The Clueless Joe Podcast

Segment 1: Alongside co-hosts Zach Schritenthal and Ryan Gaynor, host John Crist wonders just how much Shohei Ohtani's impending free agency has been altered due to anther impending Tommy John surgery. What kind of contract can he now command on the open market?

Segment 2: We welcome D-BAT Nashville assistant manager and baseball instructor Trey Vanderpool to the hot seat. Did he enjoy his JUCO experience? How did the transition to Division-II ball at Trevecca Nazarene? Is there anything quite like suiting up for the Savannah Bananas? It's a lengthy chat with a lot of laughs.

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach and Ryan about the Ronald Acuna Jr. fiasco at Coors Field, handicapping future MVP winners and what kind of connection they still have with their old high school program. Also, Zach Attack can't believe an umpire actually got ejected from a game and Cryin' Ryan marvels at how hot Julio Rodriguez has been at the plate.

Segment 1: Alongside co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist discusses the various training tools on the market for young baseball and softball players. Do any of them actually work? Are some of them just a waste of money?

Segment 2: John is joined by Caleb Gregory. Not only is he one of the top CrossFit coaches in Nashville, but he also has a son making the leap from rec ball to travel ball this year. Is it safe to prescribe CrossFit as an exercise regimen for baseball and softball? Do pitchers need to worry about some of the overhead lifts and gymnastics movements?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam about Luis Arraez holding on for the batting title, the current leaders in the Major Leagues in ERA and just how bad the A's have been this season. Also, Zach Attack involves laughing at the White Sox, Cryin' Ryan accuses Anthony Rendon of stealing money and the Redbirds Report continues to fly.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist wonders if being on a good travel team trumps being on a good high school team at this point. Has prep baseball now turned into how basketball is with AAU?

Segment 2: For the first time, the guys answer an e-mail question from a listener. Many dads are asked to coach rec-ball teams, and even if they're unqualified to do so, it's tough for them to say no. What are some of the lessons that John, Zach, Ryan and Sam learned from their time as Little Leaguers?

Segment 3: In the latest installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam who the best and worst Major Leaguers are that they came into contact with personally, as well as which D-BAT kid hit them in the feels the hardest. Also, Zach Attack has officially given up on the Yankees, Cryin' Ryan lost some baseball-related money at the carnival and the Redbirds Report details more optimism heading into next season.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist looks back on the punch from Jose Ramirez that dropped Tim Anderson... both literally and figuratively. Is this a dubious Robin Ventura-like moment for the irritable Anderson?

Segment 2: With both John and Sam getting out of the way, Ryan interviews Zach about his upcoming stint as an assistant coach for the Redbirds 10U team. While he's coached before, it's been a while and never with kids this young. What's his message going to be?

Segment 3: John and Sam return for the latest installment of Three Up, Three Down, in which John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam about the best walk-up songs today as well as the best walk-up songs in MLB history, as well as some pointers for parents hoping to raise elite athletes. Also, Zach Attack isn't impressed with what he sees on TV from some of the Little League kids and Cryin' Ryan wonders if the "Drake Curse" is in effect once again.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist wonders if Shohei Ohtani will actually be on the move before next week's trading deadline. Are the Angels forced to pull the trigger, or do their wild-card aspirations take priority?

Segment 2: With John getting out of the way, Zach, Ryan and Sam go over some dos and don'ts for parents and players alike during private lessons. Most kids can't wait to hop into the cage. Some, however, seem to be getting dragged there by Mom and Dad.

Segment 3: John returns for the latest installment of Three Up, Three Down, in which he asks Zach, Ryan and Sam about the latest Hall of Fame inductees, the veteran player they'd like to have on their favorite team and the most disappointed they've ever been in a big-time prospect. Also, Zach Attack has a word of warning for lazy infielders, Cryin' Ryan is struggling with the sniffles and the Redbirds Report sees a roster that's really coming into focus.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal and Ryan Gaynor, host John Crist puts together his list of the Top 5 pitches in Major League Baseball this season. Clayton Kershaw's curveball got a mention from everybody, but who else has an offering that's seemingly unhittable?

Segment 2: With tournament season coming to an end for travel baseball and softball teams alike, it's tryout time for the 2024 campaign. What were Zach and Ryan's experiences growing up, and what advice do they have for parents and players alike going through this process?

