Rays-ing Their Ceiling

Rays-ing Their Ceiling

Author: Sportsnet July 31, 2020 Duration: 17:47
The Tampa Bay Rays are both respected and overlooked. Year after year, they have one of the smallest payrolls in baseball. And year after year, with just the odd exception, they’re one of the better teams in baseball. So how do they do it? And is the truncated 2020 season exactly the kind of campaign in which they can thrive? No one knows better than their longest-serving player, Kevin Kiermaier. This episode is produced and sound designed by Christian Ryan, and hosted by Dan Shulman. Jim Whyte provided archival support. Audio Credits: YouTube.com/MLB; YouTube.com/Rays The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

In the world of Major League Baseball, the conversation never stops. A Swing and a Belt with Dan Shulman is a space for those deeper dives, moving beyond the daily scores and highlights. Each episode, Dan selects a single compelling thread from the vast MLB tapestry-be it a developing trend, a pivotal historical moment, a pressing front-office issue, or an under-the-radar story gaining momentum. He then sits down with a guest, someone with unique insight or firsthand experience, to unpack it thoroughly. This isn't about rapid-fire hot takes; it's a focused, thoughtful exploration designed for fans who crave more substance. You'll hear nuanced discussions that connect the dots between past and present, strategy and personality, the data and the human element of the game. The rhythm of this podcast is deliberate, built on conversation and analysis that respects the complexity of baseball. It’s for those moments when you want to settle in and really think about the sport, guided by one of its most trusted voices and the experts he brings to the microphone.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 78

A Swing and a Belt with Dan Shulman
Podcast Episodes
Episode 16: Baseball Journeys [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:07
Dan sits down with Red Sox President and GM Dave Dombrowski to discuss his career in the game. Jack Morris joins the show as he prepares for his Hall of Fame induction. MLB umpire Dan Iassogna tells his story of going fr…
Episode 15: International Pastime [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:15
Dan investigates baseball’s impact around the globe with long-time Japanese-league manager Bobby Valentine, Blue Jays interpreter Josue Peley of Venezuela, Australian Detroit Tigers pitcher Warwick Saupold, and Hall of F…
Episode 14: Swingin’ Away [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:20
Dan visits with Team Canada and Atlanta Braves slugger Freddie Freeman as well as David Ross, who reminisces about his fairy-tale 2016 season with the Chicago Cubs. Ben finds out what a day at the office is like for a fi…
Episode 13: State Of The Game [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:40
Dan talks to three of the game’s most respected observers: Jayson Stark of The Athletic, Buster Olney of ESPN and Jon Paul Morosi of MLB Network and Fox. They discuss the state of the game, covering everything from shift…
Episode 12: Class of 2018 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:07
Dan talks with two of this year’s Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductees, Pedro Martinez and Lloyd Moseby. Blue Jays second baseman Devon Travis joins the show to discuss overcoming two years of serious injuries. And t…
Episode 11: Diamond Dads [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:10
The Sheepdogs lead singer Ewan Currie and his dad, Neil, talk sports and music; Blue Jays outfielder Randal Grichuk remembers little league, and his father’s impact as a coach; and Ben Shulman turns the microphone around…
Episode 10: From The Booth To The Bronx [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:55
Dan sits down with Yankees manager Aaron Boone to discuss his family’s long history in the game and his move from the broadcast booth to the dugout. Dan also chats with Blue Jays special assignment scout Russ Bove during…
Episode 9: Rookie Skippers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:20
Dan sits down with two first-time big league managers, Alex Cora of the Red Sox and Gabe Kapler of the Phillies. Another Phillie, Victoria’s Nick Pivetta, discusses his journey to becoming a starter in the majors. And Da…
Episode 8: Mickey Mantle 2.0? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:30
Dan chats with Mike Trout about how he continues to push himself, and with those who watch him on a daily basis about what makes Trout so special. Also, Oakland’s Sean Manaea reflects on his no-hitter against the Red Sox…
Episode 7: The Godfather [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:05
Dan sits down with Paul Beeston, the first man ever hired by the Blue Jays and the franchise’s philosophical leader for the better part of three decades. Then Luke Maile offers some insights into life as an MLB catcher.…