STIX BASEBALL PODCAST

Could Tarik Skubal end up with the Chicago Cubs? TJ and Jaxon both pick Chicago as a landing spot, but how many years would they give him? We break down the case for a shorter deal with a higher annual salary, where the Dodgers, Padres and Mets fit into the conversation, and why Michael King could be a smart target for a team that misses out on Skubal.Plus, we react as Cam Schlittler’s unanimous AL Cy Young win and Louis Varland’s BBWAA relief award come in during the show. We also debate which Rookie of the Year we’d build a franchise around, compare Albert Pujols and Morgan Ensberg as Astros managerial candidates, and see how many World Series winners we can name on the spot.IN THIS EPISODETarik Skubal’s landing spots and contract predictionsMichael King, Randy Arozarena, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Teruaki SatoKevin McGonigle or Sal Stewart to start a franchise?Platinum Gloves, Manager of the Year and live MLB awards reactionsThe Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz allegations and the debate over betting on individual pitchesWhat Albert Pujols and Morgan Ensberg brought to the Astros manager searchJackie Bradley Jr. and the former MLB stars we’d draft for Banana BallWorld Series trivia and a preview of next week’s GOAT episodeJOIN THE CONVERSATIONWhere do you think Skubal signs, and how many years would you give him? Drop your team and contract length in the comments!Subscribe to STIX Baseball Podcast for weekly MLB news, baseball debates, player analysis, predictions, and everything happening around the game.LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3C8i6xuGPrkrfhcNSx2bQ4All STIX social platforms, podcast links and glove repair services: https://linktr.ee/stixbaseballBusiness inquiries, partnerships and topic suggestions: [email protected] Baseball — Glove Repair & All Things Baseball#MLB #TarikSkubal #MLBFreeAgency #BaseballPodcast #STIXBaseball

The Milwaukee Brewers are World Series Champions! But how did Milwaukee pull it off, and what can the rest of Major League Baseball learn from their championship run?TJ and Jaxon break down the Brewers' World Series victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, the hitting and pitching strategies that fueled their success, and whether Milwaukee has built a team capable of competing for years to come.Plus, the MLB offseason is heating up! We discuss the Yankees bringing back Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman, the Seattle Mariners' new manager, MLB salary cap discussions, and what lies ahead for the Tampa Bay Rays.We also dive into the 2026 MLB Awards, including Gold Glove winners and our predictions for MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, and Manager of the Year.The big question: Did Milwaukee just give every small-market MLB team the blueprint for winning a World Series?Join the conversation and let us know what you think!⚾ STIX Baseball Podcast — Glove Repair & All Things BaseballNew episodes, MLB debates, baseball news, and more.Connect with STIX Baseball:All socials, YouTube & glove repair services:https://linktr.ee/stixbaseballBusiness inquiries & topic suggestions:[email protected]

Brewers vs Rays World Series 2026: the STIX Baseball Podcast hosts Jaxon and TJ react live during Game 5, with Milwaukee up 3-1. They recap every game so far, dig into the biggest controversies, and debate who deserves World Series MVP.⚾ In this episode:• World Series recap, Games 1-4: Brewers vs Rays• Overturned double play in Game 1 (the "vicinity rule" vs. replay review)• Yandy Diaz check swing controversy in Game 2, and why baseball has no official check swing rule• Brewers' record 8-run fifth inning with 7 straight two-out hits in Game 3• Cooper Pratt's 12th-inning home run and the Rays' walk-off win in Game 4• Aaron Ashby's record 18 scoreless postseason innings• Has any team come back from 3-0 in a postseason series? The history of the 2004 Red Sox• World Series MVP race: William Contreras vs Jackson Chourio vs Cooper Pratt• Salary cap debate and the expired CBA: small market Brewers and Rays in the World Series• Why the ABS challenge system works, and should MLB replay be player-led?• John Smoltz and Ken Rosenthal broadcast takes• Steal a Base, Steal a Taco: whatever happened to it?⏱ Timestamps:0:00 Intro and live Game 5 setup1:44 Whatever happened to Steal a Base, Steal a Taco?3:21 Salary cap debate and small market teams6:12 Game 1 recap: double play replay12:26 Game 2 recap: Yandy Diaz check swing16:28 Game 3 recap: 8-run inning, 7 two-out hits21:12 Game 4 recap: extra innings, Rays stay alive22:32 Aaron Ashby and the bullpen decision24:07 Can the Rays come back from 3-0?26:24 Broadcast talk: Smoltz and Joe Davis30:32 Who are you happiest for?32:45 ABS challenges and player-led replay39:00 Contreras and Diaz stare-off41:04 Wrap-up👍 Like, subscribe and turn on notifications for weekly baseball podcast episodes on MLB, the postseason, and the offseason.📩 Business and fan inquiries: [email protected]#WorldSeries #Brewers #Rays #MLB #BaseballPodcast #MLBPlayoffs #ABSChallenge #STIXBaseball

