The Show Before the Show
In "The Show Before the Show," MiLB.com writers Tyler Maun and Sam Dykstra break down Minor League Baseball's biggest storylines with guests from around the Minors including players, managers and player development experts. They'll also have a weekly look at what's going on outside the lines with business of the Minors expert Benjamin Hill.
451
#38: Previewing the 2016 AL
Sam and Tyler look at how holiday wish lists and New Year's goals will stack up for American League teams in the 2016 season.
47 min
452
#37: Interview with the Braves' Aaron Blair
In the offseason's biggest trade to date, righty Aaron Blair was dealt to Atlanta as part of the package for Shelby Miller,. Tyler and Sam talked with Blair about how he found out, what the 2015 season was like and what's ahead for him as a Brave.
61 min
453
#36: Analyzing the Rule 5 Draft, Winter Meeting...
Tyler and Sam recap Thursday's Rule 5 Draft, where dozens of players changed teams. They also hear from Ben Hill, who was at the Winter Meetings in Nashville.
56 min
454
#35: Interview with MiLB homer king Hessman
After announcing his retirement last week, all-time Minor League home run king Mike Hessman joins Tyler and Sam to talk about his illustrious career and what's next for him.
41 min
455
#34: Interview with new Braves lefty Sean Newcomb
Sam speaks with pitching prospect Sean Newcomb, the biggest piece heading to Atlanta from the Angels in the Andrelton Simmons trade. Ben Hill joins to discuss logo changes and rebrands across the Minors, and Tyler and Sam talk about the Padres' prospect return in the Craig Kimbrel deal.
68 min
456
#33: Interview with the Brewers' Brett Phillips
Milwaukee's No. 2 prospect Brett Phillips talks to Tyler in Taiwan as he plays for Team USA at the Premier12 tournament. Tyler and Sam also form their Arizona Fall League dream teams with their own fun draft.
74 min
457
#32: Interview with the Orioles' Dylan Bundy
Baltimore's No. 2 prospect Dylan Bundy made the Majors a year out of the Draft but has been derailed by injuries since. He talks to Tyler from the Arizona Fall League. That and plenty more from Sam and Ben Hill.
60 min
458
#31: Interview with the Mets' Brandon Nimmo
With the Mets in the World Series, Tyler and Sam talk to one of their top prospects, Brandon Nimmo, about watching his parent club in the Fall Classic and what baseball's like in Wyoming.
62 min
459
#30: Interview with the Pirates' Reese McGuire
Pittsburgh catching prospect Reese McGuire joins the show to discuss how he's become a top defender and his experience thus far in the Arizona Fall League. In light of the Cubs' elimination, Ben joins Tyler and Sam to consider the Minors' longest championship droughts.
46 min
460
#29: A's instructional coach Justine Siegal
Justine Siegal became the first female coach in MLB history this month. She joins the show from A's instructional league in Arizona. That and more in the latest episode.
60 min
461
#28: Announcing 2015 MiLBYs nominees
Tyler Maun and Sam Dykstra announce and break down nominees for the 2015 MiLBY awards. Ben Hill joins later to talk about the Promo Seminar and the Promo of the Year award.
73 min
462
#27: Interview with Rays No. 2 prospect Blake S...
Tampa Bay's No. 2 prospect, Blake Snell, joins the show to look back on another breakout year, plus Ben Hill checks in from the Minor League Promo Seminar in Columbus.
52 min
463
#26: Kelsie Heneghan from the Triple-A Champion...
MiLB.com's Kelsie Heneghan joins the show from El Paso to recap Fresno's victory in the Triple-A Championship Game. Benjamin Hill also talks to Tyler and Sam about both sides of the Pawtucket stadium debate now that the original plans for a Providence ballpark have fallen through. That and more storylines from the end of the 2015 season.
55 min
464
#25: Interview with Astros prospect A.J. Reed
After winning the Minor League home run crown, 2014 Golden Spikes Award winner and No. 5 Astros prospect A.J. Reed joins the show to talk about his explosive season. That and a breakdown of top prospects in the playoffs and Benjamin Hill joins to talk postseason promotions in this week's episode.
49 min
465
#24: Interview with D-backs' Dansby Swanson
Tyler and Sam have a sweeping conversation with the top pick in the 2015 Draft, the D-backs' Dansby Swanson. He talks Vandy in the College World Series, getting picked No. 1, moving to shortstop, his interest in Forrest Gump's Lieutenant Dan and more.
66 min
466
#23: On September call-ups and Fall League rosters
Sept. 1 marked one of the milestone days of the season, one in which many prospects were promoted while others learned they'd be headed to the Fall League in October. That plus Ben Hill on his New England road trip and more in this week's episode.
48 min
467
#22: Interview with Rockies SS prospect Trevor ...
Along with the usual analysis and frivolity from Tyler Maun, Sam Dykstra and Ben Hill, Rockies shortstop prospect Trevor Story stops by to discuss, among other things, how the Troy Tulowitzki trade has opened a door for him
60 min
468
#21: Billy Bean talks Denson, inclusion in base...
Tyler Maun and Sam Dykstra have an extended conversation with MLB Ambassador of Inclusion Billy Bean on David Denson's historic announcement this weekend. Tune in for that plus typically insightful prospect analysis as well as more from Ben Hill on his recent ballpark trip to the South.
70 min
469
#20: Evaluating MLB.com's midseason top 100
Tyler Maun and Sam Dykstra break down MLB Pipeline's re-ranked top 100 prospects with an eye on notable risers. Plus Ben Hill has returned from a sweltering road trip in the South with tales to tell.
45 min
470
#19: Trade Deadline prospect analysis
With a flurry of deals at the MLB Trade Deadline, Jake, Sam and Tyler discuss the trades they thought led to the best prospect returns. Plus, how long must we wait to declare winners and losers?
58 min
471
#18: Talking Boston prospects with Greenville's...
Jake, Tyler and Sam Dykstra talk about some of the trades that are making this deadline hot. They also bring in Greenville manager Darren Fenster to discuss the glut of exciting Red Sox prospects he's working with this year. All that plus Ben Hill checks in from steamy New Orleans.
56 min
472
#17: Tacos and second-half debuts
With the Trade Deadline approaching, Jake and Tyler talk prospects who could debut soon plus the Fresno Tacos and more crossover promotions.
49 min
473
#16: Interview with M's prospect Patrick Kivlehan
Mariners third baseman Patrick Kivlehan joins this podcast episode from Toronto, where he's playing with Team USA in the Pan Am Games.
45 min
474
#15: Interview with Twins' Adam Brett Walker II
Twins slugger Adam Brett Walker II talks about the factors behind his huge season. Tyler and Jake also discuss the Touki Toussaint velocity controversy and other top storylines from around the Minors.
58 min
475
#14: Interviews with Rays' Honeywell
Tyler and Jake are joined by No. 7 Rays prospect Brent Honeywell and and pitcher Sean Conroy, pro baseball's first openly gay player.
46 min