Transcript of Postseason Trivia Draft Fail?! + Adnan Virk’s MLB Playoff Predictions | Pitch Clock New

Hey, it's Jeremy, and I'm walking into the studio right now before we record our interview with Adnan. So our cold open is a quick update. You may know this, you may not. We do not record all of Pitch Clock at the exact same time. And so we recorded our game a few days ago. Why does that matter? Because since then, Quique Hernandez has a couple of hits, including a homer.

Mm-hmm.

Mookie Betts may or may not have a couple of hits. Uh, it is worth noting that the numbers you are going to hear for the totals of some of these players in our trivia game are not exactly what they are right now today. Does it actually impact the result? No, we did the math, we double-checked, or Gabe did. Hopefully he's right this time, but all of that math will not influence the result. Please do not yell. We will have visual cues when—

We're ready.

The numbers are slightly different. Enjoy this episode of The Pitch Clock. Please don't yell at us. Welcome to The Pitch Clock. Here's the pitch: a 2-part baseball segment combining a nostalgic baseball trivia game and an interview with an expert. This is The Pitch Clock. Ooh, baby. Word.

Yeah.

That's how I feel right now because we are in the swing of the MLB playoffs. We've got Adnan Virk joining us momentarily to talk about everything that happened previously in the wildcard round. Now as we're getting into the division series here, and I'm coming off a win.

Yeah.

What felt like a potentially season-saving win because we had a wild swing at the top of last episode. If you didn't watch, make sure you go see. I've got my 2-game lead as opposed to a tie, but we've still got about 5 weeks, 6 weeks to go here. We'll, we'll see as we narrow down when we finally get to the end of this. But Gabe, we got a game to play. What do we got?

We got postseason decades.

All right.

Flip your page.

Let's check it out.

Well said.

'90s.

'90s, 2010s, and '20s. You guys are going to draft again. You're going to pick one player from each decade. 3 rounds, 3 different criteria.

Oh boy.

You will know the criteria. Right before the round.

Oh, this is fun. Okay.

Um, I mean, it kind of would be nice to know all the criteria.

No, I, I kind of like that.

It would be nice.

That they would be nice. I like this. Uh, I'm gonna just, I'm gonna go through names for the audio, audio listeners at home. '90s, we got Noma, Brady Anderson, Ken Kamenitti, Sandy Alomar, Tino Martinez, Devin White, David Justice, and Roberto Alomar.

Devin White. Devon.

Dude, Devon White. It is Devon White. Sorry, running through things quickly. 2000s: Lance Berkman, Carlos Beltran, Tran Tron, David Eckstein, Johnny Damon, Darren Erstad, BJ Upton, Jim Edmonds, and Reggie Sanders. 2010s: Delmon Young, Pablo Sandoval, Eric Hosmer, Miguel Cabrera, David Freese, JD Martinez, Prince Fielder, Francisco Lindor. And the 2020s: Kike Hernandez, Mookie Betts, Jose Altuve, Cody Bellinger, Corey Seager, Dansby Swanson, Yuli Gurriel, and Randy Arozarena.

I love how rattled you were after that DeVar.

Yeah, it literally— it turned— it changed everything. I said Beltréon and then Eckstein. I knew it was Eckstein, but I second-guessed myself to say Eckstein, which is not what his name is.

You got Kike right. Thank you for that.

Well. Well, just to let you know, these are numbers from that era only. It's not grand total of postseason, just the era.

Okay. Just that decade. We got it.

Exactly. And then we're going to add up the score at the very end.

Okay.

Talk to me.

So what's our first category? And do I go first this round at least? Because like, I'll go first round and third round. Maybe I go first because I won last week.

Sure.

We want to decide that together. Terrific.

Your first category. Let's keep it simple. Home runs.

'90s postseason home runs. I'm going to go with—

God, there's one obvious answer.

Tino Martinez.

5.

Oh boy.

And just so you know, I got these, this information from StatHead.

So yeah, we've actually got this information.

Yeah.

If it's wrong, blame them.

Nomar.

7.

There we go.

Man, do you know who was number 1 on that list?

So those guys are now undraftable.

Those guys are undraftable for the other categories.

Correct.

Okay. And since it doesn't matter because home runs won't be a category again, at least I don't think, can you tell us who the best answer would have been?

David Justice. Yeah, he had 10.

That was who I was between. That sucks. Uh, all right.

