Episode 56: Spring training magic

The Tigers just wrapped up their first week of spring training, but the Voice of the Turtle is already back in midseason form! On this week’s episode, Rob and Hookslide break down the first week of games for the Tigers in 2017… or as best they can, seeing as no one broadcasts them (looking at you, Fox Sports Detroit). From the good to the bad, your fearless podcast hosts tell you what to pay attention to, what to ignore, and whether or not we should really be worried about Anibal Sanchez already.

With Opening Day just 34 days away, it’s also time for predictions! Rob and Hookslide step back and take a look at all 30 MLB teams, and break down the potential division races before they unfold. They offer up their preseason picks for the World Series, as well as early predictions for MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year Awards. They also take to the latest batch of listener questions, and finish off the episode talking about how MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is doing his best to ruin baseball! Okay, maybe not all of the proposed rule changes are that bad, but don’t get us started on the one they have planned for extra innings.

Topics in this week’s episode include:
- Spring training: can you even see it?
- The Tigers’ early season performance, and their current 0-0 record
- Jordan Zimmermann and Anibal Sanchez are at opposite ends of the spectrum
- Victor Martinez and what we can really discern from spring training numbers
- MLB predictions!
- Does Justin Verlander have a shot at the Cy Young?
- Clayton Kershaw is unfair
- Listener questions!
- The best beers of the offseason
- Rob Manfred is public enemy number one

2:32 - Rounding the Bases: T minus 34 days
26:50 - Warming in the Pen: 2017 MLB season preview
50:06 - Into the Mob Scene at Home: what about Anibal? 
1:15:31 - The 7th Inning Kvetch: stop changing the rules!