The Show Before the Show

Ever wonder what it's like to play in the Majors for just one day? Pirates catcher John Bormann details his whole experience on the latest Minor League Baseball podcast, including how he rushed across the state of Florida to join the Bucs from Class A Advanced Bradenton. Tyler and Sam also give their picks for April's top players and pitchers, and Ben previews his trip to California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oakland Athletics No. 4 prospect Matt Chapman calls into the Minor League Baseball podcast to talk about overcoming his season-starting wrist injury, how he developed power and what the recent prospect promotions from the Pacific Coast League mean to him. Tyler and Sam discuss the ascensions of Cody Bellinger and Christian Arroyo, and Ben looks back on his trip to Frisco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Triple-A Charlotte manager Mark Grudzielanek joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to talk about his loaded squad that features five of the top seven prospects in the White Sox system. (He also discusses Skee ball and his appearance on Saturday Night Live.) Sam and Tyler expound on what Starling Marte's suspension could mean for top Pirates prospect Austin Meadows, and Ben previews his trip to Frisco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rangers No. 7 prospect Jose Trevino calls into the Minor League Baseball podcast from the Double-A Frisco bus to discuss a loaded RoughRiders pitching staff and his work to become an impressive defensive catcher and leader behind the plate. Tyler and Sam break down the first week's standouts, and Ben previews the best upcoming Minor League promos, including Daytona's unique Jackie Robinson tribute. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tyler and Sam are joined by MiLB.com's Kelsie Heneghan and Josh Jackson to offer up their predictions for the 2017 Minor League Baseball season. Cubs No. 2 prospect Ian Happ is this week's guest to discuss how his productive spring led to him being pushed to Triple-A Iowa, and Ben previews the first week of Minor League promotions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fresh off his stint as Team Israel's manager during the World Baseball Classic, Double-A Hartford manager Jerry Weinstein joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to discuss his club's surprising run through the WBC, his expectations for the Yard Goats in 2017 and why he could never have managed the club last season. Also, Tyler and Sam continue to get you primed for Opening Day while Ben previews two more of his upcoming road trips. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phillies No. 12 prospect Nick Pivetta joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to discuss his experience pitching for Canada in the World Baseball Classic and his preparation for the 2017 season. Tyler and Sam also get you set for MiLB.com's Prospect Primer series, and Ben previews where he'll be hitting the road in the coming months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's Minor League Baseball podcast is a special one, not just because Tyler, Sam and guest host Josh Jackson bring you Spring Training interviews from top overall prospect/Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi, No. 5 White Sox prospect Carson Fulmer, No. 9 Braves prospect Max Fried and No. 6 Rangers prospect Joe Palumbo. No, it's special because this week's episode takes a little different format than the previous 100 episodes. (We hope you're proud, Ira Glass.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yankees catching prospect Kyle Higashioka talks about playing in Major League camp as a member of the 40-man roster and how he plans on continuing his 2016 power surge. Tyler and Sam preview their own Spring Training trips and discuss the latest in MiLB.com's Farm System Rankings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLBPipeline.com senior writer Jim Callis joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to talk about his site's prospect ranking lists and how he evaluates the Minor League talent pool entering the 2017 season. Tyler and Sam have a great debate on which farm system has the better pitching group between the White Sox and the Braves, and Ben discusses the life of longtime Norfolk general manager Dave Rosenfield following the news of his death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rays top prospect Willy Adames calls into the Minor League Baseball podcast from Spring Training to discuss his baseball roots in the Dominican Republic and what he needs to do to make the jump to Tampa Bay soon. Tyler and Sam start breaking down MiLB.com's Farm System Rankings, and Ben rounds up what he learned about rebranding this offseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orioles No. 3 prospect Hunter Harvey joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to talk about his injury history and his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Tyler and Sam preview some Spring Training storylines, and Ben discusses a strange Valentine's Day promo in Myrtle Beach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Top Giants prospect Tyler Beede calls into the Minor League Baseball podcast to discuss his roots in Massachusetts and Vanderbilt and what he needs to do in 2017 to jump to the Majors. Tyler and Sam also discuss the new GCL and AZL extra-inning proposal, and Ben looks back at 2016 attendance numbers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yankees left-hander Justus Sheffield, who was named MLB.com's No. 79 overall prospect last week, joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to discuss his first offseason in pinstripes and his sibling rivalry with brother and Dodgers prospect Jordan Sheffield. Tyler and Sam break down the rest of the new top 100, and Ben brings the update on Lowell's new logos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marlins No. 7 prospect Thomas Jones joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to discuss his decision to choose pro ball over a baseball scholarship at Vanderbilt or a football scholarship at Clemson. Tyler and Sam also talk about this week's trade involving Jose De Leon, and Ben breaks down what's happening in Las Vegas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rangers No. 12 prospect Josh Morgan discusses life as a utility infielder, his potential move to catcher and what it was like to play the final season in High Desert. Tyler and Sam also break down NL East rookie projections, and Ben discusses Triple-A Memphis's new look. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

