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2025 MLB Season Preview: Will Anybody Beat the Dodgers? Are Baseball's Best Three Teams in NL West?

Baseball season has returned, and Jack is back for his 2025 Major League Baseball season preview. Jack welcomes Aberdeen IronBirds (Baltimore Orioles High-A affiliate) play-by-play broadcaster Michael Marcantonini back to the show, for a comprehensive look at all six divisions.
Mike and Jack kick things off with the AL East, a division Mike is very familiar with. The division has seen three different champions over the last five seasons. Will the New York Yankees repeat as AL East champs, even after losing Juan Soto? Last year, the Orioles took a step back from their 101-win season in 2023. Could they return to the top of the division, even after Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander departed as free agents over the winter? The Boston Red Sox were very active in the offseason, trading for Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox, and signing two-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract. Will it be enough to return Boston to the postseason? Mike and Jack also share their thoughts on the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays.
On deck, Mike and Jack put the AL Central under the microscope. Four of the division's five teams have seen a quite a bit of preseason betting action... with the White Sox coming off a record-setting 121-loss season in 2024. The Cleveland Guardians, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins all posted winning seasons last year. Who do Mike and Jack like to win the division and snag a Wild Card (or two)?
Then, the fellas turn their attention to the AL West. The Houston Astros have won the division seven of the last eight years. The only year in which the club has not won the West since 2017 came in 2020, in the COVID-shortened, 60-game season. In each of baseball's last seven full, 162-game seasons, the Astros have been AL West champions. However, the Astros bid farewell to Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Justin Verlander and Ryan Pressly over the winter. The club doesn't appear to have much coming up through its farm system in the near future. Are the Astros still the team to beat in the West, or is their run reaching its end? Will the Seattle Mariners finally win their first division title since 2001? How will the Texas Rangers bounce back from a lackluster 2024, one year after winning the World Series? What kind of steps forward might the Los Angeles Angels and The Athletics take in 2025?
Michael is a lifelong Philadelphia Phillies fan, so he is enthusiastic to weigh in on the Fightin' Phils' chances entering the coming season. How will the Atlanta Braves fare after losing ace Max Fried to free agency? Michael and Jack discuss the Mets' highly-priced addition of Juan Soto, and share which teams from the East they are projecting to make the playoffs.
The Chicago Cubs are the betting favorites in the NL Central, despite having made the postseason just once over the last six years. The Milwaukee Brewers have reached the playoffs seven of the last eight years. Why aren't the Brewers getting more love? Michael and Jack debate.
Jack believes that the three best teams in the National League all play in the NL West. Which of the three does he have winning the World Series? Jack explains why the greatest threat to the Los Angeles Dodgers' World Series defense may come in the National League Division Series. Finally, Michael and Jack share their World Series picks. It's an episode of the Jack Vita Show that you will not want to miss!
AL East (0:00 - 17:30)
AL Central (17:30 - 29:00)
AL West (29:00 - 39:35)
NL East (39:35 - 46:50)
NL Central (46:50 - 53:15)
NL West (53:15 - END)

Vernon Davis Talks Under Armour Commercial, Jim Harbaugh; AFC, NFC Conference Championship Recap

Super Bowl champion, two-time Pro Bowler and 2013 NFL Second-team All-Pro Vernon Davis visits the Jack Vita Show to discuss his time in the NFL and his transition from his playing career to his acting career (0:00 - 13:15). Then, Jack welcomes minor league play-by-play broadcaster Michael Marcantonini to the program to break down the weekend's AFC and NFC Championship games (13:15 - END).
Vernon entered the NFL nearly 20 years ago, as the no. 6 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. A product of the University of Maryland, Vernon ran the fasted 40-yard dash time ever recorded for a tight end at the NFL Combine, clocking in at 4.38 seconds. In the weeks leading up to the Draft, Vernon starred in a famous Under Armour commercial alongside AJ Hawk which introduced the marketing tagline "click, clack." Jack asks Vernon about the iconic commercial. They also chat about Vernon's time in the NFL, his best Jim Harbaugh stories, how acting differs from playing, and his new show, titled "Match Point", which premieres February 11 on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
Then, Jack is joined by Michael for a very lively discussion about the weekend's NFL Playoff games! Michael and Jack react to some horrendous officiating in the AFC title game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills. Why do football fans hate the Chiefs? Michael and Jack discuss. Michael is a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan, so he was pretty happy about the outcome to Sunday's NFC Championship game. Were the Eagles overlooked and disrespected in the NFC? Later, Michael and Jack look ahead to the big game, discussing early storylines for Super Bowl LIX. And finally, they discuss the Chicago Bears' new head coach hire, former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Should Jack be excited about the future in Chicago?
Michael is the play-by-play voice of the Aberdeen IronBirds, the High-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. He also broadcasts Division I athletics. You can follow him @MikedUpSports on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Why Corbin Burnes Took Less Money to Play for Diamondbacks, How Josh Naylor Will Fit in Arizona

