We're joined by Hanwha Eagles Pitcher Cody Ponce. Cody discusses his record-breaking season in the KBO, living and playing in South Korea, and the Eagles quest for the KBO championship. Javi and Toad dive into their biggest surprises and disappointments from the 2025 MLB Season.
We're joined by Tommy Hutton, legendary broadcaster for the Miami Marlins. Tommy shares one of a kind stories that span his 50+ years at the MLB level. From signing with his hometown Dodgers, dinner recommendations from Tom Seaver, and his two decades with the Marlins. Then Javi and Toad dive into MLB playoff races and much more.
We’re joined by Jesse Agler, the radio play-by-play voice of the San Diego Padres and a proud University of Miami alum. Jesse talks about his Miami roots, broadcasting journey, and the current state of the Padres. He dives into stories from his days with the Dolphins and Panthers. He gives us an insider’s view on Manny Machado’s impact in San Diego, the intensity of the Padres-Dodgers rivalry, and what to expect from AJ Preller this deadline. Then, Javi and Toad celebrate the success of the Mafia Meetup. Over 160 tickets were sold - plus a few toddler first-timers! Javi and Toad dive into the Marlins' recent hot streak, explore whether they’re truly turning a corner, and discuss the upcoming MLB trade deadline.
Javi and Toad sit down with former Marlins All-Star and current FanDuel Sports Network analyst Gaby Sanchez to talk all things baseball. Gaby shares insights on the Marlins’ recent resurgence, mid-season expectations, and what’s behind Sandy Alcantara’s struggles. We also dive into Gaby’s incredible Miami trifecta journey—from Brito Prep to the University of Miami to the Florida Marlins—and relive his unforgettable 2011 All-Star experience in Phoenix. Then, the boys preview the Home Run Derby and discuss watching Brandon Woodruff's return to the Brewers. Join the Bullpen Mafia community at the inaugural Mafia Meetup on Saturday, July 19th, at loanDepot Park.
Javi and Toad are back in the studio! The boys welcome two new interns into the crew and announce the inaugural Mafia Meetup at loanDepot Park on Saturday, July 19th, against the Kansas City Royals. Then, Javi provides his unique perspective on Sandy Alcantara's struggles and his recent improvement. Is Brad Marchand the greatest Florida Panther of all time? The boys make their Omaha predictions, and spoiler alert, Toad's pick has already been eliminated. Javi and Toad then discuss the youth potential sweeping through Major League Baseball, specifically in Boston, Detroit, and Miami.
Kyle Wren from Elite Sports Advising joins the Bullpen Mafia to preview the NCAA Baseball Tournament. Kyle drops some serious knowledge on the guys, including his can't-miss regionals and which top seeds are primed to be upset. The guys debate whether the SEC is the top conference in the sport and if committee collusion is behind the ACC's snubs. The episode wraps with the guys and Kyle making their National Champion predictions.
Canes legend and former MLB second baseman Jemile Weeks (28:20) joins the Bullpen Mafia Podcast. An Orlando native from the middle of Gator Country, Jemile explains how he played for the University of Miami. Weeks reminisces with Javi and Toad about his time in Oakland and shares his thoughts on the current state of the A's. Prior to the interview, the guys recap the last few weeks of MLB headlines, including the Rafael Devers drama in Boston and the new Pope's ties to the White Sox.
The Hurricanes are HOT! The Miami Hurricanes are the winners of their last four ACC series, and they are playing their best baseball at the perfect time. Canes closer Brian Walters joins Javi and Toad on the Bullpen Mafia to discuss Miami's resurgence, sweeping Boston College, and playing in Fenway Park. Walters previews this weekend's critical series against NC State and why playing at a venue like Mark Light Field is so special.
Regular-season baseball is back! Toad and Producer Paul open the episode reacting to the biggest headlines of the first two weeks of the MLB season: torpedo bats, Atlanta's slow start, Ohtani's walk-off on his bobblehead night, and Opening Day. Then, Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (29:00) joins the Mafia to discuss his comeback and return to the mound, home run off of Clayton Kershaw, and more. The conversation with Brandon Woodruff was recorded during Spring Training.
Toad opens the episode solo (with Producer Paul) and admits why he's so critical about the Miami Marlins; it's emotional! Then, lead TV play-by-play voice of the Miami Marlins, Kyle Sielaff, (7:52) joins the Mafia live in the Magic City Sounds Studio. Kyle details his 13-year journey with the Marlins, his transition from the radio booth to television, and his favorite broadcasting moments. Kyle discusses the Marlins' “youth movement” and prospects who could make an impact in 2025. The episode ends with the upward trajectory of Major League Baseball and the progressive steps Rob Manfred has taken to innovate the sport.
Javi and Toad open the episode discussing the electric 4 Nations Face-Off. The USA-Canada rivalry has the Mafia ready for next year's World Baseball Classic. Fire up the hype machine: the best Opening Day pitching matchup is in Miami, Paul Skenes vs. Sandy Alcántara. Then, one of the top relievers in baseball and Houston Astros closer Josh Hader joins the show (29:39). Josh tells his call-up story, discusses preparing for the 2025 season, and shares details about his career as a closer. The episode wraps with Petey going off about the drama at Red Sox Spring Training (01:06:37) and the guys name their favorite all-time baseball video games.