The World Series matchup nobody in TV wanted is exactly what baseball fans should want. The Rays and Brewers bring elite pitching, relentless defense, sneaky power, and two fanbases chasing their first championship ever.Tj Stevens and Jaxon break down how both teams got here and why the usual big-market script got flipped. From the Dodgers’ collapse against Milwaukee to Tampa Bay’s rise through a brutally efficient series, they dig into the moments, moves, and managerial decisions that changed everything.In this episode:Why the Dodgers–Brewers series was tighter than the sweep lookedWhether Dave Roberts left Blake Snell in too longThe strategy behind David Hamilton’s bunt and late homerWhy Edwin Díaz’s celebration drew attentionHow the Rays outplayed Cleveland at its own gameJake Bowers’ remarkable underdog storyThe first World Series to use ABS challengesA breakdown of starting pitching, bullpens, and lineupsOfficial series and MVP predictionsAlong the way, the hosts get into the weird, funny, deeply baseball details that make this sport so addictive. Two teams. One historic title race. And a whole lot of baseball to argue about.TJ Stevens and Jaxon recap the NLCS and ALCS, then break down the Brewers-Rays World Series matchup—from pitching to lineups to bullpen usage. They also share a funny story about ESPN notifications, discuss a wild Brewers ticket promotion, and explore the origin of the phrase “around the horn.”Key topicsTJ shares how his wife pinned the Bears on ESPN just to get notifications and root against Caleb Williams.They recap Dodgers-Brewers and discuss why Milwaukee was a tougher opponent than some expected, with timely hitting, a strong bullpen, and solid defense.They debate whether Dave Roberts left Blake Snell in too long in Game 3 after a walk and a home run changed the inning.They discuss Pat Murphy’s explanation for David Hamilton’s bunt before his later home run.They react to Edwin Díaz’s emotional celebration and talk about how players show their emotions on the field.They discuss the Dodgers’ outlook, including the aging core, deferred money, and ownership uncertainty.They highlight Jake Bowers’ remarkable path from considering retirement to becoming NLCS MVP.They recap Guardians-Rays and discuss Tampa Bay’s defense, pitching, and ability to outplay Cleveland at its own game.They debate whether Cleveland’s season was a success.They preview Brewers-Rays, comparing starting pitching, bullpens, and lineups.They discuss ABS challenges and the Rays’ approach to using them.They brainstorm playful names for the World Series, including “Dollar General World Series” and “Great Value Classic.”They talk about the Brewers’ “timeless ticket” promotion and the expectations it created for loyal fans.They close with the possible maritime origins of the baseball phrase “around the horn.”#MLB #Baseball #WorldSeries #WorldSeriesPreview #Brewers #Rays #Dodgers #Guardians #MLBPlayoffs #BaseballPodcast #SportsPodcast #BaseballTalk

The Brewers are proving that real postseason baseball still wins. Behind elite bullpen work, relentless at-bats, and a style that looks old-school on purpose, Milwaukee has stunned the Dodgers and put one of baseball's most star-studded lineups on the ropes.Tj Stevens breaks down why this series feels less like an upset and more like a collision between two very different roster-building philosophies. The Dodgers have the bigger names and the bigger payroll, but if the home runs aren't there, the offense can disappear fast. Meanwhile, the Brewers are living off singles, doubles, bunts, defense, and a bullpen that has been nearly untouchable.You'll also hear why Shohei Ohtani's cold postseason stretch is becoming one of the most important storylines in the playoffs, why Milwaukee's lineup keeps producing damage from unexpected spots, and why William Contreras, Bryce Turang, and Jake Bowers are the kinds of players who make this team so dangerous. Tj also explains why calling it "Brewer Ball" misses the point entirely - this is just winning baseball.The conversation doesn't stop there. We also get into the Guardians' gutsy comeback against the White Sox, Jose Ramirez's absurd clutch gene, Gavin Williams' dominance, and why small-market teams keep finding ways to build deep bullpens and cohesive rosters without spending like the Dodgers or Mets. If you want the real story behind what's working in October - and what's failing - this episode is packed with sharp, opinionated playoff analysis.Tj and his guest also react to MLB's new proposal ideas, including a shorter regular season, playoff opponent selection, and expanding the Division Series to seven games. Plus, they debate whether stolen bases should count toward total bases and settle an important baseball question once and for all: are dugout chants hype or just plain corny?If you care about postseason baseball, roster construction, or the little details that decide October, this one is essential listening.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION The playoffs are delivering chaos, upsets, and a few brutally honest baseball takes you probably won’t hear anywhere else. From whether a pitcher should miss a postseason start for paternity leave to the wildest series swings in the bracket, this episode is packed with the kind of unfiltered debate that makes you feel like you’re in the room with three guys who live and breathe baseball.Tj Stevens, Jaxon, and Carson Reiley kick things off with the Max Fried vs. Mason Miller dilemma and turn it into a bigger conversation about timing life around October baseball, “push presents,” and what you’d actually do if your career hung in the balance of a playoff game. Then the discussion jumps into Justin Verlander’s immediate post-retirement spotlight, the Fox booth, and what happens when Hall of Fame pitchers decide they’re not done being seen.From there, the episode becomes a full-throttle postseason breakdown. You’ll hear reactions to the Cubs, Astros, Red Sox, Phillies, Braves, Dodgers, Brewers, Padres, Guardians, White Sox, Rays, and Yankees, including sharp opinions on who’s overrated, who’s built for October, and who is one hot streak away from shocking everyone. They dig into Mason Miller tipping pitches, Jaxon Chourio’s clutch Brewers moment, the controversial “dome gate” ruling, and why the Padres’ home atmosphere might be one of the best in baseball.You’ll also get live reactions to game-changing moments, including the Yankees’ collapse, the Rays’ sweep, and the kind of fan misery that turns into instant comedy when the season ends. Along the way, the guys revisit their preseason prediction game, reveal how close the race really is, and set up a tiebreaker that could come down to the World Series itself.If you want playoff baseball talk that’s equal parts smart, funny, competitive, and completely unfiltered, this one delivers. Perfect for anyone following the bracket, arguing with friends about October decisions, or just looking for a show that captures the madness of baseball season in real time.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION -Playoff baseball is back, and Tj Stevens and Jaxon are breaking down the chaos, the outrage, and the bracket that could already be falling apart. From the Guardians sneaking into a bye to the White Sox stirring up controversy, this episode is packed with hot takes on the wildest stretch of the MLB season.Tj and Jaxon kick things off with a rapid-fire recap of the regular season finish, including the Phillies’ late collapse, the Guardians’ divisional win, and why the current playoff format has fans arguing about what "fair" really means. They also tackle the Mariners’ surprising firing of Dan Wilson, the Angels finally joining the rest of baseball’s 100-loss club, and the rare achievement of Gabriel Moreno winning the NL batting title as a catcher.You'll hear their takes on Justin Verlander’s retirement, Max Scherzer’s possible final run, and the incredible closeness between the two legends in career strikeouts. They also dig into the shrinking pool of .300 hitters, the value of batting average in today’s game, and the durability required to play all 162 games.The conversation turns even more unpredictable with the White Sox challenging Jose Altuve’s positioning under the new shift rules, a debate over whether playoff baseball should be played in daytime slots, and a bigger question: does MLB need to rethink how it schedules the postseason for modern fans?Then comes the real fun - bracket chaos. Tj and Jaxon pick through every Wild Card and Division Series matchup, including Phillies-Braves, Yankees-Red Sox, Cubs-Padres, Dodgers-Brewers, and the pressure-cooker scenarios facing the Dodgers, Brewers, Rays, and Yankees. Along the way, they debate bullpen strength, pitching depth, small-market grit, and whether the Yankees can win a title without Aaron Judge.Essential listening if you love MLB playoff drama, smart baseball debate, and the kind of fan arguments that get louder every inning. If you want a clear-eyed, entertaining preview of the postseason with plenty of disagreement baked in, this one is for you.#MLB #MLBPlayoffs #WildCard #Baseball #BaseballPodcast #postseason Key topicsThe Phillies barely hanging on after a late-season collapse, then surviving on the final dayThe Guardians winning the AL Central and getting a bye, which sparks a fairness debateWhy division titles should still matter in the playoff structureThe Mariners’ disappointing season ending with the Dan Wilson firingThe Angels finally becoming the last franchise to hit 100 lossesGabriel Moreno winning the NL batting title as a catcherHow rare it is for players to hit .300 now, with only seven qualified hitters above that markJustin Verlander retiring after a 21-year career and Max Scherzer potentially nearing the end tooOnly eight players appearing in all 162 games, including Matt Olson and Bryan ReynoldsThe White Sox challenging Jose Altuve’s positioning under the shift rulesEarly playoff results and bracket reactions, including Braves-Phillies, Yankees-Red Sox, and Cubs-PadresWhy the Brewers, Rays, Dodgers, and Yankees all carry very different kinds of postseason pressure.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION - Baseball's weirdest, funniest, and most brutal moments get the full red-carpet treatment in the first annual Stix Baseball Awards. If you love MLB chaos, hidden stats, disastrous injuries, and end-of-season debates that only baseball fans could have, this one is built for you.Tj Stevens and Jaxon kick things off with a quick wrap on the final stretch of the season - the playoff races tightening up, the Angels chasing an unwanted 100-loss milestone, and why the AL West might produce one of the strangest division winners in recent memory. They also break down Aaron Judge's latest injury, what it means for the Yankees, and whether baseball's playoff format still makes sense.Then the real fun starts.You'll get a full tour through 19 custom awards, including:The Anthony Rendone Award for the worst remaining contractThe Derek Jeter Award for the most surprising ironman seasonThe Pete Rose Award for the player your dad would absolutely loveThe Manny Machado Award for the most obscure stat of the yearThe Pittsburgh Pirates Award for the team that peaked way too earlyThe Skip Bayless Award for the worst preseason takeThe Chanhoe Park Award for the most disastrous inningThe Buster Posey Award for the worst injuryThe Lou Piniella Award for the biggest temper tantrumThe 50 Cent Award for the worst first pitchThe Saber Award for the wackiest baseball story ever toldAlong the way, they dig into outrageous real-life stats, perfect-game blunders, bizarre clubhouse moments, and the kind of injuries and decisions that make baseball feel equal parts ridiculous and genius. You'll hear why Rafael Devers, Salvador Perez, Steven Kwan, Chris Sale, Garrett Crochet, Cal Raleigh, Cam Schlittler, Tommy Pham, and others all found their way into the conversation - and why some of the most unforgettable baseball stories of the year were also the hardest to believe.This episode is part season recap, part comedy show, part baseball history lesson, and completely tailor-made for anyone who wants more than just box scores. Perfect for fans who love the sport's quirks, its absurdity, and the annual tradition of arguing about who really deserves hardware.#Baseball #MLB #MLBPodcast #BaseballPodcast #BaseballAwards #StixBaseball #BaseballFans #BaseballSeason #PlayoffBaseball #BaseballTalk #BaseballDebate #BaseballNews #BaseballHistory #FunnyBaseball #BaseballCulture #SportsPodcast #SportsTalk #EndOfSeason #baseballcommunity Show Notes and Results00:00 - Opening the first annual Sticks Baseball Awards02:03 - Globe Life Field and the modern stadium experience04:34 - Aaron Judge’s injury and the Yankees’ playoff outlook06:23 - Should MLB use an NBA-style playoff format?08:15 - Is the six seed actually the easier path?10:18 - Kicking off the Stix Baseball Awards11:49 - Anthony Rendone Award for worst remaining contract16:31 - Derek Jeter Award for most surprising player to play 150 games18:57 - Pete Rose Award for old school player your dad would love23:09 - Manny Machado Award for most obscure stat28:16 - Pittsburgh Pirates Award for team that wanted the playoffs to start in April31:04 - Skip Bayless Award for worst preseason take34:19 - Chanho Park Award for worst inning by a pitcher37:13 - Most forgettable team of the season40:25 - Julio Franco Award for most effective old guy43:18 - Buster Posey Award for worst injury49:48 - Lou Piniella Award for biggest temper tantrum54:11 - Benedict Arnold Award for worst American57:57 - Mickey Callaway Award for worst decision62:16 - Brady Fiegel Award for best doppelganger66:11 - 50 Cent Award for worst first pitch70:05 - Dr. Thomas DiLiberte Award for worst hamate bone72:41 - Trevor Bauer Award for least barbecue-friendly player75:08 - Zach Greinke Award for quirk of the year77:30 - SABR Award for wackiest baseball story82:00 - Wrapping up the awards show and heading toward playoff baseball

EPISODE DESCRIPTIONOne bad relace can ruin a great glove, and most players are doing the rest of their glove care wrong too. Beehive Gloves owner Tony joins TJ Stevens to break down what really makes a glove last, perform, and feel right—from the hidden mistakes that kill leather early to the difference between a smart purchase and an expensive regret.Tony shares how Beehive Gloves started in 2020 during COVID after his daughters wanted custom gloves, and how a few YouTube videos, a lot of trial and error, and a growing passion for the craft turned into a real business in Salt Lake City. TJ and Tony also dig into the deeper side of glove work—why fit matters more than brand hype, why cheap laces and bad conditioner choices create bigger problems than most players realize, and why some of the most expensive gloves on the market are not the best choice for youth players.You'll discover:Why glove care matters more than most players thinkThe biggest relacing mistakes Tony made early on and how he fixed themWhy Mizuno is Tony's underrated pick and Wilson is his overrated oneWhich gloves are a pain to work on, including vintage gloves, Mizuno catcher’s mitts, and NokonasWhy expensive gloves are not automatically betterThe break-in methods Tony trusts—and the ones he refuses to useWhy “2 in the pinky” can help younger players more than traditional breaksHow to choose the right glove size by position and age, not just by brandTony also opens up about giving back through donated glove repurposing for kids who need equipment, partnering with local teams, and building a reputation on quality, aftercare, and doing the job right the first time. He and TJ get candid about pricing, customer expectations, and why the glove community is more collaborative than competitive.If you care about baseball or softball, or you're a parent trying to buy the right glove for your kid, this episode will save you money, frustration, and a few bad purchases. Perfect for players, parents, coaches, and anyone who wants their glove to last for years instead of months.Tony is the owner and operator of Beehive Gloves in Salt Lake City, Utah, known for relacing, repairing, and customizing gloves with a strong focus on craftsmanship and glove care. He also works with local teams and players, including the Salt Lake Bees, and has built Beehive into a trusted name through quality work and community support.Hashtags#Baseball #BaseballGloves #GloveCare #BaseballTips #YouthBaseball #BaseballParents #Softball #BaseballTraining #GloveRelacing #SportsEquipment #BaseballPodcast #BeehiveGloves #TJStevens

[EPISODE DESCRIPTION - Ready to publish]The playoff race is heating up, Aaron Judge is back, Shohei Ohtani is shutting it down, and one bizarre hat controversy has the baseball world arguing about respect, rules, and pure old-school baseball outrage.TJ Stevens and Jaxon hit the biggest stories shaping the final stretch of the MLB season, from the Yankees trying to finish strong with Judge returning to the Dodgers carefully managing Ohtani, to Pete Crow-Armstrong’s surge into the National League MVP conversation.Then things get weird. A rookie debut is overshadowed when an umpire reportedly makes an issue out of a crooked hat, sparking a full-on debate about baseball etiquette, umpire ego, and whether some “rules” are really just power trips in disguise.You’ll also hear a deep dive into MLB expansion and the cities suddenly in the mix, including Salt Lake City’s surprising lead, Nashville’s less-certain path, and why Raleigh, Portland, Orlando, and Montreal are all worth watching. TJ and Jaxon even map out their dream 32-team divisions, with Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Phillies, Cubs, Cardinals, Dodgers, Angels, and more all thrown into the same chaos.We break down the new-school baseball rules that have changed the game, including:the pitch clockthe ghost runner in extra inningslimited pickoff attemptsbigger basesthe three-batter minimumthe shift banSome rules get a reluctant pass. Others get absolutely roasted.And if you like baseball history, the episode closes with one of the wildest stories you’ve probably never heard: Ty Cobb, a fan with no hands, a suspended star, a protest by the entire Tigers team, and a replacement lineup of local amateurs and coaches who somehow ended up taking the field in a real MLB game.Perfect for baseball fans who want the latest playoff talk, sharp opinions, weird history, and a few strong takes that will probably make you argue back.