Last week, the Arizona Diamondbacks made the definitive most shocking move of the offseason, signing 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes to a six-year, $210 million contract. Days earlier, the Diamondbacks traded for first baseman Josh Naylor, from the Cleveland Guardians. Arizona Diamondbacks on SI publisher and Diamondbacks beat reporter Jack Sommers visits the Jack Vita Show to break it all down!
Jack Sommers has the inside scoop on how the Burnes' signing — which seemingly no one saw coming — came to fruition. Burnes reportedly passed on more lucrative offers from the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays, preferring instead to play in Arizona, where he lives in the offseason with his family. The contract also includes deferrals; Jack Sommers explains how the deferrals work.
Earlier in the week, the Diamondbacks filled a gaping hole at first base, acquiring All-Star Josh Naylor in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Slade Cecconi and a Competitive Balance Round B Draft pick. Naylor will replace three-time Gold Glove Award winner Christian Walker, who signed a three-year, $60 million deal with the Houston Astros. Former Diamondbacks great Paul Goldschmidt had been linked to the team as a possible replacement for Walker, but instead signed a one-year, $12.5 million contract with the New York Yankees. Jack and Jack share their thoughts on game of musical chairs being played among first baseman! What do they think of the Naylor trade, and the landing spots for Walker and Goldy?
Finally, Jack and Jack share some thoughts on miraculous 2024 Arizona State Sun Devils football season, which resulted in a thrilling, double-overtime loss in the Peach Bowl on New Years Day. This episode was taped a day before the Bowl Game; Jack and Jack reflect on a monumental season for the program that nobody saw coming. Was this the most stunning season for an Arizona sports team in the state's history?
Unfortunately, we encountered some technical difficulties when recording this episode, thus, our audio isn't up to the high standards set for the Jack Vita Show. We apologize, and expect to do MUCH better next time!
You can follow Jack on Twitter, @shoewizard59, and check out his work at Diamondbacks on SI!

Will Cubs Re-Sign Kyle Tucker? How Will Cody Bellinger Fit in Yankees' Lineup? MLB Hot Stove with Rhett Bollinger

With the MLB hot stove heating up, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger visits the Jack Vita Show to break down the latest roster news, including Juan Soto's mammoth contract, the New York Yankees' attempt to replace Soto's production, and trades from both of Chicago's baseball teams. Rhett and Jack bring you analysis that you won't be able to find anywhere else!
Major League Baseball is seeing a far more active offseason than it did a year ago, up to this point. On the Sunday night of the MLB Winter Meetings, Juan Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets. In response to Soto's record-setting deal, the Yankees made a flurry of moves, signing Max Fried and Paul Goldschmidt, and trading for Cody Bellinger and Devin Williams.
Days before shipping Bellinger away to the Yankees, the Chicago Cubs acquired outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, in exchange for pitcher Hayden Wesneski, third baseman Isaac Paredes, and third base prospect Cam Smith. Tucker has just one year remaining on his contract, entering 2025. Will the Cubs be able to extend or re-sign him? Or will he just be a one-year rental for the club? Do the Cubs have the pieces to contend in 2025? How does Tucker transform their lineup?
On the other side of the city, the White Sox dealt Garrett Crochet to the Boston Red Sox for a haul of four prospects, which included 2023 and 2024 first round draft picks Kyle Teel and Braden Montgomery. Rhett and Jack assess the trade package, and discuss what they think the White Sox will do next.
Rhett and Jack touch on other offseason news from around the league, and Rhett analyzes the offseason that the Los Angeles Angels have had. Jack likes the Angels' addition of World Series champion and longtime Cub Kyle Hendricks. Later, Rhett and Jack share some thoughts heading into the first ever 12-team College Football Playoff.
Rhett is about to enter his seventh season as MLB.com's Los Angeles Angels beat reporter. Prior to starting on the Angels beat, he covered the Minnesota Twins for the same publication for eight seasons. You can follow him on Twitter, @RhettBollinger.