St. Louis prospect Carson Kelly calls into the Minor League Baseball podcast from the start of the Cardinals Caravan to discuss his growth as a catcher, his Major League debut and his "little black book." Also, Tyler and Sam break down the latest Mariners-Braves swap, and Ben discusses the new Down East Wood Ducks logos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first Minor League Baseball podcast of 2017, Twins 2016 first-rounder and No. 4 prospect Alex Kirilloff guests to talk about his road from Western Pennsylvania to Minnesota's farm system. Also, Tyler and Sam give their Minor League resolutions for the new year, and Ben previews some potential anniversary promotions for the coming season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tyler and Sam wrap up the calendar year with more of their favorite interviews from 2016, this time featuring some of the Minor Leagues' biggest newsmakers such as first overall pick Mickey Moniak and Minor League journeyman/Major League debutant Matt Buschmann. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tyler and Sam begin a two-part "Best of 2016" series with their favorite podcast interviews involving former prospects who made their Major League debuts this past season, including World Series champions Willson Contreras and Albert Almora Jr. and former top overall prospect Alex Bregman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam and Tyler break down the particulars of the Adam Eaton/Lucas Giolito/Reynaldo Lopez trade and the Rule 5 Draft while Ben closes the loop on the Fayetteville Astros. Tigers director of Minor League operations Dan Lunetta guests after winning the 2016 Sheldon "Chief" Bender Award for his work in player development. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's certainly been a busy 2016 edition of baseball's Winter Meetings, and Tyler, Sam and Ben are here to catch you up on all the Minor League Baseball and prospect-related goings-on from National Harbor, Maryland. White Sox scouting director Nick Hostetler guests to break down the package of prospects his organization picked up for All-Star left-hander Chris Sale, including top overall prospect Yoan Moncada and impressive right-hander Michael Kopech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Triple-A Louisville head groundskeeper Tom Nielsen calls into the Minor League Baseball podcast to discuss his long career in turf management and how the job is a lot more than just cutting the grass. Tyler and Sam also break down two Mariners trades, and Ben previews the Winter Meetings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brewers top prospect Lewis Brinson calls into the Minor League Baseball podcast to talk about his recent addition to the 40-man roster, his trade from the Rangers and, of course, his favorite Thanksgiving dishes. Also, Tyler and Sam discuss other prospects added to 40-man rosters, and Ben is back from vacation to bring you updates on the Buies Creek Astros. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nationals senior advisor of player development Spin Williams joins the podcast after winning the 2016 Mike Coolbaugh Award for his work mentoring prospects. Tyler and Sam also give their AFL MVP picks and discuss the newly named New Orleans Baby Cakes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back from a one-week break, the Minor League Baseball podcast returns with Braves No. 4 prospect Kolby Allard, fresh off his first full season in the Minors, as our guest. Tyler and Sam also break down the Arizona Fall League and all the MiLBY winners while Ben catches you up on some of the game's newest names like Fire Frogs, Rumble Ponies and Jumbo Shrimp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tyler scored interviews from Twins No. 2 prospect Nick Gordon, Dodgers top prospect Cody Bellinger and Mets signee Tim Tebow down at the Arizona Fall League. Tyler and Sam also break down some of the recent Organization All-Stars, and Ben previews Minor League rebranding season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No. 12 Red Sox prospect Mauricio Dubon calls into the Minor League Baseball podcast from the Arizona Fall League to talk about his breakout 2016 season and his journey from Honduras to the United States as a teenager. Also, Tyler and Sam discuss the first week in the AFL, and Ben brings you lots of ballpark news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam, Tyler and Ben break down all of the nominees in the major categories of this year's MiLBY Awards. Also, Angels No. 3 prospect Taylor Ward calls in from the Arizona Fall League as this week's guest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mets top prospect Amed Rosario talks to the Minor League Baseball podcast about his impressive 2016 season and his plans for the offseason. Tyler and Sam also preview the Arizona Fall League, and Ben discusses this year's Golden Bobblehead winner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Minor League veteran Cody Decker joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to talk about how he helped Israel to a World Baseball Classic qualification last week in Brooklyn. Also, Tyler and Sam share their feelings on the unfortunate death of Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez, and Ben calls in with lessons from this year's Promo Seminar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A packed edition of the Minor League Baseball podcast this week. Kelsie Heneghan makes a guest appearance to talk about her trip to the Triple-A National Championship, and Blue Jays No. 12 prospect Bo Bichette calls in to talk about his first pro season, his upcoming appearances with Brazil in the World Baseball Classic qualifiers in Brooklyn and a health scare involving his appendix. Also, Tyler, Sam and Ben bring you the rest of the week in Minor League news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fresh off winning a Florida State League title, Pirates No. 5 prospect Mitch Keller joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to discuss getting