Rosters to Rings Podcast

Thad Levine and Chet West examine why NFL quarterbacks are getting hurt at such an alarming rate and how teams are adapting to the league’s most important position. Then they break down the new pitching strategies shaping the MLB postseason, debate whether leagues can finally eliminate tanking, and revisit one of the strangest playoff plays you’ll ever see after a Brewers fly ball collided with the roof at American Family Field. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad Levine and Chet West reflect on the legacies of Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer and what their careers tell us about the changing role of starting pitching. They recap the biggest stories of the 2026 season, from Jacob Mizorowski’s dominant year to Pete Crow-Armstrong’s remarkable turnaround and Pete Alonso’s continued production. Then, they break down the postseason field, debating pitching depth, bullpen strategy, home-field advantage and whether the current Wild Card format gives teams enough room to find their footing. 🎧 Send your questions to rosterstoringspodcast@gmail.com and we'll answer them on the pod! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad Levine and Chet West break down the controversy surrounding UNC football and what happens when college programs begin operating like professional franchises without the same level of governance. Then they turn to baseball, dissecting the final week of the MLB playoff race, from the loaded AL East and surprising Rays, to the Dodgers, Brewers, Phillies and the battle for postseason positioning in the National League. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vikings play-by-play voice Paul Allen joins Rosters to Rings to share the journey behind his unmistakable broadcasting style and the passion he brings to every call. He breaks down quarterback development, his relationship with Kevin O’Connell, the pressures facing NFL decision-makers, and what he sees ahead for Minnesota in 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad Levine and Chet West continue their conversation with Dan O’Dowd, diving into his philosophy on player development, the balance between data and relationships, the future of the minor leagues, the CBA and the possibility of a 2027 lockout. Dan also shares his thoughts on pitching injuries, biomechanics, potential changes to the game and the legacy he’s built through the executives he helped develop. Then, Thad and Chet tackle listener questions on the Michigan-Western Michigan clock controversy and the NBA’s harsh penalties for the Clippers. 🎧 Send your questions to rosterstoringspodcast@gmail.com and we'll answer them on the pod! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad Levine and Chet West sit down with Dan O’Dowd, Thad’s first boss and one of the most influential executives of his generation, for a behind-the-scenes look at building a Major League organization. Dan reflects on his path from Baltimore to Cleveland to becoming GM of the Colorado Rockies, the challenges of building a winner at altitude, the 2007 “Rocktober” run, and the realities of working with ownership. He also shares candid lessons from his career, including the decisions he would make differently today and the importance of finding the right balance between analytics, relationships, and leadership. 🎧 Send your questions to rosterstoringspodcast@gmail.com and we'll answer them on the pod! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad Levine and Chet West break down a wave of major front-office shakeups across Major League Baseball, from the Angels and A’s to the Astros, and ask what these moves say about the state of the game. They also dive into the ongoing debate over MLB payroll, salary caps and salary floors, and whether spending more actually translates to winning. The conversation then turns to the other side of roster construction: when big contracts go wrong. Thad and Chet examine the long-term impact of deals like Deshaun Watson’s contract with the Browns and Kris Bryant’s deal with the Rockies, and how injuries, declining performance and guaranteed money can reshape a franchise.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rosters to Rings welcomes back former NBA GM and longtime friend of the program Ryan McDonough to break down the rapidly changing business of sports ownership. Ryan joins Thad Levine and Chet West to discuss the explosion in NBA franchise valuations, the rise of minority ownership, and why sports teams are becoming increasingly attractive investment opportunities. Ryan also explains why the Timberwolves sale looked like a bargain in hindsight, what makes the Lakers such a uniquely valuable franchise, how his Sports Ownership Group evaluates potential investments, and why relationships and insider knowledge can be just as valuable as capital. Plus, a look at the future of NBA expansion, the growing role of syndicate-style ownership, and why MLB could be the next major sports ownership market to heat up. 🎧 Send your questions to rosterstoringspodcast@gmail.com and we'll answer them on the pod!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rosters to Rings welcomes Bulls point guard Tre Jones for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey from Duke to the NBA. Tre shares stories from playing for Coach K and Gregg Popovich, following his brother Tyus to Duke, navigating the expectations of a loaded recruiting class, and adjusting to life in the NBA. He also opens up about his 2025 trade from San Antonio to Chicago, the realities of player movement, contract negotiations, NIL, and what separates the players who build long NBA careers from the rest. 🎧 Send your questions to rosterstoringspodcast@gmail.com and we'll answer them on the pod! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former MLB outfielder and current MLB Network and Rockies broadcaster Ryan Spilborghs joins Thad Levine and Chet West to share his journey from Santa Barbara to the big leagues, the unforgettable story behind his MLB call-up, and memories from Colorado's legendary 2007 Rocktober run. Ryan also breaks down the emotions of the trade deadline from a player's perspective, discusses how information flows between front offices and clubhouses, and joins the conversation on the future of baseball, the next collective bargaining agreement, and the evolving landscape of the game. 🎧 Send your listener questions to rosterstoringspodcast@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The MLB Trade Deadline is almost here, and Thad Levine and Chet West take listeners inside one of the busiest and most unpredictable times of the baseball calendar. They break down how front offices work with agents, how trade rumors and media leaks shape the market, and why misinformation is often part of the game. Plus, a look at the 2026 deadline landscape, the crowded playoff race, what it means for buyers and sellers, the Mariners' needs in the AL West, and how the Cubs could approach adding pitching before the deadline.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former MLB general manager Thad Levine sits down with legendary baseball agent B.B. Abbott to discuss his journey from law school to representing some of the biggest stars in the game. B.B. shares stories about his lifelong friendship with Chipper Jones, negotiating Byron Buxton's contract, building one of baseball's premier agencies, dominating the MLB Draft, merging with Wasserman, and how the next Collective Bargaining Agreement could shape the future of the sport. Plus, Thad answers listener questions on the Dodger's dominance and the World Cup.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad Levine and Chet West break down the surprising White Sox, Boston’s resurgence and San Diego’s difficult trade deadline decision. Plus, the shrinking pitching market, and why MLB teams still can’t trade most draft picks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes a front office job attractive, even when the team is struggling? Hosts Thad Levine and Chet West use the Angels' GM opening to explain how baseball executives evaluate ownership, payroll, player development, and long-term opportunity. It's a rare inside look at how front offices really think, followed by listener questions on the NBA offseason and MLB All-Star selections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad Levine and Chet West break down the early MLB managerial shakeups, including why the Mets moved on from Carlos Mendoza, how the Phillies have responded under Don Mattingly, and the difficult balance between front office decisions, injuries, and on-field performance. Thad offers an inside look at how organizations evaluate managers and when a change becomes necessary. Then, longtime Dallas sports radio host Jeff "Skin" Wade joins the show to explain the NBA's second apron rules and how they are reshaping roster construction across the league. Jeff also provides outlooks on the Bucks, Mavericks, Celtics, Timberwolves, and Trail Blazers. The crew finishes by answering a listener question and check in on the current state of Dallas sports.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.