Jake Thompson is part of the core group of talent leading a rejuvenated Philadelphia Phillies system into the 2016 season. He joins this week's edition of the Minor League Baseball podcast to talk about being a centerpiece in two trades and more. Plus Sam and Tyler get you set for Opening Day with the latest big player assignments from Spring Training.

Houston Astros Latin America Strength & Conditioning Coach Rachel Balkovic joins Ep. 51 of The Show Before The Show to discuss how she broke into the game as baseball's first-ever female strength and conditioning coach. Benjamin Hill gives the lowdown on the Lehigh Valley Cheesesteaks, and Sam and Tyler talk top systems and what the thaw in relations with Cuba could mean for prospects.

Sam and Tyler are back from Spring Training for the 50th edition of The Show Before The Show. This week, they reflect on the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues, hear from Brewers prospect David Denson and top Rockies prospect Brendan Rodgers. Benjamin Hill is back with news about Florida ballparks and more.

Tyler Maun, Sam Dykstra and special guest Josh Jackson bring you stories and interviews from Spring Training in Arizona and Florida including conversations with the Braves' Max Fried, the Brewers' Jacob Nottingham, the Giants' Mac Williamson and more.

Mets slugger Dominic Smith discusses his unique background as a highly regarded prospect from South-Central Los Angeles. Plus, the lazy river becomes a reality in Frisco, and Sam and Tyler discuss which Minor Leaguer's story would make for an Oscar-worthy movie. It's all in this week's The Show Before the Show Minor League Baseball podcast.

Royals pitching prospect Kyle Zimmer joins the show to discuss his time in big league camp and his hopes for the 2016 season. Plus, Benjamin Hill takes a look at the Fresno Grizzlies' Taco Tuesdays promotion, a baseball fan dedicated to covering lost Minor League no-hitters and more in the latest Minor League Baseball podcast.

The Cubs' Willson Contreras, who broke out in 2015 and is now rated the top catching prospect in baseball, joins this week's podcast. Benjamin Hill joins the show to discuss the Great Lakes Loons' new look, the Bowling Green Bootleggers and more. Sam and Tyler talk best pitcher-catcher batteries and more in the Minor League Baseball podcast.

Current A's and former Royals pitching prospect Sean Manaea joins The Show Before The Show Minor League Baseball podcast to, among other things, explain his Twitter handle (@BABYSMGIRAFFE). Benjamin Hill discusses a former Minor Leaguer making an impact, and Three Strikes takes a look at prospects who could make noise in the presidential race -- if only they were running.

The Twins' Max Kepler -- MLB.com's No. 44 overall prospect and one of 2015's breakout prospects -- discussed what it was like growing up in Germany as the son of professional dancers and as the rare German athlete to play baseball. Benjamin Hill discusses the future of scheduling in the Minors, a proposed lazy river in Frisco and more.

Graphic designer Todd Radom joins the show to discuss his redesigns of the Southern and Appalachian League logos, his nearly three decades producing iconic designs and much more. Tyler and Sam also discuss the reveal of MLB.com's top 100 prospects.

MiLB.com's Kelsie Heneghan joins Tyler and Sam to talk about the interesting journey of Astros pitching prospect Chris Devenski. That plus an early look at the top prospects by position and more in this week's episode.

Andy McKay has joined the Mariners from the Rockies as Seattle's new farm director. He joins the podcast to talk about the M's system, his plan for its development and the mental approach to the game. That plus more from Tyler, Sam and Ben Hill.

The Reds have been active this winter, trying to bolster their system via trade. Tyler and Sam talk to one of those acquisitions, third baseman Eric Jagielo, as well as Cincy's director of player development Jeff Graupe.

After covering the AL last week, Sam and Tyler look at how New Year's goals will stack up for National League teams in the 2016 season.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.