The Battery Sports Talk with Jake Picker and Joel Langstein

The guys talk about the controversies surrounding the New York Mets and why booing your fans is probably not the best idea if you're an underperforming player.  Originally recorded September 1, 2021  Music: Barricade by Scott Holmes (CC BY 2.0) 

With newcomer Joel Langstein filling in for Riebs, the guys discuss the MLB Trade Deadline. Some trades already in the books, others are sure to be made before the official deadline (July 30th at 4pm), and the pennant chase gets started with a bang.  Will your team make a deal? Let us know who's on your team's wish list by hitting us up @batterypod!  Music: Barricade by Scott Holmes (CC BY 2.0) 

Jake, Matt and Max discuss the revelation in MLB that pitchers have been using foreign "sticky" substances and give their thoughts on the league's sudden response.  Music: Barricade by Scott Holmes (CC BY 2.0)   

From Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig to Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, Major League Baseball has seen its share of legendary "Dynamic Duos." Jake and Matt discuss their personal favorites from today's game and the impacts they're making on the diamond.  Music: Barricade by Scott Holmes (CC BY 2.0)

In this short MLB season so far, the rare feat of a no-hitter has become, well, not so rare. Jake and Matt discuss the changes in hitting and pitching that have resulted in a lack of offense around the league, as well as the spate of Mets injuries. Plus, a fun fact that'll bring you back to the early 1900's!  Music: Barricade by Scott Holmes (CC BY 2.0)  Sound FX: Thunder created by Grant Evans, used with CC BY 3.0 license. 

For quite some time, Jake and Matt have been going at each other on this show about the role of analytics in baseball. Actual MLB analyst Wataru Ando of the Chicago White Sox joins The Battery to settle the debate.  Originally recorded May 5th, 2021.  Intro/Outro Music: Barricade by Scott Holmes (CC BY 2.0) 

With Max riding the pine, Matt and Jake talk about the dominance of Jacob deGrom and shine the "Battery Sports Spotlight" on some early surprises and the best moments of the past week in baseball.  Originally recorded April 24, 2021 Music: Barricade by Scott Holmes (CC BY 2.0)

The guys discuss Jackie Robinson Day and the late pioneer's legacy on and off the field. They discuss Carlos Rodon's near-perfect game and its place in the White Sox' illustrious no-hitter history. And they introduce two new segments: Would You Rather, and The Battery Spotlight.   Originally recorded on April 15, 2021  Music: Barricade by Scott Holmes (CC BY 2.0) 

The guys recap the first week-plus of the MLB season, including Joe Musgrove's historic no-hitter, Shohei Ohtani's dual strike threat, and Jacob deGrom's stellar start (surprise, surprise). Coach Riebesell argues with Jake over the strategy of leaving in or taking out a pitcher, and the enduring role of set-up guys and closers.  Call in and leave us a message or ask a question! We just might get to it on the next episode of The Battery Sports Talk. 551-265-5221.  Originally recorded April 11, 2021. Music: Barricade by Scott Holmes (CC BY 2.0)

As MLB Opening Day approaches, Jake, Matt, and Max discuss the rules changes being tested out across the minor leagues and make their opinions known on the very high-profile Francisco Lindor extension talks. Recorded March 31, 2021. Music: Barricade by Scott Holmes (CC BY 2.0)  Producer's Note: Shortly after recording the episode, we at The Battery learned that Francisco Lindor reached an extension agreement with the New York Mets for 10 years/$341 million. It is the largest contract for a shortstop in MLB history, and the largest-ever deal offered by the Mets franchise. 

MLB will observe Lou Gehrig Day on June 2nd in honor of the Yankee slugger and in awareness of ALS (aka Lou Gehrig's Disease). Mickey Callaway is in hot water. And Yoenis Cespedes (remember him?) held a showcase in Florida to prove he can still hit...

The guys discuss Trevor Bauer signing with the Dodgers, what to make of the Hall of Fame, Matt gives a fiery take during "Get It Off Your Chest," and Jake doesn't understand Smart TVs. Plus, Max's dog joins the conversation. Music: Barricade by Scott...

With the offseason winding down and Spring Training just a couple of weeks away, Jake, Riebs and Max warm up for the 2021 season and discuss the many legends baseball lost in 2020. Rest assured, heaven can field an All-Star lineup. Music: Barricade by...

The guys discuss the end to the 2020 MLB season, the Dodgers' World Series championship and the overdose of analytics that has taken over the game. Plus, is Mookie Betts on the same level as Mike Trout? Originally recorded September 29, 2020.Music:...

On the eve of the Fall Classic, the guys recap the MLB postseason so far, offering their thoughts on the matchups they've seen so far and what they expect as the Dodgers and Rays play for the title. Recorded Monday, October 19, 2020Music: Barricade by...

Jake and Matt break down the MLB postseason picture, and Max makes a surprise appearance from "behind the glass" as the guys make their case for the tight NL Cy Young Award race. Music: Barricade by Scott Hamilton, used with Creative Commons 2.0 license.

The guys play "Fair or Foul" on baseball's unwritten rules and whether they're too ridiculous, arcane or obstructive to MLB's progress as a sport.

Matt gets caught off guard when Jake goes rogue and tries to school him at his own game. Originally recorded August 12, 2020. Music: Barricade by Scott Holmes used with CC 2.0 license

The guys take stock of the season a quarter of the way through, discuss the Astros' first big tussle, and get into a heated debate about starting pitchers not going deep into games. Originally recorded August 11th, 2020. Music: Barricade by Scott Holmes...

Is the MLB season in jeopardy? Plus, Matt and Jake go fair or foul on Joe Kelly's 8-game suspension and discuss the optics of Yoenis Cespedes' opt-out. Music: Barricade by Scott Holmes used with CC 2.0 license