Newsmakers

The Miami Marlins think they enough firepower and pitching to compete in the National League East division. MLB.com's Bill Ladson caught up with Dee Gordon, Martin Prado, President of Baseball Operations Michael Hill and radio play-by-play broadcaster Dave Van Horne to find out how they are coping with the loss of Jose Fernandez, what they worked on this offseason and why Don Mattingly is so fun to play for.

The Houston Astros added some extra firepower this offseason in an effort to get them into the playoffs in 2017. MLB.com's Bill Ladson talked with A.J. Hinch, Carlos Beltran, and Josh Reddick to find out why Houston was a hot destination for free agents this winter and what they expect to accomplish this season.

On the latest episode of the Newsmakers Podcast, Bill Ladson caught up with Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper to discuss the upcoming season, his pending free agency in two years and getting married this offseason. Harper expects to have a big season with table setters Trea Turner and Adam Eaton hitting ahead of him and be a title contender once again in 2017.

The Washington Nationals are looking to repeat as NL East Champs and advance deep into the playoffs. Bill Ladson catches up with Trea Turner, Adam Eaton and Nationals radio play-by-play announcer Dave Jageler to find out how the team is shaping up so far in Spring Training.

The Rockies appear to be a team that is ready to take the next step and make the playoffs. MLB.com's Bill Ladson caught up with the Rockies' Ian Desmond, Carlos Gonzalez and Charlie Blackmon to discuss why they think this team could be one of the biggest surprises in the league and if they are capable of making all of the way to the title.

The Giants have a brand new closer and are gearing up for another championship run in 2017. MLB.com's Bill Ladson catches up with their new stopper in the 'pen Mark Melancon, outfielder Denard Span and executive vice president of baseball operations Brian Sabean to find out if the team has enough to make a run for a World Series title.

The Cubs were finally able to break the curse and win the World Series for the first time since 1908. Now they begin the long process all over again looking to repeat as champions. MLB.com's Bill Ladson caught up with Ben Zobrist, Kris Bryant, Jon Jay and Theo Epstein to find out how they plan on pulling off another championship season.

On this episode of Newsmakers, MLB.com's Bill Ladson is joined by author Hal Bock. Bock's new book "Banned'' covers well-known episodes like the Black Sox and Pete Rose and less well-known ones like Lipman Pike, baseball's first real slugger, and Dr. Joseph Creamer, team physician for the New York Giants, both thrown out of baseball for life. Also odd suspensions like Dickie Kerr, one of the clean players on the 1919 Black Sox, who wound up mentoring one of baseball's greatest hitters, and Ray Fisher, a beloved college coach who worked at that level while banned from Major League Baseball. There are some interesting stories that are not widely known.

The Dodgers are gearing up for a successful, healthy season and hoping for a deep playoff run. MLB.com's Bill Ladson caught up with Dave Roberts, Kenley Jansen and Sergio Romo to find out how they're planning on being difference makers this season.

On the latest episode of the Newsmakers Podcast, Bill Ladson spends some time with Indians manager Terry Francona to discuss his mindset going into Spring Training. Later, Bill is joined by Francisco Lindor to look ahead to the 2017 season after the disappointing loss in the World Series.

On the latest episode of the Newsmakers Podcast, Bill Ladson spends some time with former MLB outfielder Mike Cameron to discuss his playing days, including his remarkable feat of hitting four home runs in one game that he achieved in 2002. They also talk about his retirement and his career in Seattle, which saw them winning the AL West in 2001.

On this episode of the Newsmakers podcast, MLB.com's Bill Ladson speaks with play-by-play man for the Houston Astros Robert Ford. They discuss what the Astros' expectations are for 2017, if they'll make another move before Opening Day and the influence that Tim McCarver and Milo Hamilton had on Robert for landing his dream job.

Bill Ladson recently spoke with MLB.com's Tigers reporter Jason Beck on the passing of Tigers owner Mike Illitch and the impact he had on the Detroit sports scene. Bill is joined later in the podcast by National Correspondent Richard Justice to discuss the Brandon Phillips trade and what to make of the news of the Marlins possibly being sold.

On this episode of Newsmakers, Bill Ladson is joined by Hall of Famer Tim Raines as they discuss Raines' election to the Hall of Fame, his favorite highlights of his career and his recent role in the Blue Jays organization. Later in the episode, Ladson catches up with Blue Jays TV play-by-play announcer, Buck Martinez, to find out the latest news before the team heads off to Spring Training.

Bill Ladson recently caught up with Dodgers president and CEO, Stan Kasten to chat about how the 2016 season ended for the Dodgers, resigning key free agents Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner as well as the importance of building the farm system to remain competitive. Kasten explains about the responsibility of being the model franchise in the business and what the future holds for him and the Dodgers.

Bill Ladson recently caught up with Yankees broadcaster Ken Singleton to find out what he thinks of the new look Yankees and his thoughts on just how far this team can go this season. Singleton also reflects on his own baseball career with the Expos and Orioles.

On this episode of the Newsmakers, Bill Ladson is joined by five-time MLB All-Star Bill White. White played in the league for 13 years and won seven Gold Gloves during his tenure. After baseball, White became a broadcaster and was the play-by-play man and color analyst for the New York Yankees for 18 years. In 1989, White was elected National League President and held the title until 1994.

As a player, John Smoltz was one of the most feared pitchers when on the mound. After his retirement and enshrinement into the Baseball Hall of Fame, his passion for the game hasn't slowed down. MLB.com's Bill Ladson caught up with the MLB Network personality to discuss his transition from player to analyst as well as his thoughts on the 2016 World Series and what to expect during the 2017 MLB season.

The Braves recently struck a deal with veteran catcher Kurt Suzuki to bring him to Atlanta for the 2017 season. MLB.com's Bill Ladson talks with the Braves newest acquisition about going to the National League and why he feels Atlanta is a great fit for him. Suzuki also talks about the possibility of catching a knuckleballer for the first time and how much he enjoys working with young pitchers.

On this episode of the Newsmakers podcast, MLB.com's Bill Ladson talks with columnist Jessie Sanchez about the passing of Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte, and the impact of their losses in the baseball world.