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FanGraphs Audio

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FanGraphs Audio

FanGraphs Audio provides insightful baseball analysis and commentary in a round table style discussion with your favorite FanGraphs contributors and guests.

#1035

FanGraphs Audio: Dylan Higgins Signs Off

Episode 1015 This week’s episode is a bittersweet one, as your favorite podcast producer (that’s me!) tells his story before saying goodbye. Dialing in from the snowy slopes of France, [Ben Clemens] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/bclemens6/) interviews me, [Dylan Higgins] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/dylanh/) , for the latest edition of FanGraphs Backstories. Ben and I talk about the gateway drug that was Moneyball, how I hopped from internship to internship, and the summer I spent in an office with Branch Rickey III. I also tell Ben about my adventures working in the Australian Baseball League, finding myself in a sticky championship celebration, and eventually finding my people at FanGraphs. To purchase a FanGraphs membership for yourself or as a gift, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-membership/) . To donate to FanGraphs and help us keep things running, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-donation/) . Don’t hesitate to direct pod-related correspondence to [@dhhiggins] (https://twitter.com/dhhiggins) on Twitter. You can subscribe to the podcast via [iTunes] (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=356200509) or [other feeder things] (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/feed/podcast/) . Audio after the jump. (Approximate 51 minute play time.) [Source] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-audio-dylan-higgins-signs-off/) ... Read more

10 Mar 2023

51 MINS

51:22

10 Mar 2023

#1034

FanGraphs Audio: Jay Jaffe and Dan Szymborski Welcome You Back

Episode 1014 On this week’s show, we discuss the new rules on display in spring training before reacting to [Manny Machado] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/manny-machado/11493/stats?position=3B) ’s new extension. [Jay Jaffe] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/jayjaffe/) is joined by [Dan Szymborski] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/dszymborski/) as they welcome back baseball, now with a pitch clock and bigger bases. The pair discuss the effects of these changes, [such as the clock’s impact on relievers vs. starters] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/kenley-jansen-is-fighting-the-clock-but-hes-hardly-alone/) , as well as the challenges they can create when it comes to projections. Jay and Dan also consider whether Manny Machado has earned being called just “Manny,” and [how big of a factor opt-outs played] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/opting-out-may-not-be-manny-machados-best-move/) in his [11-year extension with San Diego] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/san-diego-strikes-again-with-11-year-extension-for-manny-machado/) . Finally, Jay and Dan consider [Shohei Ohtani] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/shohei-ohtani/19755/stats?position=DH) ’s future in the context of the Hall of Fame and discuss how much they expect him to be paid in free agency. To purchase a FanGraphs membership for yourself or as a gift, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-membership/) . To donate to FanGraphs and help us keep things running, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-donation/) . Don’t hesitate to direct pod-related correspondence to [@dhhiggins] (https://twitter.com/dhhiggins) on Twitter. You can subscribe to the podcast via [iTunes] (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=356200509) or [other feeder things] (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/feed/podcast/) . Audio after the jump. (Approximate 45 minute play time.) [Source] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-audio-jay-jaffe-and-dan-szymborski-welcome-you-back/) ... Read more

