Rick Ankiel and Chris Devenski (Ep. 66)

The Ringer's Ben Lindbergh and Michael Baumann discuss the ingredients of a good baseball memoir (01:00), then bring on former major leaguer Rick Ankiel to discuss his new book, ‘The Phenomenon’ (05:00), his outfield conversion (09:00), his battle with the yips (11:00), and the improvement in baseball’s treatment of its players’ psyches (14:00). Then, they talk to Astros relief ace Chris ‘The Dragon’ Devenski about his unpredictable, multi-inning role (28:30), why he was underrated as a prospect (32:30), his filthy changeup and evolving slider (33:30), and his distinctive nickname (38:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices