The Book of Joe with Joe Maddon & Tom Verducci
Baseball
Borrowing the podcast title from their forthcoming book, three-time Manager of the Year Joe Maddon and three-time Sportswriter of the Year Tom Verducci provide exclusive insight, commentary and discussion on the MLB postseason, from the stars to the strategy.
As manager of the 2016 Cubs team that broke a 108-year championship drought, Maddon knows what it takes to navigate October pressure. Part Phil Jackson, part Yogi Berra, Maddon brings unique and entertaining takes on not just on dugout strategy but also life lessons and leadership - not to mention classic cars and rock and roll.
A five-time Emmy winner with Fox and MLB Network, Verducci has behind-the-scenes access to the players and managers throughout the postseason.
“The Book of Joe” is your home to learn - and laugh - about the real stories behind how postseason games are won and lost.
To purchase a copy or for more information on "The Book of Joe," please click below...
https://www.amazon.com/Book-Joe-Trying-Suck-Baseball/dp/1538751798/ref=asc_df_1538751798/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=564627793350&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8568231967918177387&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031189&hvtargid=pla-1844067081352&psc=1
Location:
United States
Description:
Borrowing the podcast title from their forthcoming book, three-time Manager of the Year Joe Maddon and three-time Sportswriter of the Year Tom Verducci provide exclusive insight, commentary and discussion on the MLB postseason, from the stars to the strategy. As manager of the 2016 Cubs team that broke a 108-year championship drought, Maddon knows what it takes to navigate October pressure. Part Phil Jackson, part Yogi Berra, Maddon brings unique and entertaining takes on not just on dugout strategy but also life lessons and leadership - not to mention classic cars and rock and roll. A five-time Emmy winner with Fox and MLB Network, Verducci has behind-the-scenes access to the players and managers throughout the postseason. “The Book of Joe” is your home to learn - and laugh - about the real stories behind how postseason games are won and lost. To purchase a copy or for more information on "The Book of Joe," please click below... https://www.amazon.com/Book-Joe-Trying-Suck-Baseball/dp/1538751798/ref=asc_df_1538751798/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=564627793350&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8568231967918177387&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031189&hvtargid=pla-1844067081352&psc=1
Language:
English
Episodes
The Book of Joe: Fixing slow starts and Remembering a friend
4/21/2026
Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci begin with a look at the turnaround of the Rays and their stadium improvements. Tom points out the slow starts from the biggest spending teams, while the lowest payrolls are doing well! Hitting has been off and Joe explains the adjustments that need to be made. While thinking of the most dominating pitchers that we've actually seen, Tom could be adding a new name to the list. Plus, Joe remembers his good friend Garrett Anderson and his impact on baseball and the Angels.
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Duration:00:55:56
The Book of Joe: Mets slow start and Flipping the Spread!
4/14/2026
Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci look at the slow start of the Mets and wonder if there are bigger issues at play. Joe points out how time together can help smooth out a lot of issues. Twins manager Derek Shelton talked about what he learned from a year being in the media that he now uses in the dugout. Joe reveals his approach to dealing with the media as a manager. Plus, the legacy of 'flipping the spread'. What is it and is it gone forever?
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Duration:00:55:03
The Book of Joe: Dark Side of the Moon, Urgency in April, and the Dark Horse!
4/8/2026
Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci know it's early in the season, but how many 'good' teams have ever had terrible starts? The Red Sox stumbled out of the gate, but can they turn it around? Tom notes the incident with Wilson Contreras and the Brewers and what happens next. Tropicana Field is open once again and Joe recalls his time in Tampa and the stadium. We're starting to see injuries pop up and Joe talks about managing things early so they don't become a season-long issue. Plus, Tom and Joe bid farewell to the legendary 'Dark Horse' in Boulder, Colorado.
The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.
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Duration:00:44:48
The Book of Joe: ABS overload, Yankees Streaking, and Ohtani on the mound!
4/2/2026
Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci dive into the use of the ABS system, which has already had a tremendous impact. How does Joe think the use of the system changes as the game moves forward? Tom reveals where the most success comes from with challenges. How does this affect catchers and their influence on pitching?
The Yankees have had an amazing start to the season. Tom notes Shohei Ohtani's first start of the year. Plus, is there any advantage to signing young players to big deals? Tom shows how the current line of thinking is playing out.
