Sarah Langs joins Buster to discuss the Braves taking a 3-1 lead over the Dodgers, how Atlanta and Los Angeles feel like different teams compared to last year’s NLCS, Framber Valdez’s ridiculous sinker, and Alex Cora’s mistake with Chris Sale. Plus, Sarah and Buster talk about the big changes coming soon to MLB. 

Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney

Ichabod Crane

David Schoenfield and Buster discuss Cody Bellinger coming up big in the postseason, whether Bellinger is in position to make these big hits if Max Muncy doesn’t get hurt, if the Braves will fold, the Astros’ bullpen salvaging the game, Boston failing to knockout Houston, José Altuve and Carlos Correa showing their toughness, Laz Diaz and the would-be strike three call, and the top-five free agent shortstops according to 11 baseball evaluators. Later, Todd Radom has the final Forgotten Franchise for the season and the weekly quiz.

Wet Pile of Leaves

Sarah Langs joins Buster to discuss the Yankees signing Aaron Boone to a three-year contract, what could turn the NLCS series for the Dodgers, Walker Buehler, the emergence of Austin Riley and Alex Cora’s coaching moment with Eduardo Rodriguez. Then, the Boston Globe’s Alex Speier stops by to talk the Red Sox being locked in offensively, the hitting culture in Boston, Kyle Schwarber’s relationship with Bobby Dalbec, if the Astros have a path back into the series and the Mets’ GM search.

Like a Christmas Present

Tim Kurkjian joins Buster to discuss the Braves’ back-to-back walk off wins to take a 2-0 lead in the NLCS, the feeling of something special happening in Atlanta, the Dodgers missing Max Muncy, Dave Roberts bringing in Julio Urias in Game 2, Austin Riley continuing to look like the best player in the NL, MLB increasing housing support for minor-leaguers and the Yankees’ managerial situation. Later, Dan Shulman stops by to talk about the ALCS, pitching injuries for the Astros, how Houston should handle its staff going forward, Tanner Houck and Nick Pivetta being difference-makers, and his free agency outlook for Toronto.

Interchangeable

Karl Ravech and Buster discuss an exciting Dodger victory over the Giants in Game 5 of the NLDS. They get into Logan Webb’s dominant performance, Mookie Betts’ big night, Cody Bellinger redeeming himself after a dreadful season, Max Scherzer closing the game out and celebrating hard afterward, Dave Roberts’ bold decision to start Corey Knebel, and Buster’s cursed picks for the LCS series. Plus, the Cardinals make a surprising move dumping Mike Shildt and the Yankees fire third base coach Phil Nevin. Later, Todd Radom stops by with the Forgotten Franchise and the weekly quiz. 

The Gambit

Sarah Langs joins Buster to preview NLDS Game 5 between the Dodgers and Giants. They discuss why each team should be exceeding confident with Logan Webb and Julio Urias on the mound, the Giants finding a way to set-up Camilo Doval, Chris Taylor possibly coming up clutch, home field advantage and how Sarah’s mom is doing with a tense night ahead. Then, Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos stops by to talk about how he’s watching tonight’s Game 5, the Braves’ preparation for the Giants or Dodgers, Atlanta’s turbulent season, something he previously took for granted and the importance of clubhouse culture.

Don’t Play For Tomorrow

David Schoenfield joins Buster to discuss Dodgers-Giants going to Game 5, the Braves’ chances against Los Angeles or San Francisco, baseball needing a common sense test on what’s reviewable, the Astros’ stalwarts stepping up, the White Sox faltering down the stretch, and the Yankees considering re-signing Aaron Boone. Later, Hembo on why Alex Cora is the best postseason manager since Bruce Bochy, why he’s bullish on Atlanta, picking the Giants in Game 5 and candidates to accept qualifying offers.

Sources Tell Me

Jessica Mendoza joins Buster to discuss rookie reliever Camilo Doval coming up big for the Giants, Evan Longoria’s home run, San Francisco and Los Angeles playing nearly perfect ball, the Brewers’ complete offensive shutdown, the Red Sox sending the Rays home, Alex Cora’s impeccable playoff record, Boston’s shrewd signing of Kiké Hernandez, the off-day controversy between the White Sox and Astros, and the 2021 all-intangibles team. Later, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with notes on Joctober, Cora in clinchers and Buster Posey.

The Reverend

Tim Kurkjian joins Buster to discuss the controversial plays in both Game 3s in the ALDS- how the rulebook cost the Rays a run in the top of the 13th in Boston and whether or not Yasmani Grandal intentionally ran up the first base line to get in the way of a throw to the plate. Plus, Tim looks ahead to the full slate of Division Series games on the schedule today. 

Reading The Rulebook

Karl Ravech joins Buster to discuss Tim Kurkjian’s belief in ghosts, Randy Arozarena stealing home, why the Rays will continue to be a bad matchup for the Red Sox, Lance Lynn getting blown up, Lance McCullers Jr.’s dominance, Dusty Baker’s Cooperstown destiny, if the Braves offense can overcome the Brewers’ strikeout staff and a monster NLDS series between the Giants and Dodgers. Later, Todd Radom stops by with the Forgotten Franchise and the weekly quiz.

Stupid Catwalks

Sarah Langs joins Buster to discuss the Dodgers-Giants’ first-ever postseason meeting, Chris Taylor’s walk off against the Cardinals, the questions surrounding the White Sox, potentially a huge series from Wander Franco, the Rays’ starting rookie pitchers and if the Braves can overcome the Brewers’ three-headed monster. Then, Hembo stops by to defend Phil Nevin waving Aaron Judge home in the AL Wild Card game and share his X-factors for every playoff team.

Invoking Thomas Edison and Bobby Cox

David Schoenfield joins Buster to discuss the Red Sox taking down the Yankees in the AL Wild Card, Xander Bogaerts getting Boston going, Gerrit Cole’s bad night, New York’s lack of offense, Ryan Braiser playing a key role for the Red Sox, the Rays-Red Sox series in the ALDS and who the Dodgers will play at first base.

Underlying Grumbling

Matt Vasgersian joins Buster to preview the AL Wild Card Game between the Yankees and Red Sox, the Yankees’ distinct pitching advantage, keeping an eye on swings and misses, Rafael Devers and Giancarlo Stanton elevating their teams, if Joey Gallo can change the narrative around his Yankee career, and Joe West retiring after the postseason. Then, Sarah Langs stops by to give her picks for the wild card games, and plays The Numbers Game with notes on Postseason Gerrit Cole, Aaron Judge homering in winner-take-all games, a pair of older pitchers matching up in Dodgers-Cardinals, and a promising stat for Los Angeles.

Mutant Fence Breaker

Tim Kurkjian joins Buster to discuss Yankees-Red Sox in the AL Wild Card game, Yankees bullpen advantage over the Red Sox, Boston needing a fast start, the Blue Jays coming up one game short, the Mariners’ momentum going into 2022, the Giants setting a franchise record for wins, Max Muncy going down and what amounts to a coin flip in the NL Wild Card game.

Best Day of Baseball in 10 Years

Sarah Langs joins Buster to discuss champagne celebrations in clubhouses, how the Braves won the NL East after suffering major injuries, the Astros clinching the AL West and Carlos Correa’s great year, the Giants coming up clutch again, Adam Wainwright getting the start in the NL Wild Card game, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton putting the Yankees on their backs, and why Ryan Mountcastle should win AL Rookie of the Year. Later, Todd Radom stops by with the Forgotten Franchise and the weekly quiz.

The Burn is Real

ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney leads the baseball discussion alongside other top analysts.

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Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney

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