Have A Seat with Jason Benetti and Dan Dickerson MLB.com

Detroit rookie Wenceel Pérez sits down with Jason and Dan to discuss his journey to the Big Leagues, one that began as a 16-year-old international free agent signing in 2016. What was it like moving to a foreign country at such a young age to pursue his dream? The Dominican Republic native recounts learning to switch-hit as a kid, as well as his recent transition from shortstop to outfielder. Manager A. J. Hinch describes Pérez as “fearless.” Where does his confidence and seemingly endless trove of joy come from? Also in this episode, we learn about what it’s like to face Aroldis Chapman, why triples are fun, and why we all need to try “La Bandera Dominicana.”

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Tigers starting pitcher Reese Olson sits down with Jason and Dan to discuss his second season in the big leagues. The 24-year-old explains how he earned his “silent assassin” moniker and his reputation as a weight room monster. The guys delve into some pitch sequencing discussion, and Reese recounts the development of both his change-up and his slider. Which pitch is his favorite to throw? Also in this episode, we learn why catch partners are significant, why pitchers enjoy golfing, and where the typically stoic Reese channels his emotional output.  

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Tigers President of Baseball Operations, Scott Harris sits down with Jason and Dan to discuss the challenges facing hitters in MLB, and how players like Riley Greene have rebounded from early adversity. We’ve seen flashes of what the team can do offensively this season, but the goal is to create more consistent run support for Tigers starting pitching, Harris explains. How is the organization building Detroit into a destination, a place that players equate with continual improvement? Also in this episode, Harris delves into his process for evaluating decisions (and non-decisions), highlights several Tigers prospects, and explains why being a new dad will humble you in an instant.
 

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Grosse Pointe native and Academy Award-winning actor, J. K. Simmons joins Jason and Dan to discuss his lifelong Tigers fandom. What got him hooked on Detroit baseball as a kid? How does a hard-working thespian with over 200 acting credits manage to watch nearly every Tigers game? Simmons recounts how he based his character Frank Perry in “For Love of the Game,” off former Tigers manager and newly elected Hall of Famer, Jim Leyland. If we compare Simmons’s acting career to that of a historic Detroit ballplayer, who would he be? We also learn about J. K.’s youthful operatic ambitions, what it’s like to play a sociopath, and the beauty of baseball and acting as team sports. 

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From the top of the Green Monster at historic Fenway Park, Matt Vierling sits down with Jason and Dan to discuss his second season as a Detroit Tiger. The former t-ball line drive machine recounts his path to the Majors - from Notre Dame baseball to his time in Philly, to landing in the Motor City. What are the characteristics of a “glue guy”? And why, according to Matt, is the Tigers lineup full of them? Vierling explains some of the changes he’s made to tap into more power at the plate, and the challenge of making those tweaks without fundamentally altering his approach. What does it feel like to hit a walk-off home run at Comerica Park? Also in the episode, Matt recalls being fined by Andrew Chafin, glancing at Jason after an at-bat in Arizona, and does his best Boston accent

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Jason and Dan sit down with Detroit catcher, Jake Rogers to examine his road from Tulane University to Major League Baseball. The Texas native explains how a suggestion from his dad and some borrowed equipment first led him to a spot behind the dish. How has Jake’s catching style, along with league-wide positional philosophy, evolved over the years? Rogers explains the intricacies of calling pitches, his approach to mound visits, and why he never wants coaches to hold back. Later, Jason tests his theory about all catchers having a little thievery baked into their DNA. We also learn about Jake’s affinity for crossword puzzles, New Orleans cuisine, and what goes on the whiteboard in A.J. Hinch’s office.
 

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