The Roundtripper - A Baseball Podcast
A podcast about baseball! From opposite ends of America, Chris Kubak &Tom Baird take a weekly look at Major League Baseball.
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#29 - Power as Potential
05/20/2019
#29 - Power as Potential
So believe it or not, but we have already passed the first quarter mark of the 2019 baseball season...and really what have we learned so far? We've learned that a few of our early season predictions are playing out exactly as Chris and Tom had anticipated...while others have been going way off-script. On this show, we circle the divisions and take note of a few interesting highlights from each. We take a look at the early season fortunes of the Cubs and the Braves, examine the ultra-resurgence of Hyun-Jin Ryu, and admire the breakout campaigns for Pirates 1st Baseman Josh Bell and Angels utility-man Tommy La Stella. And we answer the age-old question: could either of us sucessfully make contact against Jordan Hicks? Be sure to like and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at !
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#28 - Incredible Skill & Huge Huge Flaws
05/13/2019
#28 - Incredible Skill & Huge Huge Flaws
With all that's going on around MLB, we would be remiss if we didn’t spend some time talking at length about one of the most interesting teams in all of baseball…though not for the reasons that usually make a team interesting. The California Angels, excuse me, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, have staggered out of the gates once again, needing a 4-game winning streak to bring their record to an underwhelming 15 wins vs 17 losses. When you look at their roster, it’s a head scratching combination of utter greatness, sheer mediocrity, and tired retreads. Real talk, but how long can the Halos remain mediocre before it officially becomes both a crime against Mike Trout and, more importantly, a crime against baseball? That’s not to say that they have nothing going for them, as we look for signs of life within the club and break down the one really fascinating skill of 2nd Basemen David Fletcher. Away from the city of Angels, we touch upon Joey Gallo’s prospective breakout, Zack Greinke’s hitting prowess, and how CC Sabathia’s recent career milestones may impact his Hall of Fame chances. That, and so much more. Be sure to like and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at !
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#27 - Hot Start Sustainability
04/19/2019
#27 - Hot Start Sustainability
The theme for this weeks podcast is Sustainability. For those of you out there who gazed into your crystal balls prior to the season and prognosticated the Mariners hot start and Red Sox hangover, kudos to you! You are wise beyond compare! Well done! I would probably also call you a liar, and a few other choice words as well. This is part of the beauty of baseball: that the best-laid plans can often lead to the most inauspicious circumstances. But how many of these opening movements, either good or bad, are tenable? And how many of them can just be chalked up to dumb luck? Chris and Tom take a closer at some of the teams who have burst from the gates like they were shot of a cannon, such as the Mariners and Rays, as well as others who are having trouble getting their sea legs underneath them, like the Red Sox and Rockies. Who has the firepower to maintain or right their momentum? And, for better or worse, who are the frauds? Be sure to like and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at !
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#26 - 2019 American League Preview
04/08/2019
#26 - 2019 American League Preview
As the first full week of the new season draws to a close, we come to the second part of our 2019 MLB Season Previews. The last time around we examined the ins-and-outs of the National League: now, it's the Junior Circuit's turn. This year the American League is as much of an enigma as either league has been in recent history. It's powerful and potent, with arguably the best starting rotation and best all around linup in the game. But a quick glance through the rosters and you also find a league that is maddeningly inconsistent, strangely assembled, and in a serious state of transition. The only thing you can truly anticipate is to "expect the unexpected." Chris and Tom break it down the best that they can and try to rationalize everything that the American is shaping up to be in 2019...but it's often a crapshoot, and they're only human after all. Be sure to like and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at !
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#25 - 2019 National League Preview
04/03/2019
#25 - 2019 National League Preview
It’s the beginning of a new season of Major League Baseball, and for a brief period hope springs eternal for all 30 teams. For a fleeting moment no one is in last, everyone is in first, and every clubhouse has legitimate aspirations of playing meaningful baseball once the calendar rolls into October. Of course, this is very much an idyllic vision of the present day: For some, the optimism is well-founded, with rosters that have been painstakingly constructed over the course of years. For others it is nothing more than a Utopian pipe dream. Today we start with the Senior Circuit and break down the National League since they’re celebrating their 150th anniversary (or at least the Reds are, that’s really close enough). It seems fitting…some line about respecting your elders or something…but heading into the 2019 the National League does have many of this season’s most intriguing story lines and compelling divisional races. From the highs to the lows it’s going to be a battle from start to finish, and Tom and I certainly have a lot to say about it all. Be sure to like and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at !
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#24 - Extension Season
03/22/2019
#24 - Extension Season
Spring is finally here, we’re winding our way to the end of March, and meaningful baseball is right around the corner. Tom and Chris are ready and excited for another season of Major League Baseball, but first we have to talk about contracts. Trout, Harper, Machado, Arenado, Bregman all signing big money deals…we’d cover Snell and Goldy, but their deals were announced after we had already taped this, so they will have to wait for a later day. Tom also recounts some stories from his recent trip to Spring Training in Arizona and how he may have possibly broken Shohei Ohtani, helps his son bid farewell to Yasiel Puig, and we try to make sense of some of the recent movement around the league. Spoiler alert: some of it is non-explainable. Be sure to like and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at !
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#23 - Get Into the Spirit of the (Off)season
12/10/2018
#23 - Get Into the Spirit of the (Off)season
After a long layover, Chris and Tom are back and talking about a familiar topic on a brand new episode of the Roundtripper! On Show #23, they take a look at a few of the early notable moves that have occurred during what is primed to be an extremely active and somewhat chaotic offseason for Major League Baseball. They discuss the Nationals signing of LHP Patrick Corbin, take a deeper dive into a pair of trades executed by the Seattle Mariners, and offer early offseason thoughts about FA landing spots.
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#22 - The Offseason Shopping Spree!
12/27/2017
#22 - The Offseason Shopping Spree!
On Show #22 of The Roundtripper the offseason shopping spree is in full effect, and just in time for the holidays! Chris and Tom take a look at some of the biggest moves that have occurred over the past few weeks - in particular, the Giants recent major acquisition of 3B Evan Longoria. They also focus on some of the additional needs for several teams who may be looking to make a serious run in 2018, and postulate on landing spots for some of the most noteworthy free agents still on the market.
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#21 - Trade Deadline Mania!
07/28/2017
#21 - Trade Deadline Mania!
On Show #21 of The Roundtripper, the MLB Non-Waiver Trade Deadline is just around the corner, and Chris and Tom have all the analysis you could possible shake a stick at! They talk about the big names that may be on the move (Yu Darvish, Sonny Gray, Brad Hand, Zach Britton, etc.), take a look at the needs of the top deadline Buyers and Sellers, and try to determine who is going where and at what cost. It's deadline mania in all it's glory!
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#20 - 3-Star, 4-Star, 5-Star, All Star
07/14/2017
#20 - 3-Star, 4-Star, 5-Star, All Star
On Show #20 of The Roundtripper Chris and Tom recap the 2017 All Star week festivities, expressing their satisfaction with the Home Run Derby and discussing this year's top All Star snubs. They also take a look at plate discipline and power figures for some of today's most noteworthy long-ball hitters, and offer their thoughts on the debate that's sweeping across the country: Judge or Bellinger. On top of all this, they examine Statcasts' Catch Probability statistics and note a few defensive surprises among Major League outfielders. Tom also rehashes an amusing twitter exchange he had with a star of a cult-favorite baseball film. Be sure to like and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at !
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#19 - Top of the Pop Times
06/30/2017
#19 - Top of the Pop Times
On Show #19 of The Roundtripper, catchers have been in the news quite a bit lately and Chris and Tom dedicate a lot of time discussing the tools of ignorance and the men that wear them. They take a look at the recent Miguel Montero controversy, examine who is good and not so good at pitch framing, discuss catcher pop times, and throw out a few names that have been surprising at the position so far as well as those who may be likely trade targets. The two of them also talk about super utility players, and both take a few moments to highlight recent MLB and MILB ballpark experiences. Be sure to like and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at !
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#18 - The Lineup is for Real
06/23/2017
#18 - The Lineup is for Real
On Show #18 of The Roundtripper, Summer is officially here and a pair of divisional races are starting really heat up! Chris and Tom take a look at the AL East and compare and contrast the rosters and lineups of it's two frontrunners - the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. After that, they head out west and breakdown the NL West and it's three-horse affair as the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Rockies all vie for top honors. Finally, Chris and Tom take a look at a relatively new metric - "Barrels" - and explain what it means while looking at the category leaders for both hitters and pitchers so far in 2017. Be sure to like and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at !
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#17: The Likeability Standings
06/16/2017
#17: The Likeability Standings
On Show #17 of The Roundtripper, Chris and Tom take a look at some of the young and exciting hitters that have made their mark on the 2017 MLB season. They examine breakdown the stat lines for Aaron Judge, Scott Schebler, and Cody Bellinger, comparing and contrasting them with some of the other young power hitters that have come up in the last few years (such as Joc Pederson and Adam Duvall). They also dissect Jeff Samardzija's recent string of success, point out some of the unique occurrences of the past few weeks, and answer their first official mailbag question. Tom also takes the time to debut his slightly biased "Likeability Standings." Be sure to like us on Facebook (search for Roundtripper Podcast) and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at
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#16: Scooter's Big Day and Houston's Big Year
06/09/2017
#16: Scooter's Big Day and Houston's Big Year
On Show #16 of The Roundtripper, Chris and Tom contemplate the act of hitting four homeruns in a single game and share their thoughts on 2017's unlikely offensive hero Scooter Gennett. They also take a look at the torrid start for the Houston Astros, continue to be impressed by the New York Yankees, shake their heads at the downfall of the Pittsburgh Pirates outfield situation, and try to pinpoint who is most likely to be traded from the Florida Marlins. Chris also talks about his annual sojourn to Cooperstown, NY, and talks about what it's like to stay in a hotel full of former ballplayers and baseball legends. Be sure to like us on Facebook (search for Roundtripper Podcast) and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at Recorded 6/6/17
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#15: Power Bats and Bullpens
05/18/2017
#15: Power Bats and Bullpens
On Show #15 of The Roundtripper, the 2017 MLB season is almost six weeks old, and Tom and Chris have a lot of ground to cover! The bi-coastal baseball aficionados talk Cody Bellinger and the Dodgers, the Phillies pitching woes, the somehow-still-surprising success of the Orioles, and sound the death knell on the Royals. Plus, they provide some thoughts on the Rangers, talk about the Reds and Padres bullpens, and compare notes on the Cardinals rotation. Whew! Be sure to like us on Facebook (search for Roundtripper Podcast) and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at Recorded 5/11/17
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#14: Revealing the Fakers
05/18/2017
#14: Revealing the Fakers
On Show #14 of The Roundtripper, Chris and Tom take a look at the three very eventful weeks that have opened the 2017 MLB season. They examine players and teams who have started slow or strong, and offer their opinions on the strugglers, the fakers, and the true stars alike. Additionally, they look at who's early season absence might have the biggest impact on the rest of their team's season. Be sure to like us on Facebook (search for Roundtripper Podcast) and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at Recorded 4/24/17
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#13: A Noble Spirit Embiggens the Boldest Prediction
05/18/2017
#13: A Noble Spirit Embiggens the Boldest Prediction
On Show #13 of The Roundtripper, Chris and Tom are chomping at the bit for the start of baseball season! The two of them offer their thoughts on the recently concluded World Baseball Classic, and provide some pre-season predictions for 2017. Chris also counts down his 10 Bold Predictions for the American League (and some of them are truly bold!) Be sure to like us on Facebook (search for Roundtripper Podcast) and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at Recorded 3/24/17
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#12 - Snakes...why did it have to be snakes?
03/03/2017
#12 - Snakes...why did it have to be snakes?
