<p>Senior MLB Writer at The Athletic and MLB Network Insider Jayson Stark joins the show to discuss one of the most newsworthy weeks we have seen from Major League Baseball in years. From <a href="https://theathletic.com/2968355/2021/11/22/five-things-to-watch-on-the-2022-baseball-hall-of-fame-ballot-jayson-stark/">Hall of Fame voting</a> to a Free Agent frenzy and the imminent lockout! Stark takes us through his thoughts as he begins his voting process, remembers covering the 2003 World Series Run in an awesome conversation with Jeff and discusses the future of the game. <br> </p> <p><br></p>

<p>Jeff Conine and Aram Leighton recap the World Series after Niner correctly predicted Braves in six! Also, Jeff talks about facing the three headed monster that the Braves rotation featured for much of the 1990's (Smoltz, Maddux, Glavine). Big contracts: they rarely work out, but we keep giving them out; can we expect them to slow down? Lastly, some David Wright and Buster Posey talk.</p>

<p>We have a Game 6! Jeff Conine knows what it is like to be in the shoes of both teams, having come back from a 3-1 deficit against the Cubs in the 2003 NLCS and also closing out the Yankees on the road for a World Series Title. Niner recounts both situations and gives insight to what each team is feeling right now.</p>

<p>Jeff's son Griffin made the long trip from his bedroom to the living room to record with his dad. The most fun episode we have done includes</p> <ul> <li>A recap of Griffin's strong season from Griff and Jeff's perspective</li> <li>How Jeff is able to help Griff in his professional career, but now Griff can help Jeff in his new venture</li> <li>Comparing eras and the difference in pitching</li> <li>World Series Preview</li> <li>Who knows who better? Father/Son trivia questions and more!</li> </ul>

<p>Jeff Conine and Aram Leighton talk about the exciting Wild Card Games, specifically the greatness of Max Scherzer and Adam Wainwright even when they don't have their best stuff. Also, Jeff recalls the Steve Bartman game at Wrigley and gives a player's perspective on how it all went down. **You won't want to miss that story**</p> <p>Discussion on Tropicana Field and how the stadium is progressively becoming more of a problem.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also, why Fred McGriff belongs in the Hall of Fame!</p>

<p>Jeff and Aram discuss the incredible run by baseball's most surprising story: the Seattle Mariners. Jeff explains what has been working for them and how they remind him of the 2003 Marlins.&nbsp;</p> <p>A look at the NL MVP race. Should it be Bryce Harper or Juan Soto?</p> <p>Lastly, a discussion on Ichiro. What made him so special on and off the field and where he stacks up all time.</p>

<ul> <li>Our first mailbag episode as Niner answers all of your questions! From his workout routine during his playing days to which teammate he wouldn't want to fight, Jeff answers all of the hard hitting questions!&nbsp;</li> <li>A look at the Tatis/Machado dispute through he lens of a former player</li> <li>Jeff tells a story of a bet with Bo Jackson which he KNOWS he would've won if the challenge ended up happening.&nbsp;</li> <li>Clayton Kershaw's greatness.</li> </ul> <p><br></p>

<ul> <li><strong>Jeff Conine talks about his first week as the Associate Head Coach at FIU: What makes a good college baseball player?&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></li> <li><strong>After the Lindor/Stanton incident, Aram asks Jeff when it is okay to steal signs and when it is not because it seems like current players aren't sure either&nbsp;</strong></li> <li><strong>Jeff discusses his most memorable run ins with umpires, including the infamous Joe West.</strong></li> </ul>

<p>As Aram adjusts to New York City, he asks Jeff what his transition was like after being traded to the Mets. Speaking of the Mets, they have been no strangers to the headlines after Javy Baez and Francisco Lindor booed their own fans. Jeff shares his thoughts on that. Also discussion around the inadequate minor league living conditions, what needs to happen for us to see an improvement?</p>

<p>Jeff walks us through the most difficult starting pitchers for him in his big league career. Oh yeah, and the guys he hit well off of too. After the marathon of a game between the Dodgers and Padres, Jeff talks about some of the longest games he was a part of. As Yadier Molina prepares for his final season, Jeff and Aram discuss just how special the Cardinals lifer has been.</p>

<p>Jeff builds a roster of former teammates to win a championship. Niner's angriest moments in the bigs (involves slamming a wood bat to a concrete pole), and a conversation on the storied career of Miguel Cabrera.</p>

<p>Jeff and Aram discuss some of the scuffling big market teams. Which should be the most worried down the stretch among the Red Sox, Padres, Mets, and Phillies? Jeff weighs in on MLB's Payroll Proposal that lowers the tax threshold and creates a $100 million payroll floor. Also, the infamous 2011 Marlins offseason that saw the team spend hundreds of millions on Jose Reyes, Heath Bell, Mark Buerhle and others. Jeff talks about some big name superstars the Marlins almost reeled in.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jeff and Aram give their predictions for each of the big MLB awards. As Joey Votto picks up hit number 2,000, Jeff recounts what made a young Votto so special.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now that Jeff is a college baseball coach, he has had to study the ins and outs of NCAA's recruiting rules which Aram thinks are hilarious. How does prospect hype today compare to the 90s when we didn't have social media and as much importance placed on rankings? Is the hype and expectations resulting from these rankings unfair to the players? How important are MLB managers? Can they really make or break a ball club? Aram thinks their importance is overstated and Jeff chimes in.</p>

<p>Jeff Conine and Aram Leighton discuss baseball's rule changes. Should MLB go back to before or keep some of the new rules? Spoiler: Jeff hates all of them. Jeff describes what made Andre Dawson so special and why he really was one of the best players of his generation. The one year where Jeff (kinda) stole bases and what is left of the decimated Cubs roster. What is it like playing on a team that just traded everyone away?</p>