Segment 3: Now joined by co-host Sam Bragg for this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John and Zach discuss their most and least attractive tool (hitting, hitting for power, fielding, throwing and running) if being graded by a scout, as well as what other sport is best to play for a budding young baseball player. Also, Zach Attack is non-plussed with his latest pitching performance and the Redbirds Report details some roster turnover.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal and Ryan Gaynor, host John Crist reviews this week's Home Run Derby. While Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was a deserving champion, is the event itself losing some steam? What can be done to make it better?

Segment 2: With Zach and Ryan now joined by fellow co-host Sam Bragg, John reviews the first half of the baseball season with the full crew. Can the Rays hold on in the AL East? Are the Reds now the team to beat in the NL Central? Also, have Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. already wrapped up MVP?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach and Ryan about Paul Skenes vs. Dylan Crews, who's the biggest name soon to be dealt at the deadline and whether or not being a baseball player in high school and college helped with the ladies. Also, Zach Attack is suddenly thirsty for a Gatorade, Cryin' Ryan misses the good ole days of the All-Star Game and the Redbirds Report hands out some end-of-the-season awards.

Segment 1: Alongside co-host Zach Schritenthal, host John Crist reviews LSU's win over Florida to capture its seventh College World Series title. Is the transfer portal now more important than high school recruiting? Can the SEC's dominance be stopped? With so much player movement these days, trying to predict next year's favorite feels like a waste of time.

Segment 2: Long overdue to make an appearance on the show, D-BAT founder and CEO Cade Griffis joins John for an intimate one-on-one conversation. Is there an alternate universe in which he made the Major Leagues? What's the secret sauce for being an effective instructor? Also, Cade plays the "9 Innings" game.

Segment 3: With John on the road for a tournament in St. Louis, Zach brings in fellow co-host Ryan Gaynor to dive a little deeper into the Shohei Ohtani situation. We know he's the best baseball player in the world, but is he now the best athlete in the world, too? Ryan makes his case.

Segment 1: With co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg unavailable this week, host John Crist flies solo to talk about some of the regrets he still has from his playing career decades ago. Will he be able to pass his love of the game on to his son Conrad, or is it up to him to blaze his own trail?

Segment 2: John brings on one of his favorite former high school teammates, Chris Guyette, to talk about what could've been back in the summer of 1993 when they were seniors together. How deep are the scars since both of them walked away a little disappointed?

Segment 3: Still flying solo, John plays a game of 9 Innings in which he's both asking and answering the questions. What's his favorite baseball movie? What's his walk-up song? What's his favorite sound at the ballpark?

Segment 1: Co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg review this past weekend's Super Regionals. Is it inevitable that No. 1 national seed Wake Forest wins the national championship?

Segment 2: Along with Ryan, host John Crist is joined by local baseball umpire Joe Gaynor -- he just happens to be Ryan's dad, as well. How hard is it to call a consistent strike zone that’s fair to pitchers and hitters alike? What's the best way for coaches to question a close play or rule interpretation? Tell us, Blue.

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach and Ryan about Oklahoma possibly becoming bad for college softball, the 2024 "Field of Dreams" game and the uptick in stolen bases across MLB. Also, Zach Attack comments on the "reverse boycott" we saw in Oakland the other day, Cryin' Ryan wonders if it's time to bring back soft-tossing pitchers and the Redbirds Report details a rough outing for the 9-year-olds in their last tournament.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal and Sam Bragg, host John Crist takes a look back at Regional action in the NCAA Tournament from this past weekend. Which teams look good enough to win the Supers this coming weekend and advance to the College World Series?

Segment 2: A lot goes into being a closer at the Major League level, plus the definition of that position has changed a lot over the years. How were Rollie Fingers and Bruce Sutter different from Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman? And how is the modern-day closer deployed these days?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach and Sam about Florida State-Oklahoma on the women's side, if we've seen the last of Cy Young-caliber Jacob DeGrom and Luis Arraez raising his batting average back over .400. Also, Zach Attack laments the loss of Memphis's head coach after just one season, and the Redbirds Report has an update on a bunch of 9-year-olds who are starting to put it together.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist reviews a handful of All-Stars in Major League Baseball from 2022 that are having a much tougher time in 2023. Are any of them primed for a bounce back the rest of the way?

Segment 2: A lot of work has to be done before and after every game if you're a player in college or the minor leagues, both baseball related and otherwise. Travel, classes, weight room, study hall, treatment -- the list is long and distinguished. Stories are shared.

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam about weird injuries suffered during games, how they did on the camp circuit and the first over-the-fence homer they ever hit. Also, Zach Attack has a comment on a couple of recent DFAs, Cryin' Ryan is in awe of Ronald Acuna Jr. and the Redbirds Report details an encouraging performance this past weekend in Murfreesboro.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal and Ryan Gaynor, host John Crist tries to figure out exactly happened this week in Toronto. Was Aaron Judge of the Yankees getting signals from his own dugout against the Blue Jays?

Segment 2: Like most every extra-curricular activity, baseball has developed its own vocabulary over the years. It's not just a home run. It's a homer, or a dinger, or a tater, or a dong, or a round tripper -- the list goes on and on. What are some of our favorite catchphrases?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach and Ryan about whether or not sunglasses and eye black are appropriate components of a uniform, as well as what kind of baseball parents they think they'll be one day. Also, Zach Attack wants an explanation for Tim Anderson possibly badmouthing Chicago, Cryin' Ryan need a better excuse from Domingo German and the Redbirds Report details how thin the 9U roster could be for this coming weekend.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist wonders if the last-place New York Yankees have dug themselves too big of a hole in the AL East. Are they even contenders for a Wild Card at this point?

Segment 2: While discussing some of baseball's all-time greats, John sets a starting lineup for Hall of Famers that he never got a chance to see play. Zach, Ryan and Sam also throw out a few names, although John actually did see most of them play. Youth is wasted on the young.

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam about Cubs-Cardinals next month in London, whether or not it's time for the Mets to worry about Max Scherzer and their favorite dugout home run prop. Also, Zach Attack is still coming to grips with Mike Trout's voice, Cryin' Ryan compares Anthony Volpe to Derek Jeter and the Redbirds Report details a much better effort from the 9U squad this past weekend in Mt. Juliet.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist asks everybody to put together a list of their most exciting players in baseball. Needless to say, Shohei Ohtani made everyone's Top 5.

Segment 2: As much as we all love going to baseball games, be it the Major Leagues or one of the local college teams, there are certain fans that just don't get it. eBay-bound autograph seekers? Personalized jersey-wearing dads? Selfie stick-carrying influencers? Be better, all of you.

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam about their favorite called plays on offense and defense, as well as who their player comp would be if they truly maximized their potential. Also, Zach Attack isn't a fan of Seattle's new City Connect jerseys, Cryin' Ryan is fired up for Bryce Harper's return and the Redbirds Report rehashes a tough weekend with the gloves in Murfreesboro.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist focuses on the surprising National League Central, where the Pittsburgh Pirates are playing well and the St. Louis Cardinals are playing poorly. Has the dye already been cast in this division?

Segment 2: We're joined by D-BAT instructor Carter Smith, who played for a Florida State team in 2019 that made it all the way to the College World Series. He's also a country music singer and songwriter in Nashville, so what's it like playing a gig on Lower Broadway?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam whether or not they had "baseball parents," what their ritual is for breaking in a new hat and to describe the single best play they ever made on defense. Also, Zach Attack revisits the decision to extend beer sales at the ballpark, Cryin' Ryan has a thought on Max Scherzer and the Redbirds Report sees a baseball team possibly turning into a track team.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist discusses the teams that have somewhat unexpectedly gotten off to slow starts thus far in Major League Baseball. Are any of them in danger of being all but eliminated early?

Segment 2: On the flip side, a handful of franchises not really expected to compete in 2023 have exceeded expectations thus far. While most of them will likely fade before the All-Star break, do any look like a real contender?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam about their thoughts on PitchCom, whether they prefer to play in the cold or the heat and if we'll ever see another 300-game winner in the Big Leagues. Also, Zach Attack feels the need to re-examine the ending of a classic baseball movie, Cryin' Ryan has an issue with a recent pitch-clock violation and the Redbirds Report tells the tale of a tough weekend for some 9U kids.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist wonders if the Tampa Bay Rays are really as good as their 11-0 record suggests. Are they just off to a hot start or legitimate World Series contenders?

Segment 2: With all the new rules in place this season, it's been interesting to see how some of the umpires are adjusting in Major League Baseball. How has the dynamic changed for hitters and pitchers alike now that umps are having to call pitch-clock violations?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam about the Yankees' hair policy, the over/under on Luis Arraez's batting average and what position on defense gave them the most trouble as a player. Also, Zach Attack is impressed with a minor league team winning a game despite getting no hits, Cryin' Ryan thinks the Angels found a diamond in the rough at catcher and the Redbirds Report details a tough practice for one of the 9U kids.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist breaks down the first week or so of the Major League Baseball season. Who looks good? Who looks not so good? And how do the Tampa Bay Rays keep doing it?

