Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ joins MLB Pipeline's MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) to look back at NL MVP Cody Bellinger’s days as a prospect. They highlight his time as a lanky high schooler in Arizona and rise to one of the best prospects in baseball in the 2016 Arizona Fall League. Then, the guys turn to the State of the System series and discuss two farm systems on the rise, the Angels and the Giants. Finally, using a recent article on the best athletes from all 30 farm systems, they each draft three players who they believe are the best athletes in the Minors.

MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the vastly different ascents of sluggers Pete Alonso and Yordan Alvarez from their days as amateurs to Rookie of the Year winners. Then, they take a look back at AL Manager of the Year Rocco Baldelli’s past as an elite Draft prospect from Rhode Island in 2000. Finally, Jonathan tells a story of seeing an epic showdown between 2004 first-round picks Justin Verlander and Justin Orenduff, and Jim explains the complex behind-the-scenes story of why the Padres chose not to take Verlander with the no. 1 pick.

MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss their reflections on the 2019 postseason and the Nationals becoming World Series champions, including the journeys of Stephen Strasburg, Ryan Zimmerman and the 2005 Draft, and the long-time connection between Mike Rizzo and Max Scherzer. Then, the guys put a bow on the 2019 AFL season with a discussion on some of the biggest breakout players and top Statcast performers, including Rangers RHP Nick Snyder, D-backs SS Geraldo Perdomo, Reds C Tyler Stephenson, and Mets SS Andres Gimenez.

MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss Jim’s article ranking the players in the 2019 World Series based on how highly rated they were as prospects, and focus specifically on the prospect development of Stephen Strasburg, Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman, and Juan Soto. Then, the guys discuss Athletics OF prospect Greg Deichmann and how he is running away with the Arizona Fall League HR title. Finally, we hear interviews with this week’s AFL Pitcher and Player of the Week – first, Rockies RHP Ashton Goudeau, and then, Twins OF Luke Raley.

MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss a wide variety of topics from the Fall League to the postseason. First, they review a few standouts from the Fall Stars Game, including Rangers RHP Cole Uvila and his spectacularly-high spin rate, and Reds C Tyler Stephenson’s big power. Next, they discuss the recent ejection of Giants prospect Jacob Heyward for arguing balls and strikes with the robot umpir, and how the electronic strike zone has worked thus far in the Fall League. Then, they take a look back on the prospect journeys of current postseason heroes, including a couple excellent Howie Kendrick stories from Jonathan, and the unusual signing stories of super-aces Gerrit Cole and Max Scherzer. Finally, we hear two interviews with a couple Arizona Fall League standouts: Jonathan talks to Angels OF prospect Brandon Marsh, then Jordan sits down with Nationals pitching prospect Sterling Sharp.

MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) discuss the 2019 Postseason getting under way and how each team was built.  Callis and Mayo make their predictions on who they think will win the World Series and whether or not Clayton Kershaw needs to be dominant to cement his legacy. Next, they give an update from the Arizona Fall League, discussing their early breakout candidates.  Finally, we hear an interview from Padres prospect Owen Miller.

MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the 2019 AL and NL Rookie of the Year races, including the historic seasons of Yordan Alvarez and Pete Alonso, the loaded NL rookie class, and comparing Alonso’s rookie year to Aaron Judge’s 2017 campaign. Next, they discuss two other rookies having big Septembers, Mariners OF Kyle Lewis, and Rockies OF Sam Hilliard. Then, they cover three intriguing Arizona Fall League sleepers: Blue Jays RHP Jackson Rees, Cardinals OF Conner Capel, and Dodgers RHP Marshall Kasowski. Finally, we hear an interview from the AFL with Astros pitching prospect Forrest Whitley, who discusses his second trip to the AFL, and how he has dealt with adversity over the last two seasons.

MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the Arizona Fall League getting under way in Phoenix, where 20 of the Top 100 prospects will be participating over the next six weeks. Jonathan discusses a few early impressions from Opening Day, including the incredible batting practice and infield practice of Pirates SS Oneil Cruz. Then, the guys discuss some of the biggest risers and fallers on the final Top 100 prospects list of the 2019 season, including Twins OF Trevor Larnach, Mariners OF Julio Rodriguez, Nationals SS Luis Garcia, and D-backs OF Kristian Robinson. Next, they discuss Jim’s article projecting the future value of the top rookies that graduated off prospect lists this year. Finally, Jonathan interviews two of the more intriguing Fall League participants about their seasons, Royals LHP Daniel Tillo, and Braves OF Trey Harris.

MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss some of the most notable members the recently announced MLB Pipeline Prospect Team of the Year, including Josh Rojas, Joe Ryan, Jared Walsh, and Daulton Varsho. Next, they cover the surprise call-up if Cubs INF Nico Hoerner, the first player from the 2018 Draft to reach the big leagues, how he managed to speed through the Minors at such a wild pace, and which 2018 Draftee is most likely to be the next one to make their debut. Finally, they discuss the A’s decision to call up LHP Jesus Luzardo, and how much we can expect him to help Oakland down the stretch.

MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the recently announced MLB Pipeline Hitting and Pitching Prospect of the Year awards, won by White Sox OF Luis Robert and Padres LHP MacKenzie Gore respectively. They discuss why Robert edged out Dodgers INF Gavin Lux for the award, and how his monster season really showed what all the fuss was about when he originally signed with the White Sox. Then, they review Gore’s outstanding season and why he beat out a few other exciting arms that may have had slightly better statistical seasons. Next, they review the 10 Minor League players who joined the 20 HR/20 SB club in 2019, and which of those prospects are most intriguing going forward. Finally, Jordan is joined by Rays pitching prospect Shane Baz to discuss his season in the Midwest League, being teammates with #1 overall prospect Wander Franco, being the youngest pitcher in the upcoming Arizona Fall League, who he is excited to play with and against in the AFL, and more.

MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the recently released Arizona Fall League rosters, which feature 20 of MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects and a ton of other young talent. The guys discuss which Fall League players they are most excited to see, including Mariners OF Julio Rodriguez, Pirates SS Oneil Cruz, Rays RHP Shane Baz, White Sox OF Blake Rutherford, Astros RHP Forrest Whitley, Padres C Luis Campusano, Red Sox OF Jarren Duran, and many more. Next, they discuss Jim’s list of the top 15 college prospects for the 2020 Draft, how Nick Gonzales played his way onto the list, the potential of Cole Wilcox and C.J. Van Eyk, and more.

MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss where the 2020 high school Draft class stands as the summer showcase events have wrapped up, and why RHP Jared Kelley (Refugio, TX) earned the top spot on Jim’s list of the top 15 HS prospects. Next, they discuss the #1 overall pick in the 2018 Draft Adley Rutschman’s recent callup to Class-A Delmarva and how quickly he could move up the Minor League ladder. Then, they cover the return of Red Sox LHP prospect Jay Groome, and where he may factor in among the best left-handed pitching prospects in baseball should his stuff fully return post-surgery. Finally, the guys discuss the new Arizona Fall League schedule and name a few guys that they are most excited to see participate in the AFL.

MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) discuss the big league debuts of Bo Bichette, Dustin May and Isan Diaz. They dive into the top three farm systems from the newly released Top 15 Farm System Rankings and talk about the Marlins and D-backs' farm system improvements. Finally, Jonathan Mayo sits down with new Marlins prospect Jazz Chisholm, who was traded from the D-backs at the Trade Deadline.

MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the recently updated Top 100 prospect list, some of the biggest risers, including Orioles RHP Grayson Rodriguez, and which 2019 Draftees were most interesting to try to rank, including Royals SS Bobby Witt Jr. Then, the guys cover some of the prospects moved at the Trade Deadline, including new Padres OF Taylor Trammell, new Mets pitchers Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods-Richardson, as well as a couple under-the-radar prospects who changed teams. Finally, Jonathan talks to Cardinals OF Dylan Carlson about his breakout season, his dad being his high school coach, his Futures Game experience, and one unexpected thing he struggles with off the field.

MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss some of the more interesting recent callups, including the long journey for Royals OF Bubba Starling, the unprecedented story of Cubs INF Robel Garcia, whether Rays LHP/DH Brendan McKay should keep trying to hit, and the fast-tracking of Padres RHP Andrés Muñoz. Then, they delve into the rosters for the upcoming Under Armour and Perfect Game All-American Games featuring some of the top high school prospects for the 2020 Draft.

Shortly after the conclusion of the 2019 Futures Game, MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB), Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the game’s MVP, Rangers C Sam Huff, which hitters stood out during the game and batting practice, the most impressive pitching performances, how the guys felt about the new formats, and some of their favorite moments from the game on and off the field.

MLB Pipeline's Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the rosters for the 2019 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, and delve into the new format, which players could steal the show, pitchers will light up the radar gun, the most unlikely inclusions on the roster, and which team may have the edge in the game. Then, Jonathan shares his thoughts on some of the best 2020 Draft prospects he’s seen down at the Prospect Development Pipeline League taking place at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, including Cam Brown, Dylan Crews, and Carson Swilling. Finally, Jonathan talks to Marlins CEO Derek Jeter about his involvement with the PDP League, his involvement in preparing the Marlins for the 2019 Draft, and more.

MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the brand new Prospect Development Pipeline League taking place at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, as well as which 2020 Draft prospects have been impressing the most in the first week of games, including Austin Hendrick and Mick Abel. Then, the guys discuss the Orioles signing of No. 1 overall pick Adley Rutschman and why fans shouldn’t worry if their favorite teams haven’t signed their top picks yet. Finally, they discuss some breakout prospect performances, including Yankees RHP Deivi Garcia, Indians 1B Bobby Bradley and Marlins RHP Zac Gallen.

MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ are joined by Rangers catching prospect Sam Huff, to discuss his remarkable 20-HR first half, the biggest changes he’s made over the past year, how he views himself as a defensive catcher, who he is rooting for in the College World Series and more. Then, the guys delve into the new update to the Top 100 Prospects list, including the breakouts of Yordan Alvarez and Austin Riley, the biggest risers and fallers and where the top 2019 Draft picks (Adley Rutschman, Bobby Witt Jr. and Andrew Vaughn) might slot into the list.

With the 2019 Draft officially in the books, MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) as well as Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ are joined by D-backs Scouting Director Deric Ladnier to discuss Arizona’s loaded Draft class, the process of preparing for a Draft with so many picks (7 of the first 75), how satisfied he was with the balance of his Draft class, and more. Then, the guys dive into which teams besides the D-Backs had the best Drafts, which players they were surprised fell in the Draft, and which 2019 Draftees could get to the big leagues first.

With the 2019 Draft just a few days away, MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the process behind developing a mock draft and the fun challenges of trying to predict which players teams may prefer. Then, they cover some of the intriguing storylines going into the draft: Which pitcher will get selected first and by who? What will the D-backs’ Draft strategy be with 7 of the first 75 picks? What player could surprise us and get selected in the first round? Finally, they take a look back at the 2009 Draft that produced All-Stars Mike Trout, Nolan Arenado, and Paul Goldschmidt, and what we can learn from reflecting on a Draft a decade later.

MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ are joined by Cal 1B Andrew Vaughn to discuss what he’s focused on this season after winning the Golden Spikes as a sophomore, his friendly rivalry with Adley Rutschman, the best pitchers he’s ever faced, and more. Then, the guys discuss the surprising news about 2018 1st round pick Carter Stewart’s reported decision to sign with a team in Japan, and how it affects his draft stock. Finally, they touch on some late risers in the 2019 Draft class, including Florida SS Brady McConnell, Mobile Christian HS C Ethan Hearn, Navy RHP Noah Song, Western Kentucky OF Jake Sanford, and Canadian HS OF Dasan Brown.

With the Draft just a few weeks away, MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ talk to Bobby Witt Jr., one of the top prospects in the 2019 Draft, about his rise to the top of the Draft rankings, the best players he’s played against, how he would fare against his Major League father Bobby Witt in his prime, and more. Then, the guys discuss the recent callups of Brewers 2B Keston Hiura, Braves 3B Austin Riley, and Rangers OF Willie Calhoun, and their expectations for the three hitters going forward in the big leagues.