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Duration:00:48:36
The Book of Joe: 2026 Opening Day and World Series picks!
3/24/2026
Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss Opening Day and the need for teams to get off to a good start! What is the biggest thing a team will see in the first few weeks of the season? Joe reveals the team he thinks can most challenge the Dodgers in the NL. Tom talks about the players who will benefit from a solid performance in the WBC. Following a memorable Babe Ruth story, Joe and Tom name their World Series teams!
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Duration:00:51:36
The Book of Joe: Venezuela's historic WBC victory!
3/18/2026
Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss Venezuela's win over USA in the World Baseball Classic. Joe points out the passion from Venezuela and the huge role baseball plays in their country and culture. Tom asks about USA's hitting and what happened through the tournament. We offer kudos for the showing from Team Italy! Plus, could there be MORE changes coming to baseball?
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Duration:00:52:52
The Book of Joe: The WBC delivers and the Dodgers biggest foil?
3/10/2026
Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci have been impressed with the games from the World Baseball Classic! Tom explains how he's been very impressed with the DR lineup and the one breakout star from the Classic. The Phillies extend Jesus Luzardo and Joe explains why he thinks it was perfect timing. Tom is impressed with the Phils lineup and has a surprising comp for Kyle Schwarber. Plus, the passing of someone involved in one of the most pivotal moments in our Country's history!
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Duration:00:54:43
The Book of Joe: Ready for the World Baseball Classic?
3/3/2026
Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci the difference between Spring Training and the World Baseball Classic. What makes it so popular and great for baseball? Tom notes the growing popularity of the event as it starts its 6th year.
Konnor Griffin has been impressive in Spring Training. Tom gives some impressive comps that has Joe excited about Griffin as a player. Legendary ump Bruce Froemming passed away and Joe happens to have been his very last ejection.
Plus, a fun promotion coming this season for the Cardinals! Joe recalls some great event nights for teams and even some that should be avoided!
The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.
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Duration:00:51:47
The Book of Joe: Angels mission, Top hits, and another rule change?
2/24/2026
Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci open with Arte Moreno saying winning isn't in the top 5 of the needs of the Angels. Joe explains what he believes the owner meant in the statement for the fans of the LA Angels. Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski passed away and Tom asks where Maz's home run in the 1960 World Series ranks amongst all-time hits. Plus, will a coming rule change cause a safety issue for coaches?
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Duration:00:50:52
The Book of Joe: Castellanos future, Trout Plan, ABS Ready, and Dodgers Spring Training!
2/17/2026
Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci open with the future of Nick Castellanos with the Padres. Tom looks at what's ahead for Mike Trout this season while Joe suggests a plan for the team to follow for success. It's time for the ABS system in baseball and Tom explains how teams are preparing to use it. After being at Dodgers camp, Tom talks about the team and Shohei Ohtani's start to the season. Plus, our hosts pay homage to the passing of Robert Duvall.
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Duration:00:58:18
The Book of Joe: Super Bowl, Skubal Wins, and Spring Training Prep!
2/10/2026
Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci give their recap of the Super Bowl and how Sam Darnold blossomed into the QB he was supposed to be. What did Joe think about the commercials this year? Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal wins a record arbitration case, but should he have been treated better by Detroit? Heading into Spring Training, Tom is wondering about the plan in Boston for the Red Sox while Joe comments about the use of the ABS this season. Plus, Tom notes the passing of the great QBs John Brodie and Sonny Jurgensen.
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Duration:00:57:35
The Book of Joe: The Rise and Acceptance of Gambling in Sports
2/3/2026
Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci welcome author Danny Funt, who wrote the book, Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling, which explores the growth of gambling and social acceptance in sports. Danny discusses the mixed messages being sent and methods used to create habits which now has fans gambling on their phones throughout a game. How did gambling go from 'evil' to being a partner of the professional leagues?
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Duration:00:51:15
The Book of Joe: Super Bowl work, Bellinger and Ramirez Deals, and Electric Cars!
1/28/2026
Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci starts with the Seahawks/Patriots Super Bowl and the time commitment it takes for the head coaches. Tom also thinks there's no sport that relies on a single player more than teams do with a quarterback. Cody Bellinger stays with the Yankees and Jose Ramirez reworked his deal with the Guardians. Tom asks if the MacKenzie Gore deal makes sense for the Rangers. Plus, how did the US car market do last year and what's coming in the future?