Segment 2: Baseball agent Hunter Bledsoe, a founding member of the Bledsoe Agency based locally here in Nashville, joins the show to talk shop. How does his team set itself apart from the competition? How much are players actually involved when negotiating their contracts? Prepare to learn a lot about what goes on behind closed doors.

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam about the sweeting swing in baseball, the ugliest stance and whether or not they're in favor of all-turf fields. Also, Zach Attack doesn't understand what Anthony Rendon was doing, Cryin' Ryan is already worried about his fantasy team and the Redbirds Report highlights the team's first ever tournament win.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist asks everyone to officially make their picks in MLB this season for division winners and wild cards. Who takes the World Series in 2023?

Segment 2: The staff at D-BAT Nashville held its annual fantasy baseball draft this past Sunday, so we discuss everyone's team in greater detail. Where are we strong? Where are we weak? Can anyone actually challenge John this season?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam their favorite baseball video game of all time, whether or not the pitch clock is here to stay and how they think they'd do right now playing Division I fast-pitch softball. Also, Zach Attack wonders what happened to Stephen Strasburg, Cryin' Ryan is celebrating a Cactus League championship for the Angels and -- new segment alert -- Sam debuts the weekly Redbirds Report.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist puts a bow on what turned out to be an incredible two weeks at the World Baseball Classic. How often should this event be played?

Segment 2: Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani was one of the best hitters and also one of the best pitchers at the World Baseball Classic, living up to his growing legend. Will he open the door for more two-way players in Major League Baseball, or is he truly one of a kind?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam which scene from a baseball movie always makes them laugh and one that always makes them cry, as well as what tweak they would implement to make the World Baseball Classic even better. Also, Zach Attack can't believe how bad the umpiring has been in the college game, while Cryin' Ryan pours one out for his NCAA Tournament bracket in basketball.

Segment 1: With host John Crist on Spring Break, co-hosts Ryan Gaynor, Sam Bragg and Zach Schritenthal dive into pool play at the World Baseball Classic. How are their pre-tournament predictions doing thus far as we move into the quarterfinal round?

Segment 2: Ryan, Sam and Zach get incredibly honest with each other about some of the regrets they have from their respective baseball careers. If they could go back and do it all over again, what would they change?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, Ryan asks Sam and Zach about the best baseball coach they ever had, their all-time crush from a baseball movie and their most hated character from a baseball movie. Also, Zach Attack has a comment on the lack of road grays being worn by the Seattle Mariners and Tampa Bay Rays this season.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist dissects the handful of teams that (unfortunately) have no chance to win the World Series in 2023. What about the Kansas City Royals? Los Angeles Angels? Chicago White Sox?

Segment 2: James Jones, president of the Redbirds Baseball Club in Middle Tennessee, makes a special guest appearance. What drew him to travel baseball specifically instead of coaching opportunities he may have had in high school and college? What makes his organization different?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam about strategies in baseball that are either overused or underused, as well as the ideal dimensions for an outfield fence. Also, Zach Attack adds to the sad tale of Joey Gallo, while Cryin' Ryan rags on John's WBC dark horse.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist takes the temperature of the room on the new pitch clock in Major League Baseball. Do pitchers or hitters have more of an advantage?

Segment 2: With the World Baseball Classic set to begin next week, the panel breaks down the rosters of all the participating nations. When it's all said and done, can the United States repeat after winning in 2017?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam their favorite player from their favorite team the last time they won the World Series, as well as if they prefer button-up, v-neck or t-shirt jerseys. Also, Zach Attack has a problem with one of the TikTok trends he sees lately, while Cryin' Ryan was bewildered by a spring training game being completed with no umpires.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist plays Top 5 with MLB starting rotations. Where do the defending World Series champion Houston Astros rank?

Segment 2: College baseball at the D-I level just had its opening weekend, and the SEC looks as strong as ever with so many ranked teams. Don't sleep on the ACC, though. What about Music City programs like Vanderbilt, Belmont and Lipscomb?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam where they'd most like to see a 3-game series at both the pro and collegiate level, as well as whether or not any of them has dreams about baseball. Also, Zach Attack talks about dealing with the yips, while Cryin' Ryan has a bizarre story about Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist names his starting nine for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Is the lineup too heavy on right-handed bats? Is another lefty needed out of the bullpen?

