Outside the Box with Jeff Conine

Jeff Conine and Aram Leighton recap the World Series after Niner correctly predicted Braves in six! Also, Jeff talks about facing the three headed monster that the Braves rotation featured for much of the 1990's (Smoltz, Maddux, Glavine). Big contracts: they rarely work out, but we keep giving them out; can we expect them to slow down? Lastly, some David Wright and Buster Posey talk.

We have a Game 6! Jeff Conine knows what it is like to be in the shoes of both teams, having come back from a 3-1 deficit against the Cubs in the 2003 NLCS and also closing out the Yankees on the road for a World Series Title. Niner recounts both situations and gives insight to what each team is feeling right now.

Jeff's son Griffin made the long trip from his bedroom to the living room to record with his dad. The most fun episode we have done includes

• A recap of Griffin's strong season from Griff and Jeff's perspective
• How Jeff is able to help Griff in his professional career, but now Griff can help Jeff in his new venture
• Comparing eras and the difference in pitching
• World Series Preview
• Who knows who better? Father/Son trivia questions and more!

Jeff Conine and Aram Leighton talk about the exciting Wild Card Games, specifically the greatness of Max Scherzer and Adam Wainwright even when they don't have their best stuff. Also, Jeff recalls the Steve Bartman game at Wrigley and gives a player's perspective on how it all went down. **You won't want to miss that story**

Discussion on Tropicana Field and how the stadium is progressively becoming more of a problem. 

Also, why Fred McGriff belongs in the Hall of Fame!

Jeff and Aram discuss the incredible run by baseball's most surprising story: the Seattle Mariners. Jeff explains what has been working for them and how they remind him of the 2003 Marlins. 

A look at the NL MVP race. Should it be Bryce Harper or Juan Soto?

Lastly, a discussion on Ichiro. What made him so special on and off the field and where he stacks up all time.

• Our first mailbag episode as Niner answers all of your questions! From his workout routine during his playing days to which teammate he wouldn't want to fight, Jeff answers all of the hard hitting questions! 
• A look at the Tatis/Machado dispute through he lens of a former player
• Jeff tells a story of a bet with Bo Jackson which he KNOWS he would've won if the challenge ended up happening. 
• Clayton Kershaw's greatness.

As Aram adjusts to New York City, he asks Jeff what his transition was like after being traded to the Mets. Speaking of the Mets, they have been no strangers to the headlines after Javy Baez and Francisco Lindor booed their own fans. Jeff shares his thoughts on that. Also discussion around the inadequate minor league living conditions, what needs to happen for us to see an improvement?

Jeff walks us through the most difficult starting pitchers for him in his big league career. Oh yeah, and the guys he hit well off of too. After the marathon of a game between the Dodgers and Padres, Jeff talks about some of the longest games he was a part of. As Yadier Molina prepares for his final season, Jeff and Aram discuss just how special the Cardinals lifer has been.

Jeff builds a roster of former teammates to win a championship. Niner's angriest moments in the bigs (involves slamming a wood bat to a concrete pole), and a conversation on the storied career of Miguel Cabrera.

Jeff and Aram discuss some of the scuffling big market teams. Which should be the most worried down the stretch among the Red Sox, Padres, Mets, and Phillies? Jeff weighs in on MLB's Payroll Proposal that lowers the tax threshold and creates a $100 million payroll floor. Also, the infamous 2011 Marlins offseason that saw the team spend hundreds of millions on Jose Reyes, Heath Bell, Mark Buerhle and others. Jeff talks about some big name superstars the Marlins almost reeled in. 

Jeff and Aram give their predictions for each of the big MLB awards. As Joey Votto picks up hit number 2,000, Jeff recounts what made a young Votto so special. 

Now that Jeff is a college baseball coach, he has had to study the ins and outs of NCAA's recruiting rules which Aram thinks are hilarious. How does prospect hype today compare to the 90s when we didn't have social media and as much importance placed on rankings? Is the hype and expectations resulting from these rankings unfair to the players? How important are MLB managers? Can they really make or break a ball club? Aram thinks their importance is overstated and Jeff chimes in.

Jeff Conine and Aram Leighton discuss baseball's rule changes. Should MLB go back to before or keep some of the new rules? Spoiler: Jeff hates all of them. Jeff describes what made Andre Dawson so special and why he really was one of the best players of his generation. The one year where Jeff (kinda) stole bases and what is left of the decimated Cubs roster. What is it like playing on a team that just traded everyone away?

A little bit of controversy in the latest episode, as Jeff and Aram discuss Hall of Fame voting. Jeff gives his thoughts on each of the controversial players and whether they should be inducted as well as some of those who are teetering on the edge of being HOF caliber. A deep dive into the intricacies of the Hall of Fame ballot. Also, the Dodgers vs. Astros series has the makings to be must see TV. Jeff and Aram preview the series and talk about Jeff's most memorable brawl of his career. DEFINITELY a story you won't want to miss.

Jeff and Aram recap the crazy MLB Trade Deadline, who is best positioned for a playoff run? Also, Jeff shares his incredible story of being traded 30,000 feet in the air right at the 2003 deadline buzzer. A look at Cody Bellinger's struggles, can he figure it out? Why Jeff is still taking the field over the Dodgers.

Jeff and Aram discuss the Max Scherzer trade rumors, what the future Hall of Fame could do for a team in the hunt, and predictions on where he will land. Sticking with the Nationals, the team has reportedly made star shortstop Trea Turner available. How much is too much in terms of a return for a star player? 

Lastly, Jeff recalls the infamous 2007 Mets collapse that saw them blow a seven game lead in the division with 17 games to go. 

Legendary closer for the Marlins and Giants Rob Nen joins the show to talk about his impressive career which included serving as the closer for the 1997 World Series team, some of the best relief seasons the modern game has ever seen, and more than 300 career saves. Robb and Jeff recall their time with the Marlins, their title run, and facing each other. Also, Robb's thoughts on sticky stuff and the game today. Plus much more!

Jeff and Aram kick off the second half of MLB's season with a run through the biggest story lines in baseball. Which teams does Jeff like to make a run into the second half and why? Also a look at the MVP races, why the AL MVP showdown could rival McGwire/Sosa. 

The Gold Glove Award is inconsistent to say the least. Jeff recalls some CRAZY instances where someone who maybe shouldn't have won did. Jeff explains what it was like to watch the emergence of Jose Fernandez and Christian Yelich in the Marlins system.

Jeff and Aram recap the electric home run derby. Jeff explains why Pete Alonso is designed for the competition. A look back at Jeff's legendary pinch-hit home run in the 1995 All-Star Game, which earned him the MVP award. Why MLB's Draft is a bit flawed and hangs seniors out to dry. The one stadium Jeff couldn't hit in, and more!

Jeff and Aram discuss the Home Run Derby at Coors Field and why it has the makings to be a classic. Discussing "Wins Above Replacement" or WAR, one of baseball's most popular stats, and why Jeff believes it is flawed. Also, Jeff describes his trip to Tokyo to sign Ichiro Suzuki, and the first hand experience of the next-level icon that Ichiro is in Japan.

*Editors Note: This episode was recorded before Griffin Conine hit his MILB-leading 18th home run. 

Jeff talks about MLB's damaging 1994 strike, and the chances of us going back down that road again. A look at Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The similarities he has with his Hall of Fame father, and why he could be the best hitter of this generation. Some discussion on that deGrom guy too.

MLB's super prospects, Wander Franco and Jared Kelenic have scuffled a bit in the early, early stages of their MLB career, Jeff explains why patience is a virtue with prospects, and why the transition from the minors to the majors is more about what is going on between the ears than between the lines. 

In Episode #1, Jeff and Aram give an idea of what you can expect from the show, discuss the sticky substance scandal in baseball, why injuries are so rampant this year and Jeff recall's his first at-bat against unanimous hall-of-famer, Mariano Rivera.