I don't know if I like knowing that though, because he could do RBI next one. And now all of a sudden—

But did it mess everything up?

No.

Okay.

Um, total bases. You see where I'm going here?

Yeah.

2000s. We have— I'm going— ooh, this is tough. There's 3 guys that stand out to me.

You should go with David Eckstrand.

Yeah, I'm going Carlos Beltrán.

11.

Okay.

I really want to say Darren Erstad because I know he had a couple of really good postseasons, but I'm going to go Jim Edmonds.

13.

Oh, did I make a good choice there?

Yes, you did.

Damn it. Oh, no. Who would have been the best answer?

Jim Edmonds.

Jim Edmonds. 2010s. We're still going postseason home runs. Boy, this is more difficult than I thought it would be. I'm gonna take Pablo Sandoval.

6.

Damn it, that's not enough. Oh, there's another guy.

JD Martinez.

Yep, that's also 6.

Oh, thank God. Who is the best on this list?

David Freese, 10.

Really?

Damn.

I thought that was, that was there just because we remember an iconic moment, not because he actually had that many home runs. Man, good for him. And the 2020s. Now this is more complicated and there's a name on this list. And it's also interesting because there's some like weird crossover here with—

Just pick a name. All right.

I'm doing, I'm doing— hey, we have a show to do. supposed to talk. We're supposed to think things out. The listening audience loves this part, right? Right? Right? Um, I will take Randy Rosarena.

12.

Oh boy, okay.

Cody Bellinger.

6.

Damn.

I can always tell, I can always tell by Gabe's face.

It's a huge swing.

So we're totaling these totals up like for all 3 rounds, or is it like there's a winner of this round? winner of that round?

No, no, we're going to total up.

I was up, what, 4 there and you gained 6?

Yeah, so I'm up by 2 at the end of that round. Is Randy Arozarena the best dancer on that list?

Uh, no, Corey Seager.

Really? Wow.

16.

Wow. Holy cow. I guess with both the Dodgers and the Rangers because they won that World Series.

That's who I was thinking of.

Adnan Virk is here for this episode of The Pitch Clock. He's joining us from an airport as he goes from one flight to the next. He's in the middle of flights. It's the effort that he's willing to put in to spend this time with us on the Pitch Clock. So if you hear any other random voices behind him, that's just because of the type of effort that he puts in. Adnan, thank you for being here, my friend.

Of course, Jeremy. I was like, no matter what, we need to talk baseball. This is too important to both of us, especially these games, the excitement that's been all around them. So yeah, Winnipeg to Toronto, quick layover before I get back to Jersey. I'm happy to chat our favorite part of the season.

Yes, absolutely. Um, and for those of you who are looking for a recap, David and I already spent a little time this morning— that's David Sampson, of course, of Nothing Personal— we had a crossover with the Pitch Clock, recapped some of last night's games. It was a lot of fun. Um, so make sure that you've either listened to that or watched that over on the Le Batard Show YouTube page, because Adnan and I are mostly going to look forward. But Adnan, I do want your thoughts here, so I'm going to ask you for one sentence from each game from last night. I'm going to go through each series. Okay. So for each of these games that went down last night on Wednesday, let's just one sentence. Guardians-White Sox.

Jose Ramirez finally steps up. It's been a big story just how the hamate bone injury has been a problem for him. 2-for-5, triple, fantastic defensive play. Jose Ramirez is the star that he is. Cleveland extends.

Okay.

A colon and a couple of commas in there on that, that one sentence. I want to go to a challenge. Let's, let's go Braves-Dodgers.

Dodgers too good. There you go. I was, I was much more succinct on that one. Braves offense completely listless.

Yeah.

Completely. And that Dodgers pitching is so good.

Yeah.

All right, now we go Yankees-Rays.

Thankfully Rays did not, thankfully the A's did not have a porous showing defensively. Rays pitching too strong.

Victor Mase Jr., how about that? Told you there'd be a former Marlin who played a big impact. Told you, I told you it, it, it happened. Now also my goy, if you really think about it as well.

Yeah.

And then, and then finally Padres-Brewers.

Again, Padres offense just listless. Brewers bullpen formidable.

That's right. So now we look ahead at tonight's game. We got the White Sox and the Guardians. They're the only series left. We got a game 4 in Chicago. Parker Messick on the hill for those Guardians. The fans behind you very excited about this. Adnan, let's talk about this. White Sox-Guardians, who comes away the winner and why?