Segment 2: Zach, our beloved general manager at D-BAT Nashville, steps into the spotlight. What does he remember about the game when he got four hits against Belmont? How about the time when he committed three errors against UConn?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam about their favorite 2-0 pitch and least favorite 0-2 pitch, as well as what grade they give their favorite team for what they did in the offseason. Also, Zach Attack unleashes a crazy stat involding Yadier Molina, while Cryin' Ryan knows the end of football means baseball is on the way.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist covers a few of the weirdest superstitions in all of baseball. Turk Wendell brushing his teeth between innings? It doesn't get much weirder than that.

Segment 2: Former catcher J.P. Arencibia, who played in The Show for the Blue Jays, Rangers and Rays, pays us an in-studio visit. What's it like being in Triple-A as a rising prospect, as opposed to a former Major Leaguer just trying to hold on to a career?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam about their favorite bat and glove of all time, as well as their favorite hat in Major League Baseball -- no picking their own team's, though. Also, Zach Attack takes a look back at the Tim Tebow experiment, while Cryin' Ryan makes a pitch for JUCO ball.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist wonders which players currently on MLB rosters are making a case for the Hall of Fame. Nolen Arenado? Zach Greinke? Mookie Betts? A lot of names are covered.

Segment 2: Kevin Wilkins, a research and development engineer for Easton Diamond Sports, helps us get a better understanding of what it takes to make a BBCOR bat, as well as USA and USSSA models. Just how far has the technology comes in the last few years?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam about their game-day oral fixations, what kind of beer they prefer when at a ballgame and the best mascot in the Major Leagues. Also, Zach Attack has some good things to say about Mike Trout, while Cryin' Ryan has some bad things to say about Arte Moreno.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Sam Bragg and Sydney Turchin, host John Crist wants to know everyone's Top 5 random New York Yankees of all time. A lot of aging sluggers have put on the pinstripes over the years chasing one last shot at glory.

Segment 2: Sydney steps into the spotlight for a deep dive on her career as a college softball player at Penn. What are some of the unique advantages and disadvantages being an athlete at a prestigious Ivy League institution?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Sam and Sydney about their favorite play-by-play man and color analyst for a baseball broadcast, as well as how they take their hot dog at a ballgame. Also, Zach Attack has seen way too many videos on social media lately with crazy parents berating poor umpires in travel ball.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist does a deep dive on his new favorite baseball term: "eyewash." What are some of the most egregious examples right now in MLB?

Segment 2: Toronto Blue Jays minor leaguer Phil Clarke, a member of Vanderbilt's national championship team in 2019, stops by for a visit. With so many rule changes and updates in technique, is it harder than ever or easier than ever to play the catcher position?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam about their favorite and least favorite teammate of all time, as well as the most bush league thing they've ever done on a baseball field. Also, Zach Attack goes after "daddy ball" on the travel circuit, while Cryin' Ryan has had enough of the false humility he sees on social media from young players.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist reviews the crazy free-agency story of Carlos Correa. Were the Minnesota Twins right to bring him back?

Segment 2: Another deep dive into a member of our own staff, Coach Ryan steps into the spotlight for a special guest appearance. Why did he struggle to some degree as a JUCO, and then when did the light come on for him to have so much success at the NAIA level?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam about the most underrated and underrated players in Major League Baseball, as well as their take on the Trevor Bauer situation. Also, Zach Attack wishes there were some actual stakes again for the All-Star Game, while Cryin' Ryan is starting to accept that Shohei Ohtani won't be with his Los Angeles Angels much longer.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist plays Top 5 with leadoff men. Which players from baseball history are on everyone's list?

Segment 2: In an effort to get to know members of our own staff better, Coach Sam actually steps into the spotlight as our special guest. Who's the most high-profile player he ever struck out in the minor leagues, and who's the most high-profile player to take him deep?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam what they remember most about their high school and college ballparks, as well as which extinct Major League stadium they'd most like to play a game. Also, Zach Attack is suspicious of the baseballs that were used in 2022, while Cryin' Ryan hopes that Pete Rose never changes.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist discuss the "unwritten rules" of baseball and their collective place in today's game. Where does everyone stand on bat flips and pimping home runs?