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Duration:00:51:09
The Book of Joe: Cubs Convention, High Value Deals, HOF, and Indiana wins!
1/21/2026
Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci recap 'Cubs Convention 2026' celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Cubs World Series. Joe touches on the some of the conversations he had and how the team coming back together was such a special event. Tom notes the connection this team had with Cubs fans after ending the long drought in Chicago.
Turning to contracts and deals being done, Tom points out the real eye-popping numbers in the Dodgers deal with Kyle Tucker. Is there a shift to high value, shorter term deals? Andruw Jones and Carlos Betran are the newest Hall of Fame members.
Plus, Indiana wins the CFB Championship and Tom asks Joe about the aura of Head Coach Curt Cignetti.
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Duration:00:49:07
The Book of Joe: Ken Lazarus, CEO of Infinite Sky AI
1/15/2026
Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci welcome Ken Lazarus to the podcast! Ken is the CEO of Infinite Sky AI and explains what his company can do for pitching and baseball. Tom notes the amound of data that's used for this process and what makes compiling a real answer so hard. Joe asks about the impact on scouting and the ability to predict future talent or even needs for a team at the trade deadline.
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Duration:00:51:45
The Book of Joe: Mattingly to Phils and Roster Possibilities
1/6/2026
Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci reflect on their holidays and start with a note from the NFL and the Raiders. Joe talks about coaches/managers being let go after 1 season and how it reflects on those decision-makers. Tom asks about the growing staffs on teams and how that affects chemistry and performance. Don Mattingly is headed to the Phillies and Tom explains why he likes the move and Don!
Tom looks at players that are available and players you'd take the risk on. What moves are the Blue Jays making to keep their momentum?
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Duration:00:45:38
The Book of Joe: Koufax Bday, Raleigh Award, Velocity ceiling, and Bregman Market
12/30/2025
Host Tom Verducci welcomes the coming New Year by celebrating the 90th birthday of Sandy Koufax! Tom looks back and the accomplishments of Koufax and how his career started and how he ended as a Hall of Famer, 4x World Series Champion, and 3x Cy Young Award winner. Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh wins the SI Breakout Player Award. Tom documents his career from getting cut in high school to making the Major Leagues. What happens next for Raleigh and how does he respond after his 60 home run season?
Pitchers are throwing faster than ever, but using less fastballs overall. Tom brings out the data from this season to look at where the use of the fastball is heading. Throwing 100mph used to be an anomaly, now every team has a pitcher that hits the mark. The number of 100mph pitches has quadrupled in just the 6 years! Tom wraps up 2025 with some MLB news on the A's and the future of Alex Bregman.
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Duration:00:33:31
The Book of Joe: Free Agency and the Relief Pitcher Market
12/23/2025
Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the recent trade of Willson Contreras to the Boston Red Sox, exploring his potential impact and the dynamics of the Red Sox roster. They delve into the competitive landscape of the AL East, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of various teams. The conversation shifts to Luke Weaver's signing with the Mets and the evolving role of relief pitchers in today's game. Maddon emphasizes the importance of starting pitching and reflects on the pure intentions behind pursuing one's passion, drawing parallels between sports and life.
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Duration:00:45:48
The Book of Joe: NL East moves and Available Impact Players
12/16/2025
Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci are watching free agency moves and focus on the NL East. Tom notes the Phillies signing Adolis Garcia and how the team is looking for a turaround. What does this mean for the future of Nick Castellanos? Tom moves onto the Braves' depth strategy and the Mets' shift towards a more defensive approach. What is available in free agency for starting pitchers or other impact players? Tom and Joe also pay tribute to George Altman, reflecting on his diverse career and dedication to baseball.
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Duration:00:52:08
The Book of Joe: Schwarber signing highlights MLB Winter Meetings
12/11/2025
Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the MLB Winter Meetings with Tom joining us from Orlando. Kyle Schwarber re-signs with the Phillies and Joe explains how both sides fit each other so well. How did the Schwarber deal help shape the future of Pete Alonso in Baltimore? Edwin Diaz heads to the Dodgers, but how do the Mets respond? Plus, Tom gives an update on the Rays new stadium while they quietly made an impactful deal.
The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.
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Duration:00:52:36