Jim Callis Talks Steelers, World Series, Andrew Painter's Return, Arizona Fall League

MLB Pipeline reporter and prospect analyst Jim Callis returns to the Jack Vita Show to discuss a mix of football and baseball on this fine Tuesday. NFL season is in full-swing, the World Series stage is set, and the Arizona Fall League enters its third week of play. Jim is here to break it all down!
First, Jim and Jack chat about their Pittsburgh Steelers. Just days ago, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made a bold decision to bench quarterback Justin Fields in favor of veteran Russell Wilson, despite his team opening the season with a 4-2 record with Fields behind center. The move was met with much criticism, as Wilson was booed Sunday by Pittsburgh fans at Acrisure Stadium. Wilson, however, turned in a successful outing, passing for 264 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, taking just one sack, as the Steelers hung a season-high 37 points in a 37-15 victory over the New York Jets. What do Jack and Jim make of all of this, and what was their reaction to Tomlin's decision? (0:00 - 14:00).
Then, Jim and Jack pivot to baseball. The World Series stage is set, with Aaron Judge's New York Yankees taking on Shohei Ohtani's Los Angeles Dodgers. The matchup should make for one of the most star-studded Fall Classics in recent memory. Jack and Jim recap the ALCS and NLCS, and preview a World Series, featuring two historic franchises, that should certainly deliver in the ratings department (14:00 - 23:50).
Later, Jack and Jim get you caught up on the later from the Arizona Fall League. The AFL is a developmental league for some of baseball's best minor league prospects, which runs for six weeks each fall (23:50 - END).
The biggest headline from this year's AFL season thus far is without a doubt the return of top Philadelphia Phillies pitching prospect Andrew Painter. Painter tore his UCL in early 2023, needing Tommy John surgery. The hard-throwing righty hadn't pitched in a game since 2022, prior to his start ten days ago in Scottsdale. Painter made his second start last Friday, mixing in more pitches from his pitch arsenal. Jim and Jack discuss Painter's return, his recovery, his timeline and how he's looked thus far. They also highlight other prospects that have impressed through the first third of the AFL season, and discuss why they love the Fall League so much!

Mario Lanza on Where the Seattle Mariners Went Wrong, Why Pitching is So Dominant in 2024

With one week remaining in the 2024 MLB regular season, the Seattle Sports Guy and creator of The Funny 115, Mario Lanza, returns to the Jack Vita Show to discuss the Seattle Mariners' season and the latest trends within the game of baseball. Mario and Jack also take a broader look at the sport, from a national perspective.
Mario is one the most knowledgeable Seattle sports fans on the planet. Each year, Mario leaves us a voice message, providing a detailed outlook for the coming Mariners' season, in our AL West Preview show. And each year, Mario has a generally positive outlook entering the season. He's remained quite patient and rational, even while the M's have just barely missed the postseason two of the last three seasons. It appears Mario's patience has run out, however. Find out why this is one of Mario's least favorite Mariners teams of his lifetime.
Sunday, the Mariners held a four-run lead over the Texas Rangers entering the bottom of the sixth inning. The M's blew a 4-0 lead, falling to the Rangers 6-5, and squandering an opportunity to move up in the American League Wild Card standings. Both teams in front of the M's in the AL Wild Card standings — the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins — lost on Sunday. With six games left, Seattle is two games back of the Royals for the final AL Wild Card spot. The Mariners are still very much alive, but they have their work cut out for them this week.
Three teams from the AL Central sit in front of the Mariners in the Wild Card standings, and all three of them can thank the Chicago White Sox for part of their success this season. Both the Royals and Twins are 12-1 versus the lowly South Siders in 2024, and the Tigers are 9-1, with one series remaining before season's end. Meanwhile, the White Sox (36-120) are on the cusp of putting together the worst regular season record in MLB history. Mario and Jack talk about the 2024 White Sox. Have either of them scene a worse Major League team before?
Later, Mario and Jack discuss how dominant pitching has become in Major League Baseball and the remarkable seasons Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are enjoying. Mario and Jack discuss the state of baseball in 2024, thoughts on the 2024 season, baseball fights, and so much more along the way!
You can follow Mario on Twitter, @MarioJLanza. He hosts two podcasts: Survivor Historians and Staff Picks. He wrote a book on the first three seasons of CBS' hit reality competition show Survivor called "When it was Worth Playing For". You can find all his work at Funny115.com.

2024 AL Central Preview with Dan O'Dowd

In March 2024, Jack taped a 2024 AL Central Preview with MLB Network analyst and former Colorado Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd. Dan and Jack previewed the division, providing projected win totals for the Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers. With less than three weeks remaining in the regular season, the division is still up for grabs. The Royals are just 3.5 games back of the Guardians, who lead the division, with the Twins 6 GB and fighting for a Wild Card berth. The AL Central could produce three playoff teams. How are Jack and Dan's predictions looking? Tune in to find out!

Why Washington Nationals Phenom Dj Herz was "Surprised and Confused" When Chicago Cubs Traded Him

Hot off an impressive showing in the Arizona Fall League, Washington Nationals pitching prospect Dj Herz visits the Jack Vita Show for a lively conversation about life in the minor leagues, his time in the Arizona Fall League, how he felt when he got traded by the Chicago Cubs, his love for fishing, his Christian faith, and much more!
The Cubs selected Herz out of Terry Sanford High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina in the eighth round of the 2019 MLB Draft. Herz wasted no time, finding immediate success while pitching in the Cubs' farm system. In his first full professional season, Herz posted a 3.31 ERA across 20 starts between High-A South Bend and Low-A Myrtle Beach. He was named the Cubs' Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
Herz spent the 2023 season pitching at Double-A Tennessee. In the late summer, he was anticipating a promotion to Triple-A Iowa. When his phone rang on the day of the trade deadline, he had just awoken from a nap, and he thought his time had come. He was blindsided when he was informed that he had been traded along with shortstop prospect Kevin Made to the Washington Nationals, in exchange for third baseman Jeimer Candelario.
Herz pitched the remainder of the season for the Nationals' Double-A affiliate, Harrisburg, where he logged a 2.55 ERA over eight starts. Upon the conclusion of the minor league season, Herz received the opportunity to pitch in the Arizona Fall League for the Scottsdale Scorpions. Herz made five starts in the AFL, posting a 3.71 ERA while competing amongst some of baseball's best prospects. He was named a Fall Star, appearing in the Arizona Fall Stars Game.
Herz just turned 23 and is set to report to spring training in a matter of weeks. He hopes that 2024 is the year that he makes his big league debut. He is the no. 16 prospect in the Nationals' farm system, per MLB Pipeline.
Herz chats with Jack about his time pitching in the Fall League and living in Arizona. How did he enjoy the AFL and playing with and against prospects from other teams? Who did he become close with?
Herz reflects on his time in the Cubs organization. He discusses which prospects in the Cubs' farm system he was most impressed by, and which ones he has the highest hopes for, when they enter the big leagues.
Herz is a close friend of Jackson Ferris. Ferris was also a top pitching prospect in the Cubs' farm system, who recently was surprisingly traded. Herz discusses what wisdom and advice he shared with Ferris, after Ferris was dealt two weeks ago along with Zyhir Hope to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Michael Busch and Yency Almonte. Herz tells the story of when he got traded and how he reacted. Does he have a chip on his shoulder?
Herz talks about the minor league life, and what it's like competing with teammates for promotions, as each player tries to reach the next level.
Herz discusses life off-the-field, his love for fishing and golf, his puppies, CBS' Survivor and MTV's The Challenge. He also talks about his Christian faith and what role God plays in his life. Herz talks some NFL playoff football, and looks ahead to the coming year, which he hopes is the first of a long Major League career.
You can follow Dj on Twitter (@DavidjohnHerz) and Instagram (@dj_herz).