Segment 2: Vanderbilt head coach Tim Corbin stops by for a special guest appearance to talk about how he built his incredible program. When he originally took the job back in 2003, what were his honest expectations?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam what their best and worst sport is besides baseball, as well as which former teammate of theirs never made it to the big time but probably should have. Also, Zach Attack doesn't understand what's going on with Carlos Correa, while Cryin' Ryan wonders why Barry Bonds still isn't in the Hall of Fame.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal and Ryan Gaynor, host John Crist puts together his best starting nine using only fictional players from baseball movies. Who managed to assemble the most balanced lineup?

Segment 2: We managed to corral the father-and-son combination from Belmont, head coach Dave Jarvis and former third baseman Logan Jarvis. What was it like for Dave to coach his son at the D-I level, and did Logan always want to play for his old man?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach and Ryan their favorite and least favorite free-agent signing this offseason, as well as their favorite player from their least favorite team. Also, Zach Attack isn't a feeling fake fans chasing home run balls for social-media cred, while Cryin' Ryan offers his take on Noah Syndergaard inking with the Dodgers.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal, Ryan Gaynor and Sam Bragg, host John Crist asks if the Oakland A's legitimately have a sustainable business model going forward for Major League Baseball. What cities are on the list for possible relocation?

Segment 2: Former Major Leaguer Julio Borbon, who now works for the Minnesota Twins, reflects on his incredible life in baseball. Why do other countries care so much more about the World Baseball Classic than the Unites States does?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach, Ryan and Sam about the worst ballpark food, the worst baseball movie and the worst job in baseball. Also, Zach Attack is disappointed in Derek Jeter, Cryin' Ryan no longer believes in Cody Bellinger and I Am Sam, well, he was less than prepared.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal and Sam Bragg, host John Crist wonders if the game of baseball in general would be better if college teams used wood bats instead of metal. Can MLB cover the cost if it meant getting a better evaluation of college hitters?

Segment 2: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach and Sam about their perfect pitch to swing at when ahead in the count, which MLB team has the best uniforms and the worst trend they see right now at the youth level. Also, Zach Attack just isn't that impressed with Willie Mays, while I Am Sam simply doesn't believe Greg Maddux would be nearly as dominant in today's game.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal and Ryan Gaynor, host John Crist breaks down the free agent shortstops currently on the market in Xander Bogaerts, Carlos Correa, Dansby Swanson and Trea Turner. Who do you want your team to sign and at what price?

Segment 2: Atlanta Braves area scout Trey McNickle joins the show to discuss what he's looking for in a Big League ballplayer. How much influence do Ivy League-style analytics have in the scouting world these days?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach and Ryan about the longest home run they ever hit, their preferred style of baseball pants and what parents can do to help their kids get the most out of private lessons. Also, Zach Attack weighs the pros and cons of baseball players also playing golf, while Cryin' Ryan is fired up for Team USA in the World Cup.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal and Ryan Gaynor, host John Crist wonders if Aaron Judge is indeed the prize of this year's free agent class or just the next cautionary tale for big-spending MLB owners. How often do these contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars actually prove to be worth it?

Segment 2: Baltimore Orioles third base coach Tony Mansolino joins the show to discuss his life in baseball as a collegian, as a player and a coach in the minors and now as a coach in the Major Leagues. What's it like giving signs to the best hitters on the planet, and how often do they miss one?

Segment 3: In this installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach and Ryan about the best job in baseball, whether or not they've ever been in a fight on the field and their favorite team name in the minor leagues. Also, Zach Attack waxes poetic about one of the all-time great baseball movies, while Cryin' Ryan didn't agree with the MVP voting in the American League.

Segment 1: Along with co-hosts Zach Schritenthal and Ryan Gaynor, host John Crist discusses some of the new rules we'll see in Major League Baseball come 2023. With pitch clocks, bigger bases and strict limitations on defensive shifts, America's Pastime will look a little different than it did this past season.

Segment 2: Nashville-area singer/songwriter and Savannah Bananas second baseman Dalton Mauldin joins the show to talk about what it's like to play for arguably the most popular team in America these days. What exactly is Banana Ball, and how will he survive a murderous travel schedule this year that starts in mid-February and doesn't stop until mid-September?

Segment 3: In the first installment of Three Up, Three Down, John asks Zach and Ryan about the best MLB game they ever attended in person, the story behind their chosen jersey number and their favorite flavor of Dippin'  Dots. Also, Zach Attack expresses some disappointment in the initial renderings for a new ballpark in Kansas City, while Cryin' Ryan can't stand the idea of having automated strike zones one day.