Baseball Bar-B-Cast
Yahoo Sports
<p>The smartest dumb baseball podcast or the dumbest smart baseball podcast?</p><p>Thrice a week, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman of Céspedes Family BBQ take you on a journey through the weird, wacky and wonderful universe of baseball. If you want to know what’s going on in MLB, but also want to smile along the way then this is the podcast for you. So fire up the grill and get ready for an absolute roast on Baseball Bar-B-Cast.</p><p><br></p>
- 57 minutes 53 secondsBraves-Angels clear the benches in fight, Dodgers handle Blue Jays in Toronto & Dalton Rushing joins the show
On Tuesday night in Anaheim, there were quite a few fireworks at the ballpark—rather than a notable theme park—and it all went down between the Los Angeles Angels and the Atlanta Braves. In the bottom of the fifth inning, Reynaldo López and Jorge Soler traded blows after their heated rivalry reached its peak, causing benches to clear from both sides.
On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman break down the fight that saw López and Soler exchange punches before it was eventually broken up, with Braves manager Walt Weiss tackling his former player. The guys then discuss the Los Angeles Dodgers handling a depleted Toronto Blue Jays team in the first two games of their World Series rematch, with the Dodgers looking for a sweep today.
Later, Jake and Jordan welcome Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing to the show, where they talk about his time in Los Angeles’s system, being drafted by a West Coast team and the heavy expectations that come with playing for the club. To close the show, they get into Sandy Alcantara not being thrilled about being taken out of his last start, Konnor Griffin getting a contract extension and two notable pitching injuries that are hurting their clubs.
0:48 - The Opener: Fight Night in California
17:13 - Field Report: Dodgers-Blue Jays recap
27:53 - Dalton Rushing joins the show
47:08 - We Need to Talk About: Alcantara’s not happy
52:17 - Around the League: Konnor Griffin gets an extension
55:43 - Two big pitching injuriesSubscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
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🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_
8 April 2026, 6:25 pm - 1 hour 5 minutesDodgers and Blue Jays set for World Series rematch, alarm bells going off for the Red Sox and the defensive game of the season
The Los Angeles Dodgers are picking up where they left off last season, sitting in 1st place in the National League West with a 7–2 record. While they’ve had early-season success, the Toronto Blue Jays aren’t exactly in the same form just yet this season. However, the Jays are looking to turn their early season around with a big rematch starting on Monday.
On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman recap all the action from the weekend in baseball, which saw the Dodgers sweep the Washington Nationals and the Blue Jays get surprisingly swept by the Chicago White Sox. With the 2025 World Series rematch set to take place in Toronto, the Jays will face some familiar faces, including Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Will the Dodgers be able to repeat their success at the Rogers Centre like last October?
Later, Jake and Jordan get into the rough weekend the Boston Red Sox had at Fenway Park against the San Diego Padres that saw them drop two out of three and now has them sitting at an MLB-worst 2–7 record. They also discuss the incredible defensive game from Jo Adell, where he robbed three home runs, as well as the highly anticipated debut from Pittsburgh Pirates top prospect Konnor Griffin and the New York Yankees failing to sweep the Miami Marlins after a shaky bullpen effort.
1:08 - The Opener: Dodgers-Blue Jays set for rematch
24:42 - How Sweep It Is: Konnor Griffin’s debut
35:50 - Around The League: Red Sox rough start to 2026
46:44 - Jo Adell robs three home runs
52:07 - Turbo Time: Yankees fail to sweep Rays
57:06 - Justin Verlander heads to the ILSubscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
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6 April 2026, 5:59 pm - 55 minutes 1 secondPirates promote top baseball prospect Konnor Griffin to MLB, no need to panic yet about the Red Sox and The Good, The Bad & The Uggla
The Pittsburgh Pirates will play their first game of the 2026 season at home and the excitement will be at an all-time high after they promoted Konnor Griffin to the big league club. The 19-year-old top prospect is set to make his Major League debut, becoming the first teenage position player in the game since Juan Soto made his debut.
