Podcast

Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander

Baseball, News, Sports, Sports News

Flippin' Bats is a fun baseball podcast bringing you everything you want from around the league! You'll hear from Hall of Famer John Smoltz every week, you'll hear from the game's best players, and you'll be up to date on everything around the league! Baseball. Is. Fun. And so is Flippin' Bats!

Baseball chart
#116
Episodes
779
Releases
Twice a week
Typical length
21 min
On air since
2021
Latest episode
4 days ago

Episodes

779 episodes, newest first

  1. John Smoltz Calls the Brewers One of the Best World Series Champions EVER!

    Show notes

    Are the Milwaukee Brewers one of the GREATEST World Series champions of all time?! Hall of Famer and World Series champion John Smoltz joins Ben Verlander on Saturday with Smoltz to break down the Brewers' historic World Series victory over the Tampa Bay Rays! Smoltz makes a BOLD statement about where this Brewers team ranks among World Series champions, and the guys dive into what made Milwaukee so special, how they pulled off this incredible championship run, and what ultimately separated them from the Rays. PLUS, Smoltz shares his unique perspective as a former World Series champion, breaks down the biggest moments and performances of the Fall Classic, and discusses what this championship means for the future of baseball. Do you agree with Smoltz's assessment of the Brewers? Let us know in the comments! #Brewers #WorldSeries #JohnSmoltz #MLB #FlippinBats Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:40 John Smoltz Joins 1:58 Smoltz on Brewers Championship 3:52 Surprised in Rays Pitching Plan? 5:59 Brewers One of Best Teams EVER? 8:03 Jacob Misiorowski 10:35 Cooper Pratt 12:13 Pat Murphy Throws Shade at Yankees 14:42 Smoltz on His World Series Experience 22:40 Outro

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    26 min
  2. Brewers Win the World Series! Exclusive Interviews with Brice Turang, Trevor Megill & Brandon Woodruff

    Show notes

    THE MILWAUKEE BREWERS ARE WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!!! For the FIRST TIME in franchise history, the Milwaukee Brewers have won the World Series, and I'm coming to you straight from the field in Tampa Bay to celebrate this historic moment! I'm breaking down how the Brewers completed their incredible championship run, the biggest moments that decided the World Series, and what this title means for Milwaukee. PLUS, I've got EXCLUSIVE on-field interviews with World Series champions Brice Turang, Trevor Megill, and Brandon Woodruff! Hear directly from the players moments after winning it all, and experience the sights, sounds, and emotions of a World Series championship celebration. From the final out to the trophy presentation and everything in between, we're taking you inside one of the biggest nights in Brewers history! What an unforgettable World Series! Brewers fans, let me hear you in the comments! Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:14 Brewers 2026 Champions 2:30 Trevor Megill Interview 2:53 Brewers 2026 Champions 5:37 Brandon Woodruff Interview 6:50 Brewers 2026 Champions 9:22 Brice Turang Interview 10:27 Brewers 2026 Champions #Brewers #WorldSeries #MLB #WorldSeriesChampions #FlippinBats

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    16 min
  3. Brewers Take 2-0 World Series Lead Over Rays + Exclusive On-Field Reaction & Interviews

    Show notes

    Are the Milwaukee Brewers taking OVER the World Series?!

    The Brewers have jumped out to a 2-0 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays, and I'm coming to you straight from the FIELD at the 2026 World Series!

    After an incredible first two games in Milwaukee, I'm breaking down the biggest moments, standout performances, and what we've learned about both teams. Can the Rays turn things around as the series shifts to Tampa Bay, or are the Brewers on their way to their first World Series championship?

    PLUS, I'm taking you behind the scenes of the World Series with exclusive sights and sounds from Milwaukee, player interviews from Media Day, and a firsthand look at what it's like to cover baseball's biggest stage!Is this series already slipping away from Tampa Bay?

    Let me know your predictions in the comments!

    #WorldSeries #Brewers #Rays #MLB #FlippinBats

    Timestamps:

    0:00 Brewers Up 2-0 in World Series

    3:09 The Milwaukee Experience

    6:45 Are the Rays done?

