Newsmakers

MLB.com's Bill Ladson chats with D-backs manager Torey Lovullo about his team's surprising start (:55) and why Zack Greinke is pitching so well in his second season in Arizona. (3:10) Ladson also caught up with Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain to talk about how he started playing baseball as a high schooler (12:30) and hopefully making one more championship run in Kansas City. (16:00)

MLB.com's Bill Ladson chats with Astros manager A.J. Hinch about the team's fast start out of the gate and the presence of Carlos Beltran in the middle of a young lineup. (:25) MLB.com columnist Richard Justice talks about Mike Trout being one of the best all-time baseball players and the guys that have surprised during the early part of the season. (6:45) MLB.com Nationals reporter Jamal Collier joins the show to chat about the team's hot start and the resurgence of Ryan Zimmermann. (18:18) Orioles reporter Rick Dubroff explains what makes Buck Showalter such a great manager and if Ubaldo Jimenez can finally find some consistency in Baltimore. (30:26) MLB.com Royals reporter Jeffrey Flanagan comes on the show to discuss the likelihood that the team can turns things around after struggling early and if they can keep the team together with so many pending free agents. (39:01)

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with Yankees senior VP and assistant general manager Jean Afterman to discuss how she got involved in Major League Baseball, her role in bringing over players from Japan, working for George Steinbrenner and if she would ever want to be the first female General Manager.

MLB.com's Bill Ladson chats with Giants manager Bruce Bochy about the team's slow start and the rash of injuries that has plagued the club so far in 2017. (:20) Giants second baseman Joe Panik also joins the show to discuss the adjustments he made over the offseason and why he loves coming back to his hometown New York City to play.

MLB.com's Bill Ladson chats with some of the all-time best players in the game of baseball. First up is John Smoltz, he discusses his playing career, and what it was like working on the historic 2016 World Series between the Indians and Cubs. Tim Raines talks about finally getting into the Hall of Fame on his last attempt and working with young players for the Blue Jays. (29:22) Andre Dawson chimes in on the Cubs finally breaking through and winning the World Series and what it was like playing in Chicago. (41:31) Don Sutton joins the show to chat about his Hall of Fame playing career and his years in the broadcast booth calling Braves games. (51:30) Ladson talks to Barry Larkin about his current job with the Cincinnati Reds and why he likes helping the younger players improve. (1:01:20) Cal Ripken talks to Ladson about his role in youth baseball, what he learned from his father Cal Sr. and if he would ever like to own a Major League team. (1:16:57) Lastly Bill Ladson is joined by Reggie Jackson to discuss th

MLB.com's Bill Ladson chats with Orioles outfielder Adam Jones about playing in the American League East and giving back to the community. (:33) Blue Jays starter Marco Estrada discusses how he felt when he was named the Opening Day starter in Toronto and how former teammate Mark Buehrle helped him along as a young pitcher. (10:54) This year, Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson will celebrate the 40th anniversary of his three-homer game in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series. Jackson talks about his memories from that season. (22:11) Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge is off to an amazing start to the 2017 season, as he talks about playing in New York and why he is having so much success. (32:37) Didi Gregorius joins the show to discuss playing for his native country of The Netherlands in the 2017 WBC and how he has improved as a hitter since joining the Yankees. (38:00)

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with Angels general manager Billy Eppler to discuss his career, what he learned from Brian Cashman and the secret to dealing with the media.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with Padres executive VP and general manager A.J. Preller to discuss his approach during his first two years on the job, what he learned from his good friend Jon Daniels and what it means for the Padres to now be the only pro sports show in town.

MLB.com's Bill Ladson chats with Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. to discuss his role in youth baseball, what he learned from his father Cal Sr. and if he would ever like to own a Major League team. Ryan Zimmerman talks about his hot start and finally being able to stay healthy. Stephen Strasburg explains how his offseason workout routine helped him prepare for this season. (30:00) D-backs reporter Steve Gilbert checks in to talk about the team's recent hot streak to start the season. MLB.com columnist Richard Justice joins the show to break down the early season surprises.

MLB.com's Bill Ladson chats with former player and White Sox broadcaster Hawk Harrelson about his career in baseball on and off the field. Ladson then talks to ESPN Sunday Night Baseball analyst Jessica Mendoza about her love of the game and how she can influence other women to reach for their goals. Former Major Leaguer and first overall pick of the 1967 Draft Ron Blomberg talks about playing for the New York Yankees and being the first ever designated hitter.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand chats with Dodgers GM Farhan Zaidi about his start in baseball, working for Billy Beane, Clayton Kershaw and the NL West.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand chats with Rockies senior vice president and general manager Jeff Bridich to discuss his career, why signing a shortstop/outfielder to be the Rockies' new first baseman was a good idea and why Nolan Arenado may be one of the game's most anonymous superstars.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with Rangers president of baseball operations and general manager Jon Daniels to discuss his career, learning from good and bad trades and why he'll never be considered the most famous recent graduate from his high school.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand chats with Reds president of baseball operations and general manager Dick Williams about life before baseball, the difficulty of trading popular players and why "rebuilding" can be a dirty word.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand chats with Giants general manager Bobby Evans about spending 24 years with the Giants organization and how proud he is to be part of three championship teams.

MLB.com's Bill Ladson talks to Cubs reporter Carrie Muskat to find out what it was like in Wrigley when the team finally raised the World Series banner in front of their fans for the first time in over a century. Mets broadcaster Ron Darling discusses why Yoenis Cespedes is off to such a hot start. Cleveland Indians radio play-by-play announcer Tom Hamilton breaks down how much Michael Brantley means to the team. Ladson and MLB.com columnist Richard Justice discuss who's hot and who's not around the league and Tyrone Brooks, the senior director of MLB's front office and field staff Diversity Pipeline Program chats about the upcoming Jackie Robinson anniversary.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand chats with Mariners executive vice president and general manager Jerry Dipoto about his path to Seattle, Mike Trout's contract, how the Mariners can catch the Seahawks and why more players haven't gone the front-office route.

On the latest episode of the Newsmakers podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand caught up with Indians general manager Mike Chernoff to discuss Mark Shapiro's impact on his career, how growing up around the world of sports radio influenced him and why the Indians won't suffer from a World Series hangover.

On the latest episode of the Newsmakers podcast, MLB.com's Bill Ladson speaks with Hall of Famer Barry Larkin about his current job with the Reds organization and being a mentor to Francisco Lindor.

Freeman discusses the Braves ability to compete in 2017, playing in the World Baseball Classic and his relationship with Chipper Jones.