On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the not-so-surprising news of Griffin’s promotion following his outstanding 2025 minor league season. They then get into the reported contract extension the Pirates are trying to finalize for their new shortstop and what it could mean for the future of the club.Later, Jake and Jordan discuss the current state of the Boston Red Sox after they’ve started the year 1–5 and whether the alarms going off that are causing fans to panic are warranted. The guys then close the show by previewing all the weekend matchups in baseball and making their picks for this week’s edition of The Good, The Bad and The Uggla.
1:33 – The Opener: Pirates promote Konnor Griffin
17:21 – What Griffin means to the Pirates’ future
30:21 – We Need To Talk About: Red Sox panic?
38:40 – What’s good this week?
43:03 – What’s bad this week?
47:32 – What’s Uggla this week?Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
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🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social
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🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_
3 April 2026, 1:37 pm - 1 hour 22 minutesShohei Ohtani shows old form on the mound, prospects get long-term deals before debut and Jason Benetti joins the show!
On Tuesday night, Shohei Ohtani started his first game for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season and appeared to already be in midseason form. The reigning National League Most Valuable Player struck out six batters over six innings of scoreless ball en route to LA’s 4–1 win over the Cleveland Guardians.
On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman review the start from the Japanese superstar, discuss why this could be the beginning of a possible NL Cy Young campaign and highlight how funny it is that Ohtani sometimes pitches and hits in the same inning. They then talk about Roki Sasaki’s first start of the season and the reasons for optimism as he adjusts to MLB hitters.
Later, Jake and Jordan welcome the voice of NBC’s Sunday Night Baseball and the Detroit Tigers, Jason Benetti, as he talks about his road to becoming a baseball broadcaster, why he feels a deep responsibility in this role and some of the things he’s looking forward to this season. The guys then get into the Seattle Mariners and Milwaukee Brewers handing out contract extensions to players who have yet to make their MLB debuts and highlight Jose Fernandez’s first game in the big leagues with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
1:10 – The Opener: Shohei on the bump
22:24 – Roki Sasaki’s first start of 2026
25:20 – Jason Benetti joins the show
38:04 – The importance of Sunday Night Baseball for MLB
57:01 – We Need to Talk About: Pre-debut extensions
1:13:15 – Around the League: Andrew Painter debuts
1:19:43 – Jose Fernandez’s immediate impactSubscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv
And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:
🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social
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⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz
🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_
1 April 2026, 6:56 pm - 1 hour 10 minutesAutomated Ball-Strike challenge system making an impact, Tony Vitello gets a reality check and Blue Jays pick up where they left off
The biggest storyline heading into the 2026 Major League Baseball season was how teams would adapt to and utilize the newly implemented Automated Ball-Strike challenge system. After a weekend’s worth of games, it’s already making an impact on outcomes, and we couldn’t be happier about it.
On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the instant success that ABS has been, both in terms of its importance in games and for fan entertainment. They dive into early statistics surrounding the challenges, including which catchers are succeeding and why hitters appear to be getting the shorter end of the stick instead of pitchers. We also saw the first ejection associated with ABS—but could more be coming?
Later, Jake and Jordan recap every matchup from the weekend, including why Tony Vitello needs to take a breath after his San Francisco Giants got swept by the New York Yankees, the Toronto Blue Jays picking up where they left off after their magical World Series run, and thoughts on Edwin Díaz’s entrance with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The guys then discuss the hottest start for the Miami Marlins since 2009, Chase DeLauter’s great series against the Seattle Mariners, and a few messy games between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels.