On Show #12 of The Roundtripper Spring Training is underway, and Chris and Tom can hardly contain their excitement! Tom leads the way as the possible fortunes (and misfortunes) of the Arizona Diamondbacks 2017 season are previewed and debated. The two also take a look at some of the notable camp battles that are taking place around the league this Spring, before Tom finishes up with his take/rant on how relief pitchers should truly be analyzed (serenading RHP Chris Hatcher along the way). Be sure to like us on Facebook (search for Roundtripper Podcast) and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at
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#11 - More Than Depth: An Offseason's Worth of Moves
02/03/2017
#11 - More Than Depth: An Offseason's Worth of Moves
On Show #11 of The Roundtripper, Chris and Tom attempt to break down an entire MLB offseason's worth of moves! They shine a light on some of the trades and free agent signings that they thought were good, and cast some shade on some of those that they severely question. In the process, they take a look at a few teams who they feel have been winning during this offseason, and a few others who have quite a bit more work to do. Be sure to like us on Facebook (search for Roundtripper Podcast) and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at
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#10 - The Hall of Fame 2017
01/21/2017
#10 - The Hall of Fame 2017
After a lengthy layover, Chris and Tom are back with another new episode of the Roundtripper! On Show #10, the guys focus on the recent BBWAA Hall of Fame Election results and offer some thoughts and opinions on the three players who got elected (Jeff Bagwell, Tim Raines, Ivan Rodriguez) and some who didn't. They also look ahead and hypothesize the outcome of future elections and discuss the chances of players both on the current Hall of Fame ballot and those who are due to be added in the near future. Meanwhile, Tom potentially develops a powerful enemy by questioning the Hall of Fame credentials of RP Trevor Hoffman. Be sure to like us on Facebook (search for Roundtripper Podcast) and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at !
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#09 - All Star Preview
07/11/2016
#09 - All Star Preview
On Show #9 of The Roundtripper, Chris and Tom take a look at the MLB All Star Rosters and provide their take on who made the cut and who did not. They each provide their list of biggest snubs and surprises for the Midsummer's Classic in San Diego. Tom also mentions how much he's looking forward to attending the Home Run Derby as well as the rest of All Star Week festivities. The two also pick their favorites for the Derby and offer their take on who is leading the race for AL and NL MVP. As for Power Rankings, it's Tom turn at the helm. Be sure to like us on Facebook (search for Roundtripper Podcast) and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at ! Recorded 7/8/16
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#08 - Our Own Private Koufax
07/03/2016
#08 - Our Own Private Koufax
On Episode 8 of The Roundtripper, the two hosts from the two coasts overcome a few technical issues to bring you an awesome edition of the Roundtripper. Tom is very impressed with Chris' MLB Power Rankings and not as impressed with the Texas Rangers. The two of them also take both optimistic and pessimistic looks at Clayton Kershaw's recent injury and discuss the Dodgers acquisition of Bud Norris. They also evaluate Cole Hamels place among active pitchers, lament that Kenny Lofton is not in the Hall of Fame, and reiterate how Jay Bruce is probably not suited for right field. Be sure to like us on Facebook (search for Roundtripper Podcast) and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at ! Episode recorded on 6/30/2016
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#07 - Cleveland Rocks
06/21/2016
#07 - Cleveland Rocks
On Episode 7 of The Roundtripper, Tom goes into details about his current man-crush on the Cleveland Indians. Chris meanwhile professes his man-crush for Baseball Hall of Famer Hazen "Kiki" Cuyler and pays tribute to Johnny Vander Meer's back-to-back 1938 no-hitters. The two also discuss the Hall of Fame prospects of Adrian Beltre and David Ortiz, ask whether or not the Rockies lineup is the best in all of MLB, and hypothesize about the asking price and trade potential for the Big 3 in the Yankees Bullpen. Tom also takes his turn at organizing an MLB Power Ranking for the week. Be sure to like us on Facebook (search for Roundtripper Podcast) and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at ! Episode recorded on 6/15/2016
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#06 - Old and Romantic and Fantastic
06/21/2016
#06 - Old and Romantic and Fantastic
On Episode 6 of the Roundtripper, Chris and Tom have another fight to discuss - this time being the brouhaha between Yordano Ventura and Manny Machado. They also take a closer look at this year's Rookie class and address some of the additional topical issues taking place around Major League Baseball. Chris also offers his thoughts after his recent trip to Cooperstown, NY, and takes a stab at creating an MLB Power Ranking of his own..all very impressive considering the fact that Chris nearly falls asleep on a half dozen occasions! Be sure to like us on Facebook (search for Roundtripper Podcast) and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at ! Episode recorded on 6/7/2015
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#05 - I Love Analytics, but...
