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The Stitches Podcast

The Stitches Podcast

By The Stitches Podcast

The baseball podcast for every type of fan. We bring analysis and opinions from all different types of viewpoints, combining new and old-age thinking into one show. Host Luke Manderfeld, along with Robert Stangler, Noah Manderfeld and Nik Budig, break down hot topics, news stories, teams and more while having some fun along the way.
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The Stitches Classic

The Stitches PodcastJul 28, 2020

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32:05
The All-Star Snubs?

The All-Star Snubs?

We're gearing up for All Star weekend, reviewing the rosters, snubs and potential starting pitching matchups. We also make our predictions for the Home Run Derby field. Enjoy!

Jul 08, 202328:29
An All-Star Comeback

An All-Star Comeback

Yes, we're back, and we're talking All-Star team rosters as voting gets underway. We go through and pick our starters at each position as well as the starting pitchers for both the AL and NL. Some fun picks in here. We don't forget about the honorable mentions either. Enjoy!

Jun 15, 202339:19
Early Season Shenanigans

Early Season Shenanigans

It's way too early to make any conclusions, but why not do it anyway? We go over the Twins start, some eye-popping divisions and players who are catching our eyes. Thanks for listening!

Apr 28, 202330:18
First Week Thoughts

First Week Thoughts

In season of change, there is a lot to break down after this first week of baseball. We talk about the new rule changes, impact rookies and the Twins' up-and-down start. Looks like they are who we thought they were? Thanks for listening!


Apr 07, 202331:55
2023 Prediction Special! (Is There a New Super Team?!)

2023 Prediction Special! (Is There a New Super Team?!)

It's time for a new baseball season, and that means a new prediction special! We go over our picks for playoff teams, pennant winners and world champions as well as individual awards in both leagues. This might be most we've disagreed in a while, so let us know where you think we're wrong! Regardless, this season is shaping up to be a fun one. Thanks for listening!

Mar 29, 202355:44
The WBC is Worth It

The WBC is Worth It

A week of the WBC down, and just a few days left. It's been a great tournament so far, but it hasn't been without its controversy. We break down why we believe the WBC is one of the best baseball tournaments out there — and why criticism is misplaced — and some of the craziness of the games so far. Thanks for listening! 

Mar 17, 202330:23
The Highs and Lows of Spring

The Highs and Lows of Spring

With spring training about midway through and the WBC on tap, we go over some of our winners and losers so far, including injuries, the pitch clock, prospects and much more. Thanks for listening! 

Mar 08, 202328:51
Offseason Winners and Losers

Offseason Winners and Losers

Spring Training is here, and that means it's time to review the offseason. We go over our report cards and discuss three winners and losers from the past few months, including teams and players. Thanks for listening! 

Feb 22, 202331:11
The (Officially Official) World Baseball Classic Preview

The (Officially Official) World Baseball Classic Preview

OK, we may have jumped the gun on last week's World Baseball Classic preview. But we've got the breakdown of the officially official rosters today, going over teams, matchups and our picks to win. We can't wait for some international baseball. Thanks for listening! 

Feb 10, 202331:05
It's (Almost) Time For International Baseball

It's (Almost) Time For International Baseball

The WBC is just over a month away, and we couldn't be more excited. We go over some of the preliminary rosters, including the top three teams USA, Dominican Republic and Japan. We also touch on underdogs and the lesser-known teams. Enjoy! 

P.S. Apologies for the low-quality audio from Luke. A new mic is on the way for next week! 

Feb 01, 202330:29
The Twin Deal

The Twin Deal

The Twins traded a fan favorite and got a good pitcher in return. What does this mean for 2023 and beyond? How much does this alter the lineup and rotation? We break it all down on this episode. Thanks for listening! 

Jan 25, 202333:10
Rule Changes with a Side of January Blues

Rule Changes with a Side of January Blues

What to say about this offseason podcast? We (mostly) talked about the new rule changes coming this baseball season. But we also delved into the January Blues, birthdays and Mountain Dew Voltage. Oh, and the audio got a little funky for about 10 minutes in the beginning. Trust us, it's a fun one. Anyways, thanks for listening! 

Jan 19, 202331:43
What Just Happened?

What Just Happened?

The Twins actually did something good? Yes, a month after we laid into the organization for missing on Carlos Correa, Minnesota signed him to a franchise-record deal, but only after a couple of teams balked at his physical. We break down what this means for the Twins and where this offseason can go from here. 

Jan 11, 202329:31
Going In on the Twins

Going In on the Twins

Carlos Correa is gone. But more importantly, it seems as though the Twins lost out on their No. 1 offseason target. That means it's time to rant. What's the plan after this? How many opportunities will this front office get? We go over all of it and more in this all-Twins episode. 

Dec 15, 202234:28
The Offseason Saga Has Begun

The Offseason Saga Has Begun

Some big free agents have signed, but we're still waiting on the biggest to make his move. We go over some of the pickups and trades so far, including Jacob deGrom, Justin Verlander, Trea Turner and much more. Thanks for listening! 