Yeah, people here at Pearson International Airport definitely buzzing about this series specifically. Parker Messick has had such a great year, Jeremy, because, you know, he's gonna get votes for the Cy Young and also for Rookie of the Year. The guy's a load out there. And all along I thought Cleveland's starting pitching was the strength of the series and why Cleveland would win. But I'm loving the fact that the White Sox are in it. I've said all along, if the White Sox pull this off, you're gonna see a mass rush of converts to Catholicism, 'cause clearly Pope Leo has blessed this team.

And just imagine, just imagine, Jeremy, we get White Sox in the World Series.

You got Obama throwing out the first pitch, Game 1, Pope Leo in Game 2. It'd be unbelievable. So, uh, I really want to see it, but I want more baseball. So I want Cleveland to win Game 4. I say Messick dominates, and also we get the White Sox winning Game 5. That's what I want to see. I'm gonna will it to happen.

Round 2, RBIs.

Ah, so this is gonna swing.

Okay.

All right. So it is RPS.

I like that then.

My turn?

Yeah, damn it.

David Justice.

Shoot.

42. No!

This sucks!

You asked for it.

Ah, no!

Uh, Sandy Alomar.

28.

Damn it. This is, this is garbage. Who was the best dancer on that list?

David Justice.

You.

I'll go Lance Berkman.

26.

Okay.

I'm going Johnny Damon.

30. Yes.

All right. All right.

All right. Inching back.

That's okay.

Well, I'm not gonna ask any more questions about who's the highest on whatever list.

Shut your mouth.

David Freese.

Yeah.

36.

No.

God, Gabe.

Didn't we ask if RBI?

I like used that as an example. You literally used it as an example. Um, oh, between these 2 guys, who do I go with? I'm just— I'm gonna— I'm going Miguel Cabrera.

26.

You loser.

I'm so angry.

I'm gonna go with—

I can't believe this.

Corey Seager.

God, this is ridiculous. I can't believe this is— I can't believe this. I can't believe this. I can't believe this in such a specific way. I can't believe it because you used it as an example. I can't believe I set it up so that I would go first not in every single round, but just every other round. For no, for no reason. I was just trying to be as fair as I could be, like oh, I'll let you get an advantage, but not all of the advantage. And then Gabe, Gabe, how do you not stop me from asking those questions and getting the answers? How do you not stop me? That's bad producing. This is ridiculous what you've done.

Good producing, I think.

Um, okay. Uh, well shoot.

Uh.

Now you're not going to curse.

Yeah, I feel crazy. Um, Altuve.

27.

God, what a disaster. What a disaster.

So that first game, home runs, I was down 2. I total won 31 in this second round. So I am up 29. Yeah. Going into the third round.

You got the White Sox or the Guardians advancing when it comes to the ALCS. They're going to take on the Rays, who ultimately sweep the New York Yankees. And my question for you really is, does it even matter who they're going to play? Are the Rays just too good for whoever their opponent is?

Yeah, this series was such a great example of just Rays baseball. Like, first off, an underappreciated starting pitching staff. Like, Drew Rasmussen might be a top 3 pitcher, certainly American League, and in all of baseball. That guy was awesome and just shoved in game 1, completely shut down the Yankees. You know, Nick Martinez has had an amazing season at the age of 35, first-time All-Star. Brian Baker closed down all all 3 games. That's like Dennis Eckersley style. When the closer comes in, you go, it's game over. And then this offense, which is so unheralded, like, yeah, you can focus on Junior Caminero and Yandy Diaz and Jonathan Aranda, but it's these other players that step up.

Yeah.

It's your Ryan Velage, it's your Victor Mesas. It's, it's just timely hitting from these guys. They're so pesky and so relentless and they just put the ball in play. This is not an aberration that they won 98 games. They're the best team in the American League. They're sound defensively. They're well managed by Kevin Cash. I think the Rays win no matter what. I'd be really surprised they're not in the World Series.

I would be shocked if anyone pulled off the upset. And the thing that really makes them so good is, like you mentioned, their, their pitching is so consistent, their pitching is so elite. And whether it's a starter or a guy out of the bullpen, they're versatile. It doesn't really seem to matter which type of lineup they face. That's something that is a huge credit to the Rays and their, and their coaching staff and their front office is an ability to maximize their pitchers and turn them into the best versions of themselves.

Mm-hmm.

And when you see a matchup with a team like the White Sox or the Guardians, it feels like they will overmatch those teams and ultimately be one of the 3 low-payroll teams from the American League to ultimately advance to the World Series. But we've got a juggernaut, Adnan. This— I'm, I'm so happy to get to wrap with you here because this is something we've been looking forward to since basically the day the season started. You got the Brewers who were the best team in baseball. You got the Dodgers who were the back-to-back World Series champions and most people believe to be the actual best team in baseball. They're going to be the favorite. They're the juggernaut. The Brewers somehow, as the best team in baseball with the Cy Young on the hill in Game 1, are going to feel like they have to pull off an upset. I mean, holy cow, this is what we all wanted. We got a juggernaut. What's the X factor here? Like, what are you looking at as we head into this series? And really, let's be real, pull for the Brewers.

Yeah, I'm with you, dude. I'm bubbling over with enthusiasm. If you do not have a dog in the race, how are you not cheering for this Milwaukee Brewers team?

Right.

They haven't won the pennant since '82. They've never won the World Series. They've little brother syndrome, like you wouldn't believe it. I spoke to my buddy Adam Amin, who called that series Brewers-Padres, and he said, you know, I had like old ladies shaking their fists at the booth like, now do you believe? And I'm like, you won 103 games. Nobody is discrediting you. We all know you're very, very good.

Right.

The question is, can you beat the Dodgers? Like, that is a legit question. And we saw how you scored 3 runs in the NLCS a year ago. So that's really gonna be the challenge. So I'm praying it happens, dude. I'm a little bit concerned because I love Mizz so much, as does anybody who's a baseball fan. And he only went 4 innings in that that game 1 start, 88 pitches. And the reason why afterwards is that Pat Murphy was just like, he just thought his command was off a little bit. And I'm like, Pat, no matter what, we need Mizz to go deep. I don't care if you don't think he's at his best. Like, we need 2 outstanding starts from Mizz. I want like Sandy Koufax '65 World Series type stuff out of Mizz. I wanna be great. And then I want Logan Henderson, who has allowed 3 runs or less in 25 straight starts. Remarkable consistency. Yeah. No matter what, this guy does not get lit up. He might not go 7 innings, but he's going 5 plus, 3 runs or less. So that's very good. Now I get worried after that, the Robert Gasser's bullpen games.

What do we get? Although Brewers bullpen, my hot take was Brewers bullpen better than the Padres bullpen, which nobody would've thought. San Diego's bullpen gets all the acclaim. Milwaukee's was better in the regular season. They were better in the playoffs. And I mean, God, Trevor McGill, as Sean Casey said to me, looks like a serial killer from the Land of Dahmer. That guy comes in the game, you're like, oh my God, I, I do not wanna face him. Those are some uncomfortable at-bats. But all that being said, how can you deny the Dodgers are like the overwhelming favorite? Like I kept thinking that Braves-Dodgers series when it was 1-1, I was like, hey, sets are pretty good for Atlanta. Chris Sale in Game 3, Tyler Mallen in Game 4. Oh wait, LA's got Yamamoto in Game 3. Like, I think they're gonna be fine.

Yeah.

And that's exactly what happened. And now Edwin Diaz looks fine and Tanner Scott's figured it out. So the other thing is Freddie Freeman, as you know, had a lack of slug this season, still hit for average, but with issues of power. What happens in the playoffs? No problem. Down and in, 2 home runs for Freddie Freeman. Power's back. I'm good to go. So listen, the Dodgers, I think in all likelihood, are going to win this series in 6. But like you, I am praying beyond praying for the good people of Wisconsin, for Laverne and Shirley, for cheese curds, for everything that is holy in life. I want the Brewers to win this thing in 7, to vanquish the Goliath Dodgers. Nothing would make me happier. Nothing. I'm pulling so hard for Milwaukee.

I just— I— the reason I want it is, God, the brand of baseball between the Brewers and the Rays would be a blast.

Yeah.