    8:18 How the Rays can come back

    9:10 World Series heads to Tampa

    10:08 Outro

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    12 min
  4. John Smoltz Previews the 2026 World Series: Rays vs. Brewers, Predictions & Key Matchups

    Show notes

    Who REALLY has the edge in the 2026 World Series? Hall of Famer John Smoltz joins Ben Verlander on Saturday with Smoltz to break down the Tampa Bay Rays vs. Milwaukee Brewers matchup!

    Smoltz dives into the biggest advantages for each team, the pitching matchups that could decide the series, the players who could make the difference, and what it takes to win on baseball's biggest stage.

    He even recounts experiences from his World Series daysWho wins it all?! Brewers or Rays?

    Subscribe to Flippin' Bats for more MLB coverage, exclusive interviews, and weekly conversations with John Smoltz! #FlippinBats #MLB #World Series #brewers #rays

    Timestamps:

    0:00 Intro

    1:19 John Smoltz Joins the Show

    2:05 World Series Preview

    5:42 Will the Sweep Hurt the Brewers?

    7:44 Who Has the Biggest Advantage?

    12:41 John Smoltz World Series Experience

    16:44 The Rays WILL Win the WS If....

    17:31 The Brewers WILL Win the WS IF...

    18:06 Outro

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    21 min
  5. Brewers vs. Rays: 2026 World Series Preview, Predictions & Key Matchups

    Show notes

    The World Series NOBODY expected might turn out to be one of the BEST we've ever seen!

    The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays are heading to the 2026 World Series, and I couldn't be more excited about this matchup. Two No. 1 seeds. Two smaller-market teams. Two franchises chasing their FIRST World Series championship. This is baseball at its finest!

    I'm breaking down everything you need to know about Brewers vs. Rays, from starting pitching and bullpen matchups to elite defense, baserunning, and the incredible young stars who could take over this series.

    Plus, why Jackson Chourio, Junior Caminero, and Jacob Misiorowski could make this World Series unforgettable, and my official prediction for who will be crowned World Series champions!

    Who do YOU have winning the World Series, and in how many games? Let me know in the comments!

    #WorldSeries #Brewers #Rays #MLB #Baseball

    Timestamps:

    0:00 Intro

    3:19 Battle of the #1 Seeds

    8:24 Rays/Brewers Matchup Breakdown

    19:55 There are SUPERSTARS

    22:27 World Series Prediction

    29:15 Outro

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    31 min
  6. John Smoltz on the Brewers Sweeping the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani & the World Series

    Show notes

    The Milwaukee Brewers just SWEPT the Los Angeles Dodgers, ending their quest for a third straight World Series title. So what went wrong for one of the most talented teams in baseball? Hall of Famer John Smoltz joins me to break down how the Brewers took down the Dodgers, what went wrong for Los Angeles, and whether Milwaukee has what it takes to win the World Series. Plus, we discuss Shohei Ohtani's postseason struggles, what this loss means for the Dodgers moving forward, and the latest from the ALCS. Were the Dodgers exposed, or are the Brewers simply the better team? #MLB #Dodgers #Brewers #JohnSmoltz #MLBPlayoffs Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:36 John Smoltz joins the show 2:23 Smoltz Reacts to Dodgers getting SWEPT 14:09 How Do You Beat the Dodgers? 18:06 Who Matches Well vs Brewers? 20:15 Smoltz on Sustained Success 22:41 Outro

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    26 min
  7. Shohei Ohtani May Have Finally Figured It Out... Is It Too Late for the Dodgers? | This Week in Shohei Ohtani News

    Show notes

    Shohei Ohtani hasn't hit a home run in 25 consecutive games, has just ONE RBI in nearly two months, and the Los Angeles Dodgers are now down 3-0 in the NLCS. But did we finally see signs of Shohei turning things around? After another frustrating loss, I'm breaking down Ohtani's historic power drought, the ridiculous conversation about benching him, and why I actually believe he may have figured something out at the plate in Game 3. Plus, why the Dodgers' biggest problem right now goes far beyond Shohei Ohtani. Is it too late for the LA Dodgers? #ShoheiOhtani #Dodgers #MLBPlayoffs #NLCS #TWISON Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:41 Shohei hurt and struggling 4:43 Shohei has figured it out?! 6:47 Are the Dodgers done? 11:10 Outro

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    13 min
  8. Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS + Guardians vs. Rays ALCS Preview & Predictions

    Show notes

    The 2026 MLB Championship Series are officially set, and Ben Verlander is breaking down both matchups and making his predictions for who will advance to the World Series!

    Can the Milwaukee Brewers finally get revenge on the Los Angeles Dodgers after last year's NLCS sweep? Ben breaks down the biggest keys to the series, the Dodgers' pursuit of a third straight World Series title, Shohei Ohtani's struggles, and what Milwaukee needs to do to pull off the upset.

    Over in the American League, the Cleveland Guardians are coming off an incredible comeback against the Chicago White Sox. Can José Ramírez and the Guardians keep their momentum going against the top-seeded Tampa Bay Rays?

    Plus, Ben looks back at the biggest performances from the Division Series, highlights the players who stood out, and reveals his ALCS and NLCS picks and World Series predictions.

    Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 2:50 Guardians Win ALDS Game 5 5:15 Dodgers vs Brewers NLCS Preview 21:54 Guardians vs Rays ALCS Preview 30:12 Top 5 Players from the Division Series' 31:18 Outro

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    34 min
  9. John Smoltz on the Yankees' October Failures + Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS Preview

    Show notes

    The New York Yankees are heading home early once again, and Hall of Famer John Smoltz joins Ben Verlander to discuss why the Yankees continue to fall short in October and what needs to change moving forward.

    Plus, Smoltz previews the Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS, breaking down what Milwaukee needs to do to take down Los Angeles and what could make the Dodgers so difficult to beat.

    Ben and John also discuss the winner-take-all Game 5 between the Guardians and White Sox, the impact of using starting pitchers in relief during the postseason, and the Braves' elimination against the Dodgers.

    Finally, Ben asks Smoltz about a growing narrative among Braves fans: Does he go too far trying to remain neutral when calling Atlanta games?

    Timestamps:

    0:00 Intro

    1:30 John Smoltz Joins

    2:15 What Do Yankees Do Now?

    5:22 Starters Coming in out of Bullpen

    11:41 Braves/Dodgers Recap

    14:13 Brewers Beat Dodgers IF...

    15:51 Dodgers Beat Brewers IF...

    16:38 Outro

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    20 min
  10. Shohei Ohtani's Alarming Slump Continues Into October + Is He Still Hurt?

    Show notes

    Shohei Ohtani's struggles have continued into October, and the numbers are becoming increasingly concerning.

    Ben Verlander breaks down Ohtani's disappointing NLDS performance, his extended home run drought, and his offensive struggles since returning from the injured list. Plus, Dave Roberts' decision to move Ohtani down the Dodgers' batting order raises even more questions about what is going on with the two-way superstar.

    Is Ohtani simply going through a prolonged slump, or could lingering injuries still be affecting his performance as the Dodgers prepare for the NLCS?

    Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:47 Shohei Offensive Struggles 4:04 Shohei Moved Down Lineup 5:56 Shohei Ohtani Health Concerns 6:38 Dodgers Advance to NLCS 9:40 Outro

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    12 min
  11. Wild Card Recap, Division Series Preview & John Smoltz Joins the Show

    Show notes

    The Wild Card Round is officially in the books and the MLB Division Series are SET!

    I’m breaking down everything we just saw in a wild opening round of the postseason, including the Astros’ stunning exit, the Phillies-Braves drama, dominant starting pitching and the biggest performances of the Wild Card Round.

    Then Hall of Famer John Smoltz joins the show to react to the biggest surprises and look ahead to the Division Series before I make my picks for every matchup. Who moves on and gets one step closer to the World Series?

    Who do YOU have advancing? Drop your Division Series picks in the comments!

