Foul Territory Rays continuity key, College v MLB tech race + Jim Bowden on A's new PBO, LA wanted to BENCH Ohtani?!
Oct 20, 2026
Jim Bowden, a former MLB general manager and longtime baseball executive, joins the conversation on playoff strategy and baseball’s shifting front offices. He reveals the Dodgers considered sitting Shohei Ohtani, evaluates Oakland’s new leadership, and discusses Milwaukee’s defensive identity. The group also debates college baseball’s technology edge, player-development spending, and why continuity matters for the Rays.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Milwaukee Won With Defense Everywhere
- Milwaukee’s advantage came from elite defense at every position, not merely star power.
- Bowden highlighted Mitchell’s wall robbery, Turang’s range, Contreras stealing strikes, and a dominant bullpen.
Refresh The Dodgers With Athleticism
- Make the Dodgers younger and more athletic at second base, left field, and third base.
- Bowden proposed targeting players such as C.J. Abrams, James Wood, or Javier Sanoja to add speed and run creation.
Ohtani Talked His Way Back Into The Lineup
- The Dodgers considered benching Shohei Ohtani before Game 3 because he lacked lower-half power.
- Ohtani argued to play, then hit a Game 4 homer after Andrew Friedman, Brandon Gomes, Dave Roberts, and his agent had planned to sit him.