Thad Levine and Chet West dig into the Brendan Sorsby story, including the gambling angle and what it says about the growing pressure around college athletes in the NIL and betting era. They also break down Team USA’s World Cup outlook and debate whether promotion and relegation could ever work in Major League Baseball. From transfers and sportsbooks to national teams and baseball’s competitive future, it’s a wide-ranging front office conversation across the sports landscape.

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Rosters to Rings welcomes new co-host and longtime friend of the program Chet West to the show. Chet and Thad break down everything fans need to know about the current MLB labor negotiations, including the key issues being discussed, the role of a salary floor and cap, how television revenue impacts the process, and what both owners and players are really trying to accomplish behind the scenes. Thad provides a rare front office perspective on how these negotiations unfold and why the fact that both sides are talking is an encouraging sign.

The conversation then shifts to the NBA Finals, roster construction, leadership, and whether championship teams need to experience playoff heartbreak before ultimately breaking through. Plus, Thad shares insights on veteran leadership, fan behavior, and the responsibilities organizations have in shaping team culture.

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Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall joins the show to discuss his journey from living in a camper while working in Minor League Baseball to leading one of baseball’s most fascinating front offices. Nick reflects on his early days around the Moneyball-era Athletics, the mentors who shaped him, and what it takes to build and sustain a small market franchise in today’s game.

Nick and Thad also dive into the realities of trading star players, building pitching depth in Cincinnati, navigating ownership conversations, drafting Hunter Greene, winning the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery, and the art of evaluating other organizations around the league. It’s an inside look at roster building, trades, scouting and leadership from one of baseball’s top executives.

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Coach James Rowson joins Rosters to Rings to break down the art and science of building a championship offense in the Bronx. Rowson sits down with Thad Levine to discuss the pressure that comes with coaching under the lights of New York Yankees. From clubhouse communication to helping elite hitters make adjustments at the highest level, and the added pressure of working with the players own hitting coaches, Rowson offers a rare inside look at what it takes to keep one of baseball’s most iconic lineups producing.

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Ron Washington returns for Part 2 to relive the highs, heartbreak and brotherhood of the iconic Texas Rangers teams he managed alongside Jon Daniels and Thad Levine. Wash opens up about the 2009 season, the support he received from his clubhouse, the fearless mentality those Rangers teams carried, the pain of losing the 2011 World Series, and the relationships that defined his managerial career. Plus, stories on Cliff Lee, George W. Bush, Moneyball, Joe West and more.

Thad also answers listener questions to cap off the show!

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In Part 1 of a two episode special, Ron Washington returns to familiar company, reuniting with his former Texas front office of Thad Levine and Jon Daniels. From his early days in the game to a 50-year career in the majors, Wash shares the stories, lessons, and edge that defined his path, while Thad and JD take you inside the hiring process that made him a cornerstone in Texas.

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Thad is joined by longtime MLB reporter and insider Ken Rosenthal for a wide-ranging conversation on his journey covering Major League Baseball, how he approaches Hall of Fame voting, and what it takes to land scoops in today’s fast-moving media landscape.

They also break down the recent managerial firings in Boston and Philadelphia, revisit how Ken helped uncover the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal, and discuss why he believes a 2027 MLB lockout could be on the horizon.

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In Part 2 with Jerry Dipoto, Thad and Jerry discuss his rise from interim GM to leading the Los Angeles Angels, the difficult decision to step away, and how that path led him to the Seattle Mariners. Jerry shares what it takes to take over a franchise, the early days of building in Seattle, the trades you make and the many you don't, and the bold deal for Luis Castillo in 2022 that helped shape one of baseball's best pitching staffs.

Plus, Thad and Producer Jason break down the Mets’ losing streak, how GMs handle media chaos, and the record $3.9 billion sale of the Padres.

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