    #MLB #MLBPlayoffs #Postseason #JohnSmoltz #WorldSeries

    Timestamps:

    0:00 Phillies Lose in Round

    13:44 Wild Card Series Recaps

    14:14 Top 5 Players from Wild Card Round

    19:48 John Smoltz Joins the Show

    36:55 Division Series Previews

    50:31 Outro

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    54 min
  12. 2026 MLB Playoff Preview: World Series Pick, Shocking Playoff Predictions and more + The Justin Verlander Farewell Weekend

    Show notes

    The MLB Postseason is here! I’m filling out my entire 2026 playoff bracket, breaking down every Wild Card matchup, picking the biggest upsets and revealing who I think will win the World Series.

    Plus, I was there for my brother Justin Verlander’s farewell weekend and final regular season start. I share what it was like being there with my family, the emotions surrounding the weekend and some behind-the-scenes photos and videos from an unforgettable moment.

    Who do YOU have winning the World Series? Drop your predictions in the comments!

    #MLB #MLBPlayoffs #Postseason #JustinVerlander #WorldSeries

    Timestamps:

    0:00 Intro

    0:45 Justin Verlander Farewell Weekend

    4:52 MLB Playoff Predictions

    8:10 Wild Card Series Previews

    18:26 ALDS Predictions

    23:16 NLDS Predictions

    32:25 ALCS Prediction

    34:13 NLCS Prediction

    36:15 World Series Prediction

    40:11 162 Games Played List

    41:44 Outro

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    47 min
  13. Are the Astros Still Inevitable? + ONE WEEK LEFT MLB Playoff Race Update

    Show notes

    ONE. WEEK. LEFT. 6 teams are in the playoffs and 6 teams still to go. We talk through ALL the MLB Playoff Race scenarios as we enter the last week of the regular season. Are the Houston Astros STILL Inevitable? We discuss their rollercoaster of a season And one final MLB Regular Season Power Rankings! What do you think? Who wins the AL West? Astros or Rangers? #FlippinBats #MLB #astros #powerrankings Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:41 Roadtrip Update 2:56 MLB Playoff Races 4:10 American League Playoff Update 6:03 National League Playoff Update 9:00 Are the Astros Still Inevitable? 12:08 MLB Power Rankings 21:16 Outro

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    24 min
  14. John Smoltz Has An Idea to FIX the MLB Playoffs + Should Pitchers Be Able to Win MVP?

    Show notes

    John Smoltz joins the show to explain the change he’d make to the MLB playoff format and why he thinks it could make October even better. We also debate whether pitchers should be able to win MVP, how much postseason experience really matters down the stretch, and what the Brewers and Rays clinching playoff spots says about the big-market vs. small-market debate in baseball. Plus, Smoltz breaks down what separates teams when the pressure ramps up and the postseason gets closer. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:28 Smoltz joins 3:24 How Does Experience Help? 5:38 Should Pitchers Win MVP? 8:53 Rays/Brewers First Teams in Playoffs 12:36 How to Change Playoff Format 17:47 Outro

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    20 min
  15. Aaron Judge Is Wrong About Pitchers Winning MVP + MLB Playoff Races Heat Up | MLB Power Rankings

    Show notes

    Aaron Judge says pitchers shouldn’t be able to win MVP because they already have the Cy Young Award. I completely disagree. We break down why pitchers absolutely should remain eligible for MVP and why the argument against them doesn’t make sense. Plus, the playoff races are getting wild with the Astros fighting to hold onto the AL West, the AL Wild Card coming down to the wire, and the Padres surging at the perfect time. We also reveal a new MLB Power Rankings as October gets closer. Should pitchers be allowed to win MVP? Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:45 Around the League Playoff Updates 6:49 Aaron Judge's MVP/Cy Young Comment 11:42 New Power Rankings 21:11 Moving Back East 24:10 Outro

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    27 min
  16. John Smoltz Remembers Piazza’s Iconic 9/11 Home Run + Shohei’s Two-Way Future

    Show notes

    John Smoltz joins the show to reflect on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and one of the most unforgettable nights in baseball history.

    Smoltz shares what it was like being on the field at Shea Stadium when Mike Piazza hit his iconic home run, why the night felt so special, and why that moment seemed like it was meant to happen.

    Plus, Smoltz weighs in on MLB expanding, what cities he thinks will get an MLB team, and Shohei Ohtani being done pitching this season and whether he still believes Ohtani should continue as a two-way player moving forward.

    What do you remember most about Piazza’s home run after 9/11?

    Timestamps:

    0:00 Intro

    1:37 John Smoltz Joins

    2:41 MLB Expansion

    8:53 Is Shohei Done As 2-Way Player?

    13:13 John Smoltz Remembers 9/11

    18:47 Outro

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    22 min
  17. Shohei Ohtani Hits the IL... Is He Done Pitching FOREVER?

    Show notes

    Shohei Ohtani is officially heading to the IL and is done pitching for the rest of the season. But does this mean we should start questioning his future as a two-way player?

    We break down the latest on Ohtani’s injuries, Dave Roberts admitting the Dodgers should have put him on the IL sooner, and why the conversation about Shohei giving up pitching needs to stop.

    Do you expect Shohei Ohtani to return as a two-way player next season?

    Timestamps:

    0:00 Shohei Ohtani Hits the IL

    3:17 Will Shohei Pitch Again?

    7:19 Smoltz talks 9/11

    8:18 Outro

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    10 min
  18. Phillies HATE RONALD ACUNA, Blue Jays are BACK?! + ABSURD Ump Show | MLB Power Rankings (MLB Recap)

    Show notes

    Ronald Acuña Jr. and the Phillies brought the drama this weekend, while an umpire somehow found himself at the center of controversy after confronting a pitcher making his MLB debut.

    We break down all of that, plus the Blue Jays’ resurgence, the Mariners and Orioles falling apart, the latest on Shohei Ohtani, which AL teams can actually beat the Dodgers in October, and a new MLB Power Rankings.

    Should the umpire be punished for what he did?

    Timestamps:

    0:00 Intro

    0:52 Braves/Phillies Drama

    2:44 Absurd UMP SHOW

    5:18 Blue Jays are BACK?!

    7:13 Mariners are DONE

    8:57 Orioles Blow Great Opportunity

    10:56 Ohtani Dealing With Lots of Injuries

    13:27 AL Teams That Can Beat the Dodgers

    20:02 MLB Power Rankings

    28:38 Outro

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    32 min
  19. What Should the Dodgers Do With Shohei Ohtani? John Smoltz Weighs In + AL Cy Young Pick Dylan Cease or Cam Schlittler | Saturday with Smoltz

    Show notes

    John Smoltz joins Ben Verlander to discuss what the Dodgers should do with Shohei Ohtani as he continues to battle injuries heading into October. Should Ohtani keep building up as a starter, focus solely on hitting, or could a bullpen role make sense for the postseason?

    Plus, Smoltz makes his AL Cy Young pick between Dylan Cease and Cam Schlittler and reveals which team he believes is best built to take down the Dodgers in October.

    Timestamps:

    0:00 Intro

    1:13 John Smoltz Joins

    1:27 What Should Dodgers Do With Shohei?

    5:00 Dylan Cease or Cam Schlittler AL Cy Young Race

    7:41 Best Team To Beat the Dodgers?

    11:12 Outro

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    14 min
  20. Shohei Ohtani’s Injuries Are Starting to Affect Him | This Week in Shohei Ohtani News

    Show notes

    Shohei Ohtani has been battling knee and biceps issues for months, and now those injuries may be taking a toll on his performance at the plate.

    After a four-strikeout game and an extended offensive slump, Dave Roberts acknowledged that Ohtani may need some time to rest.

    Ben breaks down Ohtani’s recent struggles, the latest on his stalled return to the mound, and why his health should now be the Dodgers’ biggest priority heading into October.

    Timestamps:

    0:00 Shohei Ohtani is Injured

    3:03 Knee Affecting His Offense

    4:47 Dave Roberts Comments On Injuries

    6:37 What Should Dodgers Do With Shohei?

    12:29 This Week in Shohei Ohtani News

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    15 min