The Road to Omaha starts this weekend! The Miami Hurricanes open the season Friday night and skipper JD Arteaga joins the Bullpen Mafia (11:43) to preview the 2025 season. JD breaks down Miami's overhauled roster and goes in-depth about the pitching staff led by Brian Walters and expectations for freshman All-American Daniel Cuvet's second season. Arteaga and Javi share stories about their time together; including a nightmarish bus ride home during Javi's freshman season. Miami's first game of the year is Friday night, February 14th, against Niagra at 7 PM ET.
The Bullpen Mafia is back! It's a new season in a new studio with new guests. Javi and Toad are joined by Miami legend and World Series champion Jon Jay (17:50) to discuss his Miami roots, extensive sneaker collection, and return to the St. Louis Cardinals. Jay explains why the city of Miami is so special to him and his new role in St. Louis. The guys open the episode by recapping the MLB offseason's biggest headlines, followed by Javi's experiences as a rookie pitcher in Spring Training.
Fish On First founder Ely Sussman joins the Bullpen Mafia (00:55) to discuss everything Miami Marlins. Sussman explains the origins of Fish On First and how the University of Miami grad started covering the Marlins. Sussman grades Marlins GM Peter Bendix's first season with the franchise, which young players impressed him in 2024, and what we should expect from the Fish in 2025. Ely provides his thoughts on Clayton McCullough, the next Marlins manager. The conversation wraps with the trio naming their three favorite Marlins players who exclusively played during the "Miami" era. Dodgers pro scout Jack Murphy returns to the Bullpen Mafia (54:17) to discuss what new Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough will bring to the organization. Murphy explains McCullough's demeanor and what to expect from the first-time manager and former Dodgers first-base coach.
The 2024 MLB Season ends as the Los Angeles Dodgers take down the New York Yankees in the World Series. The call-in segment features Dodgers pro scout Jack Murphy (8:44). Jack gives insight into Freddie Freeman's historic MVP performance, Will Smith's ability to manage the Dodgers' pitching rotation, and the organizational culture that makes the Dodgers special. In the back half of the episode (36:04), Javi and Toad recall the nine storylines that defined the 2024 Major League Baseball Season.
Are you not entertained?! One of the greatest postseasons in recent memory ends with a World Series matchup for the ages. Javi and Toad prepare you for the Fall Classic by dissecting every angle of this historic matchup. Will Aaron Judge cement himself in Yankee lore with a legendary World Series performance? Can Shohei Ohtani continue to mash with runners on base? Who will be the unsung hero that provides a spark for their club? In the back half of the episode, the Mafia is joined by Seattle Mariners OF Mitch Haniger (32:15). Mitch expresses his thoughts on the Mariners 2024 campaign and leans into his playoff experience to provide insight into the difference between regular and postseason baseball. Finally, Mitch and the guys make their World Series predictions.
Are we watching the best October baseball in years? Both AL and NL series have featured epic moments and Javi and Petey break them all down. Is Giancarlo Stanton a lock for the Hall of Fame? What is Juan Soto's next contract going to look like? Will there be a Game 7 in Los Angeles or are Shohei Ohtani and the Hollywood stars too much for the Mets? Then the Mafia is joined by Milwaukee Brewers analyst Tim Dillard (27:50). Dillard discusses the Brew Crew's season, their series against the Mets, and his transition to the broadcast booth. Tim even looks ahead to 2025 and expectations for the Brewers next season.
Welcome to Volume 9 of Middle Innings! Javi and Toad break down both the American and National League Division Series. Francisco Lindor has cemented himself as a Mets legend this postseason. Would he be the obvious choice for MVP if not for Shohei Ohtani? The guys are joined by Mets super fan Dan Hines (9:05) to discuss New York's playoff run and the NLCS. Hines provides his perspective from being in Citi Field as the Mets eliminated the Phillies. Is Dodgers-Padres the best rivalry in baseball? An electric West Coast NLDS made baseball bitter again. The Guardians were pushed to the brink by the upstart Tigers, but they're ready for a showdown with the Yankees. Buckle up. October baseball is here.
Emergency episode! MLB insider and USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale hops on (7:12) with Javi and Toad to recap a wild Monday between the playoff-bound Mets and Braves. Nightengale was in Oakland for the A's final day in the Coliseum, providing his perspective on an emotional afternoon in the Bay Area. Bob makes his World Series prediction and explains why it won't be easy for some of the favorites. Then, Bob gives insight into the Miami Marlins managerial search after the official departure of Skip Schumaker.
The MLB Postseason is upon us and we have the perfect guest to prepare us: Chris "The Bear" Fallica. The FOX Sports betting expert joins the Bullpen Mafia to discuss his World Series favorites, what futures he has on the line and even gives insight into his career and iconic nickname. Javi, Petey, and Toad review the tense divisional and Wild Card races. How about those Detroit Tigers? Javi and Petey provide perspective on CJ Abrams' late-night (or early morning, depending on who you ask) gambling and some of their minor-league post-midnight excursions. The segment wraps with the guys picking their favorite all-time playoff home runs.