ohtani vs. Pete Crow-Armstrong for NL MVP 🔥 Their incredible "MVP duel" against each other 📈 Shohei's monster week at the plate 🎯 Why Ohtani's pitching changes the entire MVP debate 🏆 The latest Shohei Ohtani news and stats Who gets your MVP vote right now? 👇 Let me know in the comments! #MLB #ShoheiOhtani #Dodgers #Cubs #PeteCrowArmstrong #NLMVP #baseball Timestamps: 0:00 Shohei vs PCA for MVP 8:32 Dueling MVPs in Chicago 12:20 Shohei's Hot Offense 14:21 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The MLB Trade Deadline is over, and it's time to separate the contenders from the pretenders. This week, I explain why "prospects are suspects" is more than just a saying, look back at some of the biggest blockbuster trades in MLB history, and rank my biggest winners and losers from this year's deadline. Plus, thoughts on the Cubs, Dodgers, Padres, Yankees, Braves, Brewers, Tigers, Orioles, Astros and more, before wrapping up with this week's MLB Power Rankings. Let me know your biggest trade deadline winner and loser in the comments! Timestamps: 0:00 Trade Deadline Chaos 2:10 Top 5 Trade Deadline Winners 8:48 Top 5 Trade Deadline Losers 24:26 Orioles Embarrassing Deadline 26:45 Tigers Disappoint Again 31:43 Astros Weird Deadline Deal 34:40 MLB Power Rankings 47:08 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices