Not From Boston

In the 50th episode of Not From Boston (what?!), I reconnect with Harry Kaplan, scouting and data analytics intern for the New York Boulders, to discuss all things MLB draft. We talk about the state of the Red Sox's farm system, which prospects capture our attention most, and who we hope to see join the Red Sox organization.*NOTE: This episode was recorded before the MLB draft, which took place from July 11-12, 2026.

This may be the first time you've heard his name, but you probably already know Todd Radom's work. A designer, sports branding expert, and writer, Todd has been responsible for multiple rebrands in Major League Baseball, including the Los Angeles Angels in 2002, and the Houston Astros in 2013. Last week, I sat down with Todd to talk about sports branding and team identity, how these things change, and what we can expect from what he's called "the Great Flattening." Todd also has a new book out called Ballparks and Beyond, which explores baseball's rich history through the places teams and fans called home.Please remember to like and subscribe to Not From Boston wherever you get your podcasts.

This week, I did a brief breakdown on the current state of the Boston Red Sox (of course, this was before they finished the sweep on the Royals), and compared them to everyone's favorite Red Sox team from 2012 (IYKYK).Then, I talk about Pete Crow-Armstrong yelling sexually explicit and aggressive things at a woman during a Cubs/White Sox game. Believe it or not, I am anti-yelling at people, especially about my own genitals.I do quick rundown of my 2026 predictions from earlier in the year, because we are a quarter of the way through the season (somehow). Then, to wrap it all up, I did a deep dive on the Washington Nationals new President of Baseball Ops, Paul Toboni, who has some sick communication skills it turns out (please hire me).Finally, just wanted to let you all know this podcast has moved from Substack to Acast. I didn't know Acast didn't do video pods (maybe that's something they should advertise), so I'm going to try and get the video pod up on Substack or something, so subscribe there if you want that.

As promised, here is the second half, really the original half, of last week’s episode, which was derailed by the Alex Cora firing. Ironically, this episode is all about what the Red Sox should do once they (inevitably) fire Craig Breslow as Chief Baseball Officer!In this episode, I discuss the philosophy the organization should embrace, who would be good fits for the CBO and GM roles, and what fundamental changes would need to happen at the organizational level. This includes farm system development, rebuilding the Major League roster, and most importantly (to me), communication!As always, be sure to follow, like, and subscribe here, on Patreon, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notfromboston.substack.com

Now that almost a week has gone by, here are my thoughts on the Boston Red Sox’s decision to fire Alex Cora as manager. This is only half of the episode that was recorded on Wednesday. Due to time constraints, the other half will be released as its own episode.In addition to discussing my general feelings, I also tackle the Red Sox’s approach to this move from a public relations perspective. Finally, at the end of the episode, I share Harry’s feelings, all of which he texted me. As always, be sure to follow, like, and subscribe here, on Patreon, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notfromboston.substack.com

Hi Not From Boston fans. This episode is a bit long, but it is jam-packed with two guests making their return to the podcast.First, you know him; he used to co-host this show! Harry’s back to watch the end of the Twins series with me. We talk about where the team is at and where we think they’re going, and neither of us is very optimistic.Then, I talk to the creator and co-host of Talk Dodgers to Me, Melissa Myer, about her love of baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and building a modern sports media brand.TimecodesHarry - 0:01:30 to 1:06:00Melissa - 1:06:37 to 1:45:48As always, like, subscribe, and follow Not From Boston on Patreon, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and of course, Substack. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notfromboston.substack.com