Dec 07, 202231:55
Our Perfect Predictions (Not) - 2022 MLB Season Recap

Our Perfect Predictions (Not) - 2022 MLB Season Recap

It's time to go back to March and take a look at our preseason predictions, including divisions, leagues, World Series and major awards. Where did we go wrong? What did we pick right? As always, we mix in the goofy with the serious. Thanks for listening (and not making fun of us)! 

Nov 24, 202235:39
The Offseason Makeup

The Offseason Makeup

The offseason has officially begun. We go over some of the big names on the free agent market, their value and potential landing spots. A couple things we learned: This market is heavy on shortstops and risky pitchers. Thanks for listening! 

Nov 16, 202235:05
The End of the 2022 Season - World Series Breakdown

The End of the 2022 Season - World Series Breakdown

Astros are the 2022 World Champions, without an asterisk. We break down the six-game series, including some of the missteps by Rob Thomson in that final game, some of our surprise players and plays, and the craziness of the Astros roster. Thanks for listening! 

Nov 08, 202232:16
Can Anyone Beat the Astros? 2022 World Series Preview

Can Anyone Beat the Astros? 2022 World Series Preview

It's time for the 2022 World Series — Astros vs. Phillies. One team has been the best of the best all year (and the last six years). The other snuck into the playoffs and got hot at the right time. Who will win it all? We break down the matchup and (kind of) give our predictions. Enjoy!
Oct 26, 202233:03
Then There Were 4

Then There Were 4

The American League and National League Championship Series matchups are set. Phillies vs. Padres. Yankees vs. Astros. We do a quick breakdown of each series and what to expect. Can't beat October baseball. Enjoy! 

Oct 19, 202224:01
The Year of the Upset?

The Year of the Upset?

Well, our picks are shot. The Wild Card Round was absolutely wild, and we've still got a few weeks of baseball left. We go through our thoughts on the weekend, Divisional Round matchups and whether Robert uses Icy Hot around his ears... Yeah. Enjoy! 

Oct 11, 202234:03
Postseason Primer!

Postseason Primer!

There is no shortage of storylines in this year's postseason, which kicks off tomorrow with the new best-of-three first round. We go over each first-round matchup and all 12 teams in this playoff preview, including some upset predictions. Enjoy! 

Oct 06, 202251:60
The Comeback Pod

The Comeback Pod

Luke is back from his trip, so we get caught up on all things Europe and baseball. We chat about some of his experiences, the postseason race, MVP and much more on this off-the-cuff episode. Enjoy! 

Sep 28, 202232:59
Meltdowns in the East

Meltdowns in the East

The favorites in both of the divisions in the east have seen their leads dwindle. We chat the NL and AL East, Mets, Yankees, Rays, Braves and plenty about the upcoming postseason. We even dove into the heated MVP race. Enjoy! 

Sep 08, 202227:58
Do the Sox Match?

Do the Sox Match?

We should've realized that giving Robert free reign to chat about the White Sox wouldn't end so well... The good news is that it's extremely entertaining. We also go over some impact players in September. Thanks for listening! 

Aug 31, 202234:50
Off the Rails

Off the Rails

Like the Twins season, this podcast goes off the rails quite a bit. We discuss Twins and Yankees sliding, some rookies and a bunch of random baseball news. Stick around -- it's a fun one! 

Aug 24, 202230:09
The Wild, Wild Card

The Wild, Wild Card

With a few of the divisions seemingly decided, the wild card races in both leagues are heating up. We go over potential teams in the mix, some of which are unexpected. Hope you enjoy! 

Aug 17, 202230:04
Deadline Dandies

Deadline Dandies

The trade deadline was absolutely wild and included perhaps one of the biggest trades in baseball history. We recap a busy day, talking about the Twins, Juan Soto, Mariners, Phillies and much more. Thanks for listening! 

Aug 04, 202228:56
Soto's Next Destination

Soto's Next Destination

Today we discuss the trade deadline and some of the biggest pieces that might on the move, including Juan Soto, Luis Castillo, Frankie Montas and much more. Hope you enjoy! Thanks for listening! 

Jul 28, 202232:51
The All-Star Squad

The All-Star Squad

The 2022 All-Star Squads are out, and there are a few snubs. Nik Budig and Luke Manderfeld go over the players, potential matchups and who really got the short end of the stick, including a pitcher leading the league in WAR. Thanks for listening! 

Jul 13, 202230:24
Your All Star Starting Lineups

Your All Star Starting Lineups

With voting coming to a close in just a few days, Nik Budig and Luke Manderfeld go over their All Star Game ballots. There might be some surprises on here, including an unorthodox pick at first base. Thanks for listening!

Jun 29, 202233:31
Tight Divisions

Tight Divisions

Half of the divisions in baseball are within just a handful of games. We break down the AL Central, NL Central and NL West in today's episode. Get ready for some close stretch runs! Thanks for listening! 

Jun 23, 202226:14
Summer Heatin'

Summer Heatin'

Teams out east are going streaking, particularly the Yankees, on pace for 119 wins. The Twins also wrapped up a tough stretch against some of the best in the AL East, and they fared... pretty well? Thanks for listening! 

Jun 15, 202229:39
Early Power Rankings!

Early Power Rankings!

It's the end of May, and that means it's time for our early power rankings. We go over our top five and bottom five teams around the league. Any surprises? Tune in to find out! 

Jun 01, 202233:03
Bullpen Craze

Bullpen Craze

It seems the difference between good and great teams has been the bullpen. We go over some of the top teams and their bullpen performances so far, including one of the best from the Yankees. Thanks for listening! 

May 17, 202231:08
Who's Getting the Call?

Who's Getting the Call?

Today we go over some of the top prospects in baseball and who might be getting the call to the majors in the next few weeks. Will these guys make big impacts? Or will they struggle like we've seen with several other prospects this year? Thanks for listening!

May 10, 202232:30
Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot

A couple of American League teams have emerged from April on hot streaks. Are the Twins and Yankees legit? We also touch on the Reds and one of the worst starts to a season in major league history. Thanks for listening! 

May 04, 202225:03
To Believe or Not Believe

To Believe or Not Believe

Today we go over some of the surprise players to start the season — good and bad. Some of the names include Kyle Tucker, Nestor Cortes Jr. and Connor Joe. Should you believe it or not? Thanks for listening! 

Apr 26, 202230:45
Two Weeks In

Two Weeks In

The 2022 season is fully underway. The guys go around the league and talk about struggling rookies, the Twins and other weird starts. Hope you enjoy! 

Apr 21, 202229:43
Are the Blue Jays the Team to Beat?! (2022 Prediction Show)

Are the Blue Jays the Team to Beat?! (2022 Prediction Show)

Welcome to our 2022 predictions! We go over division winners, wild cards, league champs and award winners. There are a few surprise picks in this one, including a team that might be the one to beat. Can't wait until Opening Day! Enjoy! 

Apr 05, 202201:08:54
Was Carlos Correa a BAD signing?

Was Carlos Correa a BAD signing?

The Twins made a big splash signing the best free agent in this year's class. But one of the panelists doesn't think it's as good as you think. Get ready for some heated exchanges! Thanks for listening! 

Mar 22, 202235:53
Baseball's Back!

Baseball's Back!

The lockout has ended and the deals have started. The Twins have been busy over the past few days, and it seems like more deals are coming. Plus, there are a couple of blockbuster deals to chat about. Thanks for listening! 

Mar 15, 202231:39
Is Wander Franco Already a Top Shortstop in Baseball?

Is Wander Franco Already a Top Shortstop in Baseball?

Today we go over our top 10 shortstops entering the 2022 season, with a mix of old and new players, including a 20-year-old up and comer. While we agree on the top two players, the rest of our lists are quite different. Listen as we discuss our thoughts! Enjoy! 

Mar 08, 202234:28
Lockout Ending Soon?

Lockout Ending Soon?

Today we go over the state of lockout discussions and what could be next. We also cover the Rangers farm system with our resident experts. Thanks for listening!
Mar 03, 202232:15
Preseason Prospects Part 2

Preseason Prospects Part 2

We're back with another episode focusing on top prospects. We wanted to go over much more, but we ended up chatting primarily about the Royals and Giants systems — quite the deep dive. Enjoy! 

Feb 22, 202232:54
Baseball Memories

Baseball Memories

Today we go over some of our fondest baseball teams and memories. Ir we don't have baseball to watch on TV, at least we can reminisce. Thanks for listening! 

Feb 16, 202233:41
Preseason Prospects Part 1

Preseason Prospects Part 1

With the ongoing lockout, we break down some of the top 100 prospect lists. Robert Stangler and Nik Budig bring their expertise to evaluate some of the top names, systems and more. Enjoy! 

Feb 08, 202232:12
The Hall of Flame

The Hall of Flame

David Ortiz was the only player inducted into the Hall of Fame last week. But why? What about the stars of the steroid era? And is there some substance to "East Coast bias?" Thanks for listening! 

Feb 01, 202232:13
Baseball's Next Great Pitcher? Part 5

Baseball's Next Great Pitcher? Part 5

It's finally here. The final round of our bracket to determine baseball's next great pitcher. Walker Buehler vs. Julio Urias. Dodger vs. Dodger. Who will come out on top? Thanks for listening! 

Jan 25, 202229:60
Baseball's Next Great Pitcher? Part 4

Baseball's Next Great Pitcher? Part 4

Four pitchers remain. Julio Urias vs. Corbin Burnes. Walker Buehler vs. Shane Bieber. Who moves on to set up the championship round next week? Thanks for listening! 

Jan 19, 202229:29