Bleav in San Diego Baseball

Bleav

Bleav in San Diego Baseball is the go-to San Diego Padres podcast for fans who live and breathe Padres baseball. Hosted by Alex Miniak, the iconic Voice of Petco Park and MLB The Show, alongside 3x All-Star Padres closer Heath Bell, this weekly show delivers in-depth Padres baseball talk, postgame breakdowns, and exclusive clubhouse stories. You’ll also get interviews with former Padres players and fan favorites, plus the best of San Diego’s fan culture — from local food and drink to the freshest gear in the Gaslamp Quarter, East Village, Barrio Logan, and beyond. Follow now on Apple Podcasts for the most authentic and entertaining Padres podcast experience. Also available on Spotify and your favorite podcast app — and Bleav in San Diego Baseball with us!

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Tatis’ Power Outage and Braves Legends Remembered

    Alex Miniak and 3x All-Star Heath Bell dive into the Padres’ offensive struggles despite the team’s winning record, with a focus on Fernando Tatis Jr. and his surprising power outage. The guys discuss whether swing mechanics, lineup construction, or simple bad luck are behind the slow start, while also highlighting the depth pieces helping keep San Diego afloat. The episode also pays tribute to Braves legends Bobby Cox and Ted Turner following their passing last week, reflecting on Atlanta’s dominance in the 1990s and Turner’s impact on baseball broadcasting. Not many teams could get through those Braves clubs — but the 1998 Padres did. Heath shares stories from his playing days as a rival Mets pitcher, while Alex reflects on growing up a Mets fan during Atlanta’s dynasty years. Chapters: 00:00 - Is Heath Bell in Witness Protection? 02:24 - Where Has Fernando Tatis Jr.'s Power Been? 06:25 - Do We Like Jackson Merrill at the Top of the Order? 07:27 - Heath's Padres Lineup As it Stands 10:48 - Remembering Braves Manager Bobby Cox 11:56 - Bobby's Ultimate Compliment to Heath Bell 13:01 - Ted Turner's Impact on How We Now Watch Baseball 16:38 - The '98 Padres and Trying To Watch West Coast Baseball in the East 17:54 - Parting Shots... and Our New Fan Fridays! Stay in the game! Follow Alex on Instagram, TikTok, and X. Heath on Instagram, TikTok, and X. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    20 min
  2. 10 MAR

    Building a Winner: Brock Ungricht on USD Baseball and the Modern College Game

    On this episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, hosts Alex Miniak and three-time MLB All-Star Heath Bell welcome University of San Diego Baseball head coach Brock Ungricht to the show. Ungricht discusses the rapid evolution of college baseball, the growing importance of player development, and how programs like USD prepare athletes not only for professional careers but for life beyond the game. The conversation also explores the impact of the transfer portal, NIL, and the recruiting landscape — including how camps can help overlooked players find opportunities. Ungricht shares insight into building a successful program at USD, emphasizing accountability, education, and a strong team culture rooted in communication and mutual support. He reflects on the Toreros’ remarkable turnaround last season — rebounding from a difficult 6-24 start to reach the conference championship — and introduces the concept of “Mudita,” a philosophy centered on genuine joy for teammates’ success that helped fuel the team’s resurgence. The episode wraps with a return to the global stage as Alex and Heath break down the electric atmosphere of the World Baseball Classic, including a thrilling matchup between Korea and Chinese Taipei that showcased the tournament’s unique passion and energy. With WBC action heating up and spring training nearing its conclusion, the hosts look ahead to the upcoming MLB season and Alex’s upcoming trip to Padres camp in Peoria. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to Bleav in San Diego Baseball!; 01:16 - USD Baseball Head Coach Brock Ungricht Joins the Show; 03:02 - The Evolution of College Baseball; 06:11 - Building a Strong Team Culture; 07:49 - Developing Local San Diego Talent; 10:53 - From Walk-Ons to Everyday Major Leaguers; 13:33 - What Can High Schoolers Do to Get Noticed?; 16:38 - Navigating Challenges and Mental Fortitude; 19:05 - The Importance of Communication and Team Dynamics; 21:16 - Defining "Mudita"; 23:12 - What Can We Expect at Fowler Park This Season?; 27:45 - Chinese Taipei vs. Korea in the World Baseball Classic; 31:59 - Alex Heading to Peoria for Spring Training! Stay in the lineup — follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more Friar Faithful fun! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    33 min
  3. 26 FEB