Though obviously the Dodgers and Rays would be a fun contrast. Contrast of styles. Yeah, contrast of styles, a contrast of payrolls, a contrast of narratives around them. And that's what you're getting here in this series as well. And it's so funny, you referred to Trevor McGill and said he looks like basically the Land of Dahmer. Earlier today, Aaron Ashby was referred to as the guy who you would see in the movie theater with, with the trench coat. It sounds like this Brewers bullpen is full of weirdos. And you know what? They're really effective. I actually think ultimately Aaron Ashby— may be the key to this series because his left-handed arm out of that bullpen, a guy who can, who really has a rubber arm, can pitch every single day facing those lefties in Ohtani, in Freeman, Max Muncy, who just hit his 19th postseason home run. These are going to be some key at-bats throughout the course of the series. But obviously Jacob Mizorasky has about as much pressure on him as a Cy Young Award. I mean, obvious Cy Young Award winner that, that's headed his way as a young Cy Young Award winner.

Yeah.

As I can really remember going into a series like this one. It is going to be a blast. By the time we speak next, we'll be headed into Game 4 of that series and Game 3 of what I predict to be ultimately the White Sox and the Rays. I know you feel the same way. Hope they pull it off in 5. Adnan, thank you for taking the time sitting next to that woman, I believe speaking French in the airport. We appreciate you, my friend, and we will see you here next week on the Pitch Clock.

I wish I was still bilingual, but grade 9 French is where I tapped out, Jeremy. And one last thought for the Brewers. We focused so much on LA star power, but I'm really hoping, listen, William Contreras had that huge go-ahead home run. He's a monster.

Bryce Terang.

Bryce Terang had 100 RBIs this year. And every year you and I say, wow, this guy became a star. Jackson Churio has become a star so far this postseason. I hope those 3 guys step up big time. And that's why Milwaukee wins.

Yep.

Terang really needs to because Contreras and Churio have done their part thus far. They need a lot outta Terang. Maybe, maybe a moment from the guy wearing the C and Christian Yelich. We'll see if that happens. Hey, everybody, make sure to watch Adnan in all of the places that he is. Buy his book, Cinephile.

It's great, man.

He's the best. Adnan, thank you so much for joining me again. And hey, can't wait to talk to you. Well, I mean, let's be real. We're going to talk throughout all of this, but I can't wait to talk to you next week on the air.

I was going to say, we'll be texting throughout the playoffs. That's right. Talking on the air next week as well. This was awesome, buddy. Cannot wait.

You're the best. I guess we'll go into the last round.

Gabe, what's next? Total bases.

This— I swear to God. I swear to God, Gabe. I don't— oh my God. What is it?

Slugging percentage?

What is it?

Hits. Hits.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay. I'm going with Roberto Alomar.

68.

68. And that feels like a lot, but I don't know how many a lot is.

I'll go with Devin White. Got it.

55.

I will go with Darren Erstad.

40.

Okay.

Eckstein. 49.

Thank you. I love how—

No!

I love how you can tell Gabe's rooting for me by his energy.

God, this sucks. I'm so mad. I'm so mad about this, especially because I was gonna take Eckstein and that would have made it really close. Instead, I'm now down 25 going into this final problem.

Whenever you get it right, he's like, mm, this.

Yeah, he's like, 32.

And if I'm right, he's like, 49!

Yep, there it is. God, you jerk. Oh, Gabe, I felt bad for the last 2 times. Yeah, both of you. No, there's no feeling bad in baseball.

You can just have favorites, Gabe. You don't have to have reasons.

This sucks. I don't even remember who got taken. Okay, relax, Jeremy. Delmon Young, Eric Hosmer, Prince Fielder, and Francisco Lindor in the 2010s. Who had the most hits?

Well, I'm gonna go either Lindor or Fielder, whatever one you don't go with.

So, okay, I'm going Hosmer.

34.

Damn it, that worked perfectly. Lindor, 24. Yeah, he's 24.

Gabe was disappointed. Yeah, disappointed. You could tell. All right, I need, I need to win by 15 in this final round.

One answer left.

I need 15 or 16 more hits.

Yes, than Chris. 17 would work too.

There are 4 names left on this list in the 2020s. Dansby Swanson, Yuli Gurriel, Kike Hernandez, Mookie Betts. Mookie Betts.

That's the highest number. Oh boy.

Okay.

Now, is it possible?

72.

Oh Lord.

Now it's good here.

Is it possible to get within 50 or did he just win? Like, it's kind of, it's good. Should I, don't want you to answer.

No, just go.

Okay.

Kike.

That's who I was going with otherwise.

60.

Let's go! I win!

We are back, baby! Let's go! A 3-point swing! Gabe, you could celebrate. Why'd you have to tell him about the home run? Gabe, you could celebrate.