1:10 - The Opener: Impact of ABS
28:09 - How Sweep It Is: Yankees sweep Giants
36:31 - Dodgers start the season hot
47:03 - Around the League: DeLauter says hello
51:44 - Mets fail to sweep Pirates
55:33 - Turbo Mode: Every series recapSubscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
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🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social
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30 March 2026, 5:47 pm - 1 hour 15 minutesRookies break out on Opening Day, ABS already making an impact and Dodger Stadium gets a new name
One of the best parts about Opening Day is getting to see players you’ve heard about in your favorite team’s minor league system play their first game in the big leagues. Normally, it can take a little while to adjust to major league talent; however, quite a few of them already made an impact for their teams.
On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman recap all the impressive debuts from the young stars, including Jake DeLauter, JJ Wetherholt, Carson Benge, and Munetaka Murakami, all hitting their first career home run and Kevin McGonigle who picked up four hits. Yes, it’s just one game, but there are strong reasons to believe in the early success from these players.
Later, Jake and Jordan give their early thoughts on the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system after seeing it used in the first few games of the season. They then discuss the Chicago Cubs giving Nico Hoerner a contract extension, the Los Angeles Dodgers revealing a new name for Dodger Stadium and the most popular jerseys sold in the offseason. The guys close the show by making their picks for a double-packed edition of The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.
1:13 - The Opener: Rookies rake on Opening Day
20:41 - We Need to Talk About: ABS debuts
32:07 - Around the League: Dodgers’ new name
37:52 - Cubs extend Nico Hoerner
41:19 - Starter draft update
46:39 - The Good, The Bad & The UgglaSubscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv
And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:
🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social
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🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_
27 March 2026, 5:58 pm - 1 hour 15 minutesTop 50 people in baseball you need to know for 2026, Opening Day starters draft & big prospects make the roster cut
Baseball season has officially arrived! The 2026 season will kick off tonight in California when the New York Yankees take on the San Francisco Giants. As part of the start of the grind that is the regular season, we tell you about some of the most important names you need to know in baseball for this year.
On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the top 50 most notable names, including four important members of the Los Angeles Dodgers who aren’t named Shohei Ohtani and one very large presence in the Bronx looking to make history. They also discuss which umpire you should be aware of with ABS becoming a part of the league, and why we need to see Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have a more impactful season.
Later, Jake and Jordan try to determine which starting pitchers will fare the best on the first game of the season with their annual starters draft. The guys then discuss the Chicago Cubs extending Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Detroit Tigers breaking camp with Kevin McGonigle, and why the Netflix broadcast for the first game of the season is going to be a wild experience.
1:49 - The Opener: 50 notable names
5:14 - Dodgers you need to know
17:09 - Vlad Guerrero Jr. needs an MVP season
25:14 - ABS joins the league
32:12 - Aaron Judge goes for three in a row
36:36 - Opening Day starters draft
58:58 - Around the League: Cubs-PCA extension
1:03:57 - McGonigle breaks camp
1:09:44 - Netflix hosts Yankees-GiantsSubscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv
And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:
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25 March 2026, 6:07 pm - 1 hour 20 minutes2026 MLB season over/under win total predictions for all thirty teams
The start of the 2026 Major League Baseball season is just two days away, so now is the perfect time to take a look at the projected win totals for all thirty teams this season. There are a few interesting projections this year after a busy offseason that could influence changes in the standings from last season.
On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman make their predictions and explain why they would take the over or under on projected wins for each team. While the Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off an incredible season, being the only team projected to eclipse the 100-win mark might be a tall task. Can the Atlanta Braves surpass their projection after an incredibly disappointing season?
Later, Jake and Jordan dive into the American League, where they ask whether the New York Yankees, largely running back their roster from 2025, will get over the 94-win mark. They then take a strong stance on whether the Houston Astros missing the postseason for the first time in a while last year properly reflects their projected win total for this season.
1:07 - The Opener: Explaining over/unders
4:43 - NL East
20:09 - NL Central
35:32 - NL West
46:31 - AL East
58:48 - AL Central
1:11:12 - AL WestSubscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
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23 March 2026, 7:08 pm - 1 hour 28 minutesThe boldest predictions for every team in 2026, players you need for fantasy baseball & Blue Jays take an injury hit
The start of the 2026 Major League Baseball season is less than a week away, which means it’s time to make one bold prediction for every team. While a lot of these picks may seem far-fetched—like Giancarlo Stanton stealing a base for the New York Yankees or Luis Robert Jr. leading the New York Mets in WAR—some of these might actually come to fruition.
On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about their picks for the American and National League teams, which include Edwin Díaz possibly reaching the 50-save mark in his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Garrett Crochet reaching the 230-inning mark for the Boston Red Sox. Also, is there a chance the Pope will be at a Chicago White Sox game this season? And will Mike Trout win another MVP award?
Later, Jake and Jordan take a look at which baseball players you should consider drafting for your upcoming fantasy season and why it might be best to consider fading Francisco Lindor, Corbin Carroll and Cal Raleigh. They then make their picks for The Good, The Bad & The Uggla, which includes the disappointing news that Trey Yesavage and the Toronto Blue Jays just received.
1:54 - The Opener: 2026 bold predictions
4:57 - AL East
13:38 - AL Central
23:11 - AL West
34:05 - NL East
42:31 - NL Central
48:51 - NL West
59:30 - Players you need for fantasy baseball
1:17:22 - The Good, The Bad & The UgglaSubscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv
And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:
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🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_
20 March 2026, 4:47 pm - 1 hour 9 minutesVenezuela wins their first World Baseball Classic championship, United States settles for silver again
When the 2026 World Baseball Classic started, there were a few favorites to win the tournament, including the United States, Japan, and the Dominican Republic. However, in the end, the last team standing was Venezuela, as they took down Team USA 3–2 on Tuesday night. Behind clutch hitting and pitching, Team Venezuela captured its first-ever WBC title in Miami in what could be considered one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman recap all the action from the championship game that saw the Venezuelan side shut down the all-star-studded lineup that the United States assembled in hopes of winning its second WBC title. Despite some late heroics from Bryce Harper, it was Eugenio Suárez who delivered the game-winning knock in the 9th inning before Daniel Palencia shut the door in the 9th.
Later, Jake and Jordan discuss why this was such a meaningful win for Team Venezuela, including highlighting a special moment for future Hall of Famers Salvador Perez and Miguel Cabrera, and the bond between tournament MVP Maikel García and Ronald Acuña Jr. They then get into where things went wrong for Team USA and why it might take a little while for the team to get this bad taste out of its mouth.
1:29 – WBC championship game recap
24:14 – Bryce Harper’s moment
27:36 – Venezuela’s comeback inning
34:18 – What this means for Venezuela
51:23 – How did things go wrong for USA?
1:00:23 – Defense for DeRosaSubscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
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And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:
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18 March 2026, 6:19 pm - 1 hour 10 minutesUSA advances to WBC championship after controversial call, Italy & Venezuela fight for finals bid
The United States are returning to the championship game of the World Baseball Classic for a third consecutive tournament. However, in what was billed as one of the most star-studded baseball games ever played, the tightly contested matchup ended in a controversial strike three call that has left Dominican Republic players and fans shaking their heads.
On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about Team USA’s 2–1 victory that saw Paul Skenes and a dominant U.S. bullpen shut down the high-octane offense from the DR that we’ve seen all tournament. They then get into the strike three call to end the game and why ABS is something that needs to be implemented when the tournament returns in three years.
Later, Jake and Jordan preview the semifinal game between Italy and Venezuela that will decide who books their ticket to the championship game against the United States. The guys also discuss Japan getting upset in the quarterfinals by Venezuela and why it wasn’t entirely shocking that it happened.
1:56 – The Opener: America vs. DR
11:41 – Aaron Judge’s game-changing play
33:02 – Controversial 9th inning
40:57 – Did the game live up to the hype?
1:01:33 – Japan eliminated
1:04:34 – Italy vs. Venezuela previewSubscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv
And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:
🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social
🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ
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⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz
🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_
16 March 2026, 5:55 pm - More Episodes? Get the App