03 Mar 2023

45 MINS

45:04

03 Mar 2023

#1033

FanGraphs Audio: Perennial Prospect Week Podcast 2023

Episode 1013 It’s [Prospect Week] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2023-top-100-prospects/) at FanGraphs, so our scouting department shares how the prospect list sausage is made before we hear from a fellow ranker who is now on the team side. ---To start things off, lead prospect analyst [Eric Longenhagen] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/elongenhagen/) is joined by contributor [Tess Taruskin] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/tesstass/) to celebrate making it through Prospect Week and to shine a light on how [the Top 100] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2023-top-100-prospects/) was made. The duo walk through a ranking exercise, using a group of relief-risk pitchers to show how they would evaluate comparable players. Eric and Tess also discuss some of their favorite players on the list, including [Addison Barger] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/addison-barger/sa3006910/stats?position=3B/SS) and [Miguel Bleis] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/miguel-bleis/sa3016834/stats?position=OF) , and how nowadays they sometimes have to watch players’ TikTok accounts for the best scouting footage available. [3:44] ---After that, [David Laurila] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/david-laurila/) welcomes [John Manuel] (https://twitter.com/johnmanuelNC) , former editor-in-chief at [Baseball America] (https://www.baseballamerica.com/) and current scout for the Minnesota Twins. John tells David how different prospect lists look now that he is on the inside of a front office, as well as how much clubs actually pay attention to them. The pair also discuss the origins of prospect lists and how BA founder Allan Simpson deserves credit for originating the exercise many years ago. Finally, John reflects on some of his own evaluations on players such as [Félix Hernández] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/felix-hernandez/4772/stats?position=P) , [Joe Mauer] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/joe-mauer/1857/stats) , [Mookie Betts] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/mookie-betts/13611/stats) , [Justin Verlander] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/justin-verlander/8700/stats) , and [Freddie Freeman] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/freddie-freeman/5361/stats) . [43:22] To purchase a FanGraphs membership for yourself or as a gift, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-membership/) . To donate to FanGraphs and help us keep things running, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-donation/) . Don’t hesitate to direct pod-related correspondence to [@dhhiggins] (https://twitter.com/dhhiggins) on Twitter. You can subscribe to the podcast via [iTunes] (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=356200509) or [other feeder things] (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/feed/podcast/) . Audio after the jump. (Approximate 1 hour 36 minute play time.) [Source] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-audio-perennial-prospect-week-podcast-2023/) ... Read more

24 Feb 2023

1 HR 36 MINS

1:36:24

24 Feb 2023

#1032

FanGraphs Audio: Ryan Loutos on His Hybrid Role, Jason Martinez on His Path to Here

Episode 1012 On this edition of the pod, we talk to a player/analyst in the Cardinals system before hearing the story of how our RosterResource guru got here. ---At the top of the show, [David Laurila] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/david-laurila/) welcomes [Ryan Loutus] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/ryan-loutos/sa3016850/stats?position=P) , a 24-year-old right-hander who went undrafted out of a D-III school and now finds himself in the Cardinals’ big league camp. Loutos has impressed on the mound, but he has also been a big contributor off the field, working as an analyst for the club to develop a player-facing app and help convey data to his teammates. David asks Ryan about balancing his focus between his two responsibilities, weighing pitching science vs. pitching feel, his analysis of his own arsenal, and what he might do after his pitching days are over. [3:57] ---After that, [Ben Clemens] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/bclemens6/) asks [Jason Martinez] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/jaymar22/) to share his own FanGraphs Backstory. We hear about wanting to run through a wall thanks to a [Bob Gibson] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/bob-gibson/1004662/stats?position=P) biography, working at the YMCA, [starting a band] (https://soundcloud.com/jmar2510/sets/amlux2002) , and eventually having the idea to create RosterResource. Jason also tells us how he and RosterResource ended up here at FanGraphs, spending a long time searching for the thing he was destined to do, and seeing [Ruppert Jones] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/ruppert-jones/1006588/stats?position=OF) go deep at his first Padres game. [26:55] To purchase a FanGraphs membership for yourself or as a gift, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-membership/) . To donate to FanGraphs and help us keep things running, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-donation/) . Don’t hesitate to direct pod-related correspondence to [@dhhiggins] (https://twitter.com/dhhiggins) on Twitter. You can subscribe to the podcast via [iTunes] (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=356200509) or [other feeder things] (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/feed/podcast/) . Audio after the jump. (Approximate 1 hour 19 minute play time.) [Source] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-audio-ryan-loutos-on-his-hybrid-role-jason-martinez-on-his-path-to-here/) ... Read more

17 Feb 2023

1 HR 19 MINS

1:19:18

17 Feb 2023

#1031

FanGraphs Audio: Sig Mejdal on Analytics, Eric Longenhagen on His Journey Here

Episode 1011 This week, we sit down with one of the bright baseball minds in Baltimore before getting our lead prospect analyst’s backstory. ---At the top of the show, [David Laurila] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/david-laurila/) welcomes Sig Mejdal, vice president and assistant general manager of the Baltimore Orioles. Mejdal tells us about breaking into baseball with the Cardinals, and what his day-to-day with Mike Elias and [former podcast guest] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-audio-al-east-chats-with-eve-rosenbaum-david-cone-and-julian-mcwilliams/) Eve Rosenbaum is like. Mejdal also shares his thoughts on analytics and data, and what his team of analysts are working on in Baltimore. Finally, David asks about spending a season in the minors, seeing [Albert Pujols] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/albert-pujols/1177/stats) in his prime, and how difficult it was to trade [Trey Mancini] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/trey-mancini/15149/stats) . [3:32] ---After that, [Ben Clemens] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/bclemens6/) is joined by [Eric Longenhagen] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/elongenhagen/) for the latest edition of FanGraphs Backstories. Eric tells us about interning with his hometown IronPigs, taking up writing because he got mono, working at Baseball Info Solutions, and eventually ending up at FanGraphs. Ben also asks Eric about his favorite baseball memories, which include dressing up as [Mark McGwire] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/mark-mcgwire/1008559/stats?position=1B) for Halloween and going to Veterans Stadium for his first major league game. The duo also discuss the Super Bowl being in Arizona and how going to Eagles training camp had an impact on Eric’s path. [24:20] To purchase a FanGraphs membership for yourself or as a gift, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-membership/) . To donate to FanGraphs and help us keep things running, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-donation/) . Don’t hesitate to direct pod-related correspondence to [@dhhiggins] (https://twitter.com/dhhiggins) on Twitter. You can subscribe to the podcast via [iTunes] (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=356200509) or [other feeder things] (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/feed/podcast/) . Audio after the jump. (Approximate 1 hour 15 minute play time.) [Source] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-audio-sig-mejdal-on-analytics-eric-longenhagen-on-his-journey-here/) ... Read more

10 Feb 2023

1 HR 15 MINS

1:15:18

10 Feb 2023

#1030

FanGraphs Audio: Dan Hayes Celebrates Joe Mauer, Michael Baumann Talks Baumann

Episode 1010 On this week’s show, we consider the career of a potential Hall of Famer before getting to know one of our writers better. ---With [Joe Mauer] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/joe-mauer/1857/stats?position=C/1B) destined for [the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame] (https://theathletic.com/4132732/2023/01/27/joe-mauer-twins-hall-of-fame/) and set to arrive [on the Cooperstown ballot for the first time] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/big-comebacks-and-easy-calls-the-next-five-years-of-bbwaa-hall-of-fame-elections/) this year as well, [Jay Jaffe] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/jayjaffe/) felt it appropriate to chat with [Dan Hayes] (https://twitter.com/DanHayesMLB) of [The Athletic] (https://theathletic.com/author/dan-hayes/) about the hometown hero. Jay and Dan discuss how stellar Mauer was despite a relatively short resume, and how the brutality of the catcher position combined with the brutality of his concussion symptoms only makes his performance even more impressive. The pair agree Mauer should probably be a slam-dunk pick for the Hall, but they expect some debate about it along the way. [4:02] ---After that, [Ben Clemens] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/bclemens6/) is joined by [Michael Baumann] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/mbaumann/) for the latest edition of FanGraphs Backstories. We get the story of Michael’s sportswriting career before ending up at FanGraphs, including grad school and stops at Crashburn Alley (RIP) and [The Ringer] (https://www.theringer.com/) . Michael also shares some of his favorite baseball memories from over the years, the most notable of which actually concern college and Little League ball. Finally, Ben and Michael discuss the [2023 SABR Awards] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2023-sabr-analytics-conference-research-awards-voting-now-open/) ( [both] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/how-good-are-those-probabilities-on-the-apple-tv-broadcasts/) have nominated [pieces] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-playoffs-arent-too-big-the-league-is-way-too-small/) ) and how their writing styles have adapted to FanGraphs. [27:15] To purchase a FanGraphs membership for yourself or as a gift, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-membership/) . To donate to FanGraphs and help us keep things running, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-donation/) . Don’t hesitate to direct pod-related correspondence to [@dhhiggins] (https://twitter.com/dhhiggins) on Twitter. You can subscribe to the podcast via [iTunes] (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=356200509) or [other feeder things] (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/feed/podcast/) . Audio after the jump. (Approximate 65 minute play time.) [Source] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-audio-dan-hayes-celebrates-joe-mauer-michael-baumann-talks-baumann/) ... Read more

03 Feb 2023

1 HR 05 MINS

1:05:29

03 Feb 2023

#1029

FanGraphs Audio: Ryan Thibodaux Chats Ballots, Quinn Priester Talks Pitching

Episode 1009 This week, we [reflect on the recent Hall of Fame election results] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/rolen-into-cooperstown-bbwaa-voters-avoid-shutout/) before catching up with a top Pirates prospect. ---First up, [Jay Jaffe] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/jayjaffe/) welcomes [Ryan Thibodaux] (https://twitter.com/NotMrTibbs) , who leads the team at the [Hall of Fame Ballot Tracker] (http://www.bbhoftracker.com/) , to discuss [Scott Rolen] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/scott-rolen/970/stats?position=3B) ’s enshrinement and the [wild] (https://twitter.com/sarsdell/status/1618018127308296192) [day] (https://twitter.com/sarsdell/status/1617649666207911946) [leading up to it] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/instagraphs/a-glimmer-of-hope-for-scott-rolen-and-todd-helton/) . Ryan has worked on the Tracker for a decade now, but this is somehow the first time he and Jay have had a non-text conversation. The duo look back on the influence the Tracker has had over the years, what compelled Ryan to work on it, and if he ever hears from any of the candidates. Jay and Ryan also take a look at the many exciting names on next year’s ballot. [3:05] ---After that, [David Laurila] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/david-laurila/) welcomes Pirates prospect [Quinn Priester] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/charles-priester/sa3011297/stats?position=P) to the show. The pair [first chatted after Priester was drafted] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/a-conversation-with-pirates-2019-first-rounder-quinn-priester/) (then [again in 2021] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/pirates-prospect-quinn-priester-talks-pitching/) ), and they discuss how he has developed as a pitcher in that time. We hear about training in Arizona this offseason, changing his approach to stay in games longer, comparing curveballs with teammate [Mike Burrows] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/michael-burrows/sa3008517/stats?position=P) , and playing with [Henry Davis] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/henry-davis/sa3017042/stats?position=C) , who was the first overall pick in the 2021 draft. Finally, Priester tells us who were the best hitters he faced this year and who he is most looking forward to taking on in the majors one day. [31:40] To purchase a FanGraphs membership for yourself or as a gift, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-membership/) . To donate to FanGraphs and help us keep things running, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-donation/) . Don’t hesitate to direct pod-related correspondence to [@dhhiggins] (https://twitter.com/dhhiggins) on Twitter. You can subscribe to the podcast via [iTunes] (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=356200509) or [other feeder things] (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/feed/podcast/) . Audio after the jump. (Approximate 56 minute play time.) [Source] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-audio-ryan-thibodaux-chats-ballots-quinn-priester-talks-pitching/) ... Read more

27 Jan 2023

56 MINS

56:02

27 Jan 2023

#1028

FanGraphs Audio: Donnie Ecker on Coordinating an Offense

Episode 1008 In this episode, we get insight from a professional run-creator before turning the tables on our favorite interviewer. ---In the first half, [David Laurila] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/david-laurila/) welcomes [Donnie Ecker] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/donnie-ecker/sa388408/stats?position=2B) , bench coach and offensive coordinator for the Texas Rangers, to the program. Ecker, who [David also interviewed last year] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/texas-rangers-offensive-coordinator-donnie-ecker-talks-hitting/) , shares what it’s like to work with manager Bruce Bochy, associate manager [Will Venable] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/will-venable/211/stats?position=OF) , and director of hitting Cody Atkinson as they help the team’s hitters be at their best. We also learn about how important it can be to adapt strategies from other sports and industries, and how studying pitching can help with understanding hitting. Finally, Ecker tells us about working with players like [Marcus Semien] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/marcus-semien/12533/stats) , [Josh Smith] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/josh-smith/sa3009923/stats) , [Evan Carter] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/evan-carter/sa3014490/stats) , [Josh Jung] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/josh-jung/26299/stats) , [Ezequiel Duran] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/ezequiel-duran/23733/stats) , and [Nathaniel Lowe] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/nathaniel-lowe/19566/stats) . [3:22] ---After that, [Ben Clemens] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/bclemens6/) makes David the subject of the interview for FanGraphs Backstories. We hear about David’s pre-baseball life, from his time at the Detroit Institute of Arts to working in the ticket office at the Boston Ballet to moderating a Red Sox message board, and how interviewing baseball players led to a career change that took him to Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus before arriving at FanGraphs. David also talks about the art of the interview and some of his most notable conversations before sharing his favorite baseball memories, including his first major league game and the no-hitter he saw with his daughter. [39:40] To purchase a FanGraphs membership for yourself or as a gift, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-membership/) . To donate to FanGraphs and help us keep things running, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-donation/) . Don’t hesitate to direct pod-related correspondence to [@dhhiggins] (https://twitter.com/dhhiggins) on Twitter. You can subscribe to the podcast via [iTunes] (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=356200509) or [other feeder things] (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/feed/podcast/) . Audio after the jump. (Approximate 1 hour 6 minute play time.) [Source] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-audio-donnie-ecker-on-coordinating-an-offense/) ... Read more

20 Jan 2023

1 HR 06 MINS

1:06:29

20 Jan 2023

#1027

FanGraphs Audio: Introducing Spencer Strider to Andrew Miller

Episode 1007 This week on the pod, we pair a veteran reliever with a young star before interviewing one of our own fresh faces. ---To start things off, [David Laurila] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/david-laurila/) welcomes [Spencer Strider] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/spencer-strider/27498/stats) and [Andrew Miller] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/andrew-miller/6785/stats?position=P) [back] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-audio-42-for-21/) [to the show] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-audio-andrew-miller-returns-paul-sporer-dorks-out/) . Strider and Miller had not officially met before, but they quickly hit it off, discussing growing up as fans of each others’ club, what kind of music they like, and what a good teammate [Josh Tomlin] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/josh-tomlin/9388/stats) is. The duo also talk pitching, as Miller offers insights into his move to the bullpen while the pair ponder how his career might have been different if he had had access to the same information that Strider has at his disposal today. [3:43] ---In the second half, [Ben Clemens] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/bclemens6/) welcomes [Alex Eisert] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/eyesguys1/) to the podcast for the latest edition of FanGraphs Backstories. We hear how Alex was inspired by a fateful FanGraphs meetup, and how starting a statistics blog led him to the site. Alex also shares his favorite baseball memories, including some big [Johan Santana] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/johan-santana/755/stats?position=P) and [Alex Rodriguez] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/alexander-rodriguez/sa3019507/stats) moments. Finally, Ben asks Alex about [his recent piece on swing mirroring] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/swing-mirroring-chronicling-contact-conformity/) , and how studying philosophy and psychology can go hand-in-hand with researching baseball. [45:57] To purchase a FanGraphs membership for yourself or as a gift, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-membership/) . To donate to FanGraphs and help us keep things running, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-donation/) . Don’t hesitate to direct pod-related correspondence to [@dhhiggins] (https://twitter.com/dhhiggins) on Twitter. You can subscribe to the podcast via [iTunes] (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=356200509) or [other feeder things] (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/feed/podcast/) . Audio after the jump. (Approximate 1 hour 16 minute play time.) [Source] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-audio-introducing-spencer-strider-to-andrew-miller/) ... Read more

13 Jan 2023

1 HR 16 MINS

1:16:33

13 Jan 2023

#1026

FanGraphs Audio: Derrick Goold Returns, Jay Jaffe Shares His Backstory

Episode 1006 In the first show of 2023, we welcome back a beat writer friend to talk Cardinals before introducing a new series on the podcast. ---At the top of the program, [David Laurila] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/david-laurila/) is joined by [Derrick Goold] (https://twitter.com/dgoold) of the [St. Louis Post-Dispatch] (https://www.stltoday.com/) (and [The Best Podcast in Baseball] (https://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/best-podcast-in-baseball/) ), who [last appeared on episode 903] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-audio-late-legends-retrospective/) . The duo discuss whether [Nolan Arenado] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/nolan-arenado/9777/stats) deserves the title of the best all-around player in the National League, while contemplating if [Paul Goldschmidt] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/paul-goldschmidt/9218/stats) may have claim as the best hitter in the circuit. David and Derrick also talk about players on this year’s Hall of Fame ballot like [Bobby Abreu] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/bobby-abreu/945/stats?position=OF) and [Gary Sheffield] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/gary-sheffield/114/stats?position=OF) , and how Derrick has been listening to FanGraphs Audio in recent weeks for insight while preparing his own ballot. [4:34] ---In the second half, [Ben Clemens] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/bclemens6/) debuts his new series FanGraphs Backstories. Ben will be interviewing FanGraphs staff to discuss how they came to the site and what their favorite baseball memories are, and senior writer [Jay Jaffe] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/author/jayjaffe/) is first up. Jay shares how he never would have imagined he’d end up at FanGraphs after his early days at [Baseball Prospectus] (https://www.baseballprospectus.com/author/jay_jaffe/) , what his time at [Sports Illustrated] (https://www.si.com/author/jay-jaffe) was like, and how truly unforgettable [Nolan Ryan] (https://www.fangraphs.com/players/nolan-ryan/1011348/stats?position=P) was to a young fan. [43:32] To purchase a FanGraphs membership for yourself or as a gift, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-membership/) . To donate to FanGraphs and help us keep things running, click [here] (https://plus.fangraphs.com/product/fangraphs-donation/) . Don’t hesitate to direct pod-related correspondence to [@dhhiggins] (https://twitter.com/dhhiggins) on Twitter. You can subscribe to the podcast via [iTunes] (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=356200509) or [other feeder things] (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/feed/podcast/) . Audio after the jump. (Approximate 1 hour 9 minute play time.) [Source] (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-audio-derrick-goold-returns-jay-jaffe-shares-his-backstory/) ... Read more

06 Jan 2023

1 HR 09 MINS

1:09:08

06 Jan 2023

#1025

FanGraphs Audio: Travis Sawchik Rocks the Vote

Episode 1005 This episode, we welcome back another old friend who is casting their first Hall of Fame ballot, then talk about the most surprising free agent move in recent memory. We begin with Jay Jaffe and David Laurila continuing their new annual tradition of discussing their Hall of Fame ballots on the podcast, and […] ... Read more

23 Dec 2022

1 HR 06 MINS

1:06:47

23 Dec 2022

#1024

FanGraphs Audio: Jerry Dipoto on the Surging Seattle Mariners

Episode 1004 This week, we talk to the man in charge of an on-the-rise franchise before discussing the international market and a puzzling trade. At the top of the show, David Laurila welcomes Jerry Dipoto, president of baseball operations for the Seattle Mariners. We hear his thoughts on the wild spending going on around the […] ... Read more

16 Dec 2022

1 HR 34 MINS

1:34:53

16 Dec 2022

#1023

FanGraphs Audio: Fernando Perez and Eno Sarris at the Winter Meetings

Episode 1003 After a big week in baseball, we bring you two face-to-face conversations from the San Diego Winter Meetings before a chat about outfield defense. First up, David Laurila sits down with Fernando Perez, former major league outfielder and analyst and current coach for the San Francisco Giants. We hear what Fernando was doing […] ... Read more

09 Dec 2022

1 HR 44 MINS

1:44:14

09 Dec 2022

#1022

FanGraphs Audio: Brad Miller, Veteran Infielder and Enthusiastic Soccer Fan

Episode 1002 This week on the show, we welcome a long-time major leaguer to chat about the World Cup before going over some recent moves and looking ahead to the Winter Meetings. At the top of the show, David Laurila welcomes Brad Miller, a 10-year major league veteran and a big soccer fan. The pair […] ... Read more

02 Dec 2022

55 MINS

55:51

02 Dec 2022

#1021

FanGraphs Audio: Joel Goldberg on the Rising Royals

Episode 1001 Hot Stove season is upon us and we are ready to start picking apart transactions, but not before we talk about the Kansas City Royals. To kick things off, David Laurila welcomes Joel Goldberg, broadcaster and reporter for the Royals. David didn’t put Bobby Witt Jr. on his AL Rookie of the Year […] ... Read more

18 Nov 2022

1 HR 28 MINS

1:28:46