05/27/2016
#05 - I Love Analytics, but...
On Episode 5 of The Roundtripper, Chris and Tom introduce their new weekly Power Rankings, with Tom taking the first stab at ranking every team from 1-30. They also debate the recent amendments to the strike zone and to intentional walks that were approved by the MLB competition committee and discuss Rob Manfred's recent comments regarding length of games. Additionally, they try to predict which big names might be moved in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, and Tom offers a few honest opinions about new Dodgers call-up Julio Urias. Be sure to like us on Facebook (search for Roundtripper Podcast) and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at !
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#04 - The Other Great Villain
05/19/2016
#04 - The Other Great Villain
Getting Rougned with Joey, or Fab Fired Fredi. On Episode 4 of The Roundtripper, Chris and Tom offer their thoughts on the Rougned Odor-Jose Bautista brouhaha, analyze the firing of Fredi Gonzalez by the Atlanta Braves, bask in the beauty of Max Scherzer's 20-strikeout performance, and take a look at the current league standings and single out a few surprises and expectations among them. Tom also rants about Bryce Harper, breaks down the struggles of Yasiel Puig, and somehow tries to compare the most famous pitcher in LA Dodgers history to singer Lauryn Hill (don't ask questions, just listen and hear for yourselves). Chris and Tom also take a moment to address their first listener email inquiry! Be sure to like us on Facebook (search for Roundtripper Podcast) and give us a follow on Twitter (). Also, if you like the show be sure to rate us 5-stars on iTunes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send us an email at !
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#03 - The Worst and the Worst Greatest
05/11/2016
#03 - The Worst and the Worst Greatest
Years in the making and spanning an entire continent, Chris Kubak and Tom Baird take a weekly spin through all things Major League Baseball. Two regular guys, one podcast, everything Baseball and MLB. On Episode 3 of The Roundtripper, Chris and Tom address Dee Gordon and the ongoing PED issue in baseball, discuss whether or not Pablo Sandoval has any chance of making good in Boston and whether or not he has the worst contract in BoSox history, and take a deeper look at Empty Stats, Misleading Peripherals, and which pitchers are primed for improvement and which for regression. Also, Chris and Tom both offer up some bold predictions for the coming month in MLB. Show recorded 5/6. Be sure to like us on Facebook (search for Roundtripper Podcast) and a follow on Twitter (). If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, be sure to email the show at .
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#02 - Surprise, surprise, surprise
04/29/2016
#02 - Surprise, surprise, surprise
Years in the making and spanning an entire continent, Chris Kubak and Tom Baird take a weekly spin through all things Major League Baseball. Two regular guys, one podcast, everything Baseball and MLB. On Episode 2 of The Roundtripper, Chris and Tom talk about the early surprise that has been the Chicago White Sox, offer their thoughts on the poor early showing by the Houston Astros, have a few interesting words to say about the Phillies, and evaluate who's early injury might have the heaviest impact. Also, Chris sits back and let's time embark on what is likely to be the first of many rants about the misconceptions surrounding Sabermetrics (Tom prefers to think of it not as ranting, but rather as "waxing poetic.") Be sure to like us on Facebook (search for Roundtripper Podcast) and a follow on Twitter (). If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, be sure to email the show at .
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#01 - The beginning of Chris and Tom
04/29/2016
#01 - The beginning of Chris and Tom
Years in the making and spanning an entire continent, Chris Kubak and Tom Baird take a weekly spin through all things Major League Baseball. Two regular guys, one podcast, everything Baseball and MLB. On the Pilot episode of The Roundtripper, Chris and Tom iron out the early kinks and work on getting their sea legs underneath them. Along the way, they take a look at the entirety of Major League Baseball and discuss their predictions for the season: which teams will succeed, which will fall short, and everyone in between. Be sure to like us on Facebook (search for Roundtripper Podcast) and a follow on Twitter (). If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, be sure to email the show at .
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