the late call to Bradenton and his breakout 2016 season. Also, Tyler and Sam break down the rest of the remaining postseasons, and Ben presents two tales he collected from his trip to California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Minor League playoffs have begun in earnest, and Tyler and Sam give you what to look for in postseasons across the Minor League landscape. Cardinals first-rounder Dylan Carlson also stops by after claiming a Gulf Coast League title, and Ben breaks down the new Staten Island team name possibilities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No. 2 Phillies prospect Mickey Moniak joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to talk about his road to the top spot in the 2016 Draft and his introduction to professional baseball. Also, Tyler and Sam go over the importance of the September roster expansions, and Ben discusses one of the biggest secrets in the Minors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a big week in Minor League Baseball with the news that two California League teams (High Desert, Bakersfield) would be contracted to make way for two new clubs in the Carolina League. Sam, Tyler and Ben break the movement down from all angles, and Bakersfield broadcaster Dan Besbris joins the show to provide the perspective of a front office and community that is losing its baseball club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York Yankees second-round pick Nick Solak joins the show from the New York-Penn League All-Star Game to talk about the start to his pro career and his time at Louisville. Tyler and Sam also talk about Dansby Swanson and the end of Francisco Mejia's hitting streak while Ben is back from his trip with more tales from the Pacific Northwest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reds prospect T.J. Friedl joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to talk about how he found out he was Draft eligible and how he ended up signing with Cincinnati. Ben joins the show from the road to talk about his west coast swing, and Tyler and Sam discuss two big Cardinals promotions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first podcast of August, Tyler and Sam break down a big week in prospect movement following the Trade Deadline. Which farm systems improved? Which took the biggest hits? Also, Benjamin Hill calls in from California to give an update on his trip to the west coast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fort Wayne manager Anthony Contreras joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to talk about new Padres prospects Anderson Espinoza and Chris Paddack and what it's like to coach young players after they've come over in a trade. Tyler and Sam also break down a big week in Major League promotions, and Ben previews his West Coast road trip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rockies No. 2 prospect David Dahl talks to the Minor League Baseball podcast about his scorching start at Triple-A Albuquerque and what life on the road was like with Double-A Hartford. Tyler and Sam also preview the trade deadline, and Ben discusses his own merchandising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oakland Athletics prospect Ryon Healy joins the Minor League podcast to discuss his Futures Game experience in San Diego and his breakout 2016 season. Sam and Tyler also break down the first half while Ben talks about potential new names in Lynchburg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam and Tyler take their hands at starting their own farm systems using only players that will appear in this year's All-Star Futures Game while Ben wraps up his trip through the Appalachian League. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cincinnati Reds No. 4 prospect Amir Garrett joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to talk about his upcoming second trip to the Futures Game, his recent transition to Triple-A ball and how he chose baseball over basketball. Tyler and Sam also break down the rest of the Futures Game rosters while Ben calls in from his Appalachian League road trip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mariners top pick Kyle Lewis joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to talk about his experience entering the 2016 Draft, his dominant time at Mercer and his introduction to pro ball. Sam and Tyler also break down the latest prospect promotions, and Ben previews his upcoming Appalachian League trip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before being taken by the Indians in the first round of the 2016 Draft, Will Benson talked with Sam about the Draft process and what type of player he hopes to become. Tyler and Sam also break down the Draft and preview short-season ball. Ben joins to talk top merchandising sales. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the Major League Draft this week, Giants No. 3 prospect Phil Bickford joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to talk about his two Draft experiences as a first-round pick with the Blue Jays in 2013 and with the Giants in 2015. Ben Hill also joins the show for during a packed week for Minor League promos while Sam and Tyler go over what top prospects will hear their names called in the first round of the Draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Triple-A Oklahoma City broadcaster Alex Freedman joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to talk Dodgers top prospect Julio Urias and the life of a radio guy in the Pacific Coast League. Ben Hill also discusses dueling Deflategate promos while Sam and Tyler go over the Triple-A All-Star ballot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston Astros top prospect Alex Bregman calls into the Minor League Baseball podcast to talk about his incredibly hot start to the 2016 season. Benjamin Hill also stops by to discuss the Class A Advanced Lynchburg name change while Tyler and Sam bring you all the latest news and notes on prospects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Toronto Blue Jays prospect Max Pentecost joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to talk about his road back from a pair of shoulder surgeries and his start with Class A Lansing. Also, Ben Hill is back from the road to discuss his trip and Binghamton's new name options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices