Ellen Adair and Eric Gilde discuss the 2001 film "61*." They introduce the film (1:10), with an overview of the story, the cast, and filmmakers, and review the 20-80 baseball scouting grades for rating the film, with a new metaphor (5:51). In Amount of Baseball (14:41), they discuss the use of actual Mark McGwire footage, the strength of this tool throughout, and the impact of the authenticity. There is a player comp. Baseball Accuracy (20:39) starts off with discussion of Billy Crystal as Mantle's friend and "Rain Man" on set, and then delves into the history, talking about Ford Frick, Fay Vincent, and the asterisk itself, Roger Maris and Babe Ruth plate appearances, Maris and Mantle's relationship with the press, Pascual or Ramos, the imbalanced AL/NL in 1961, Babe Ruth breaking Ned Williamson's record, Maris trade rumors, Mantle running to first in three seconds, Joe DiMaggio Jerk-o-meter, Moose Skowron, Elston Howard, Billy Martin escapades, Maris signing an X on a ball, Rogers Hornsby, Casey Stengel and Mantle, the slick nickname, Mantle's arm injury, Hoyt Wilhelm and Tom Candiotti. Storytelling (54:16) considers everything added by the inclusion of the McGwire framing device, the function of Claire Ruth and Pat Maris in the story, the opening day scene, and the handling of exposition. There are a few small instances of Shakespearing. The scouts discuss the nuanced depiction of male friendship, the character of the media, the character of Bob Cerv, and the cinematography and lighting. The Score Tool (1:24:53) discusses the main theme, the volume of the score, and songs by The Ventures, Bobby Darin, and the Shirelles. Why TF is there a Lyle Lovett song? Acting (1:31:20) pretty much worships Barry Pepper, Thomas Jane, Bruce McGill, Michael Nouri, Richard Masur, Peter Jacobson, Seymour Cassel, Chris Bauer, Anthony Michael Hall, Christopher McDonald and Joe Grifasi, plus the rest of the ensemble. Delightfulness of Catcher (1:51:17) considers 17% of Yogi Berra and not enough Elston Howard. Delightfulness of Announcer (1:52:44) revels in both the accuracy and the high delight of the depictions of Phil Rizzuto, with all of his Rizzuto catchphrases and digressions, and Mel Allen trying to reign him in. Ellen has a (Rizzuto-esque?) digression into a comparison with "Eight Men Out." In Lack of Misogyny (1:59:51), they discuss Mantle's womanizing, and how it's tempered with Maris's point of view, consideration of Pat's perspective, and the existence of female fans. No spoilers on the following segments: Yes or No (2:04:31), Six Degrees of Baseball (2:07:28), Favorite Moment (2:08:09) Least Favorite Moment (2:11:04), Scene We Would Have Liked to See (2:12:52), Dreamiest Player (2:15:49), Favorite Performance (2:16:30), and Next Time (2:19:05).

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On The Wire

Adam Howe and Kevin Hasting break down a busy week of Winter Meetings news before diving deep into early pitching projections. The guys cover major free-agent signings, closer movement, trades, waiver claims, and roster fallout across the league, then turn their attention to Steamer and PLV pitching projections. From innings and role uncertainty to injury risk, saves volatility, and early draft market inefficiencies, this episode is a must-listen for fantasy managers preparing for early drafts and draft-and-hold leagues.

Intro & Winter Meetings Fallout

Kyle Schwarber Re-Signs with Phillies

Pete Alonso to Baltimore: Lineup Impact

Mike Yastrzemski Signs with Atlanta

Edwin Díaz to Dodgers & Saves Outlook

Tigers Bullpen: Finnegan vs. Will Vest

Pirates Add Gregory Soto

Pitcher Signings: Steven Matz & Mike Soroka

Padres Bullpen Clarity: Mason Miller

Waivers: Marco Luciano to Pirates

Yariel Rodríguez DFA & Landing Spots

Red Sox Trades: Oviedo & Vaughn Grissom

Nationals–Mariners Trade: Ferrer & Henry Ford

Transition to Pitching Projections

ADP vs Projections: Early Market Biases

Hunter Brown & Projection Skepticism

José Berríos Role & Innings Discrepancy

Injured Starters: Bradish & Wheeler

Saves Projections Are a Mess (Again)

Evaluating Closers Beyond Saves

Final Thoughts & Draft Strategy Takeaways

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In The Pen

Rick Graham (@IAmRickGraham) and Jake Crumpler (@jakecrumpler) break down the Rule 5 Draft as well as all the transactions and news from the 2025 Winter Meetings.

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