Can Taking a Called Third Strike Make You a Better Hitter?

Can the Dodgers win a third consecutive World Series, or will the Brewers, Guardians, or Rays pull off the upset?

In Episode 727 of Almost Cooperstown, Mark and Gordon Kolier examine baseball's final four, the role of payroll in building a championship team, and why the Dodgers may be more dangerous than some fans believe.

We also discuss MLB's reported proposal to shorten the regular season from 162 to 154 games, expand the Division Series, and introduce opponent selection for higher-seeded playoff teams. With a possible labor stoppage looming, will any of these ideas make a difference?

Plus, a fascinating look at Austin Hedges' approach to hitting: Could accepting more called third strikes actually make you a better hitter?

Topics include:

Dodgers vs. Brewers, Guardians, and Rays

What eliminated the Yankees, Braves, Padres, and White Sox

Yoshinobu Yamamoto and postseason pitching greatness

MLB labor negotiations and the proposed 154-game schedule

Catchers who have won batting titles

Austin Hedges, strikeouts looking, and plate discipline

Carlos Beltrán's famous 2006 NLCS strikeout

Almost Cooperstown is a weekly baseball podcast featuring thoughtful conversations about the Baseball Hall of Fame, baseball history, current MLB topics, player comparisons, statistics and the stories that connect today's game with its rich history.

Thanks again to Mercury Maid for the Intro & Outro music.

Visit AlmostCooperstown.com for original baseball articles, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow Almost Cooperstown on YouTube.

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