    Padres Spring Primer: Buehler, Castellanos, and NL West Predictions

    On this episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, hosts Alex Miniak and three-time MLB All-Star Heath Bell catch up on a busy stretch a rapidly evolving Padres roster. Alex shares stories from a whirlwind travel schedule during Monster Jam events across the country — including a blizzard in Pennsylvania! The conversation turns to San Diego’s newest pitching reinforcements, including Walker Buehler, Germán Márquez, and Griffin Canning. Heath believes Buehler could be the biggest upside play, noting that a change of scenery and the Padres’ supportive pitching environment might help the two-time Tommy John survivor rediscover the form that once made him look like the next Clayton Kershaw. They also discuss new position players Ty France, Miguel Andújar, and Nick Castellanos, with Heath highlighting France as a potential “unsung hero” whose versatility and clubhouse presence could quietly make a major impact over the course of the season. The episode also tackles bigger-picture storylines, including outside projections that have the Padres finishing fourth in the NL West. The hosts push back on those predictions, arguing that San Diego may actually be deeper and better balanced than last year’s 90-win club. With experienced additions, improved depth, and a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality, Heath says he has a “funny feeling” the Padres could surprise people in 2026. Chapters: 00:00 - Busy Happenings for Heath and Alex; 04:32 - Greatest Impact on the Mound: Walker Buehler, Germán Márquez, or Griffin Canning?; 05:59 - Heath Bell Says Former Dodger Walker Buehler...; 07:59 - -Even After Two Tommy John Surgeries??; 09:00 - Alex Goes With Márquez...; 10:42 - Ty France, Miguel Andújar, or Nick Castellanos: Which Fielder Sticks?; 11:40 - Heath Bell Says... Ty France? And Alex Agrees??; 13:34 - The AJ Preller Extension: Maybe the Biggest Signing of All; 14:53 - Are We Spoiled by the Current Padres Success?; 17:13 - FanGraphs Predicts the Padres Will Win 79 Games?!; Stay in the lineup — follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more Friar Faithful fun! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    23 min
  4. 12 FEB

    Manfred’s Next Move?: MLB Tournament Talk and Padres Rotation

    On this episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, Alex Miniak and three-time All-Star Heath Bell kick things off with a celebration as Heath reflects on being inducted into the Tustin High School Hall of Fame alongside former big leaguers Mark Grace and Shawn Green. Heath shares stories of returning to the field where it all began — from memories on the mound to the teammates and mentors who shaped his journey. From there, the guys dive into Commissioner Rob Manfred floating the idea of an in-season tournament or split-season format in Major League Baseball. Alex and Heath break down the pros and cons, debate whether MLB should mirror the NBA’s model, and explore how changes could impact the integrity of the 162-game grind. They even brainstorm their own creative twist on revamping the Home Run Derby and All-Star festivities. Finally, with pitchers and catchers reporting to Peoria, the focus shifts squarely to Padres baseball. The duo previews the battle for the fifth spot in the rotation, weighing options like Matt Waldron’s knuckleball, JP Sears’ versatility, and the upside of Triston McKenzie. As spring training begins, optimism builds — baseball is back, roster battles are heating up, and another season in San Diego is just around the corner. Chapters: 00:00 - Heath Bell: Hall of Famer... again!; 03:25 - The High School Baseball Memories Come Back Hard; 06:03 - Alex's First Visit to His High School in Over 30 Years...; 10:14 - Rob Manfred's In-Season Tournament Proposal; 14:57 - What About Split Seasons in the Majors?; 15:52 - Are We Now Over-Correcting the Game?; 16:54 - What If We Just Did a Mini-World Baseball Classic?; 18:02 - What About a March Madness-Style Home Run Derby?; 20:31 - Pitchers and Catchers Report: Rotation Candidates Stay in the lineup — follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more Friar Faithful fun! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    28 min
  5. 4 FEB

    Spring Is Coming: Padres FanFest, Prospects, and Pizza Pies

    On this episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, Alex Miniak and Heath Bell are fresh off Padres FanFest. Alex shares scenes from a sun-soaked day at the ballpark, where players, alumni, and fans reconnected as the new season starts to come into focus. From clubhouse gear being packed for spring training to can’t-miss garage sale finds — including Alex’s latest piece of Petco Park history — the guys capture that familiar early-February buzz that signals baseball is right around the corner. The conversation then turns to a tougher headline: national outlets ranking the Padres’ farm system dead last. Heath offers a player’s perspective, explaining why prospect rankings are often more about perception than production, and how development timelines, organizational philosophy, and recent trades all play a role in where a system lands. To close things out, the show shifts from fastballs to food with a spirited National Pizza Day power ranking. From foldable New York slices to Chicago deep dish and New Haven coal-fired pies, Alex and Heath debate crust styles, toppings, and personal preferences — proving the strongest opinions might come outside the batter’s box. Chapters: 00:00 - The Buzz of Spring and Padres FanFest; 04:55 - Do the Padres Really Have the WORST Farm System in Baseball?; 07:19 - Great Farm Systems Don't Equal World Series Titles; 08:17 - Player Development Matters in the Minor Leagues; 09:15 - Top Prospects Sometimes Never Pan Out; 09:51 - The Club's Long Term Strategy Also Comes into Play; 14:11 - National Pizza Day Power Rankings: Which Pie is Best?; 17:44 - Alex Ranks His Favorite Style of Pizza Pies; 19:42 - Heath Bell's Pizza Preferences; 24:00 - A Hall of Fame Induction and Super Bowl Weekend! Stay in the lineup — follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more Friar Faithful fun! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    26 min
  6. 31 JAN

    From New Hampshire to Petco Park: Alex Miniak’s Major League Break

    In this episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, Alex Miniak shares his personal journey from minor league announcer in New Hampshire to becoming the Voice of Petco Park. He recounts the intense multi-step audition process in 2014, which included multiple trips to San Diego, national TV exposure, and a high-pressure gauntlet that ultimately led to a dream job. 3x All-Star and co-host Heath Bell joins the conversation to reflect on the persistence and timing required to seize opportunities in professional sports, drawing parallels to his own path in baseball. The discussion then turns to Yu Darvish, who is reportedly contemplating retirement. Alex and Heath explore the challenges players face with injuries, contracts, and career transitions, sharing their insights on how Darvish might navigate the next chapter of his career while staying connected to the game. Finally, the hosts dive back into a fan favorite segment with a Padres Junk Wax Gem, highlighting a 1994 Fleer Kerry Taylor card. While the card boasts a striking design, its back features a brutally honest — and very unflattering — remark. Ouch! Chapters: 00:00 - Heath's Texas Winter Wonderland 02:53 - Alex Miniak Auditioned for #PadresPA 12 Years Ago; 04:57 - Walking into the Pressure of Petco Park; 07:19 - A Gauntlet of Callbacks, One After the Next...; 10:34 - The Offer Was Made, and Here We Are!; 14:27 - Is Yu Darvish Contemplating Retirement?; 19:18 - Padres FanFest Reminder!; 20:46 - Padres Junk Wax Gem: 1994 Fleer Kerry Taylor Stay in the lineup — follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more Friar Faithful fun! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    26 min
  7. 22 JAN

    High Cheese: Padres Relocation Rumors and Fan Favorites Return

    Three-time All-Star Heath Bell is fresh off Padres Fantasy Camp as he and Alex Miniak tackle recent speculation surrounding Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob and the Padres. Alex breaks down why relocation rumors don’t hold up under even basic scrutiny, with both hosts agreeing the current chatter is largely clickbait. They point to MLB’s continued commitment to San Diego through marquee events, Petco Park’s status as one of the game’s premier facilities, and attendance figures that consistently rank among the league’s best. The conversation then shifts to a more optimistic note with the return of familiar faces to the organization. Bud Black rejoins the Padres as a senior advisor, while Wil Myers steps into a player development role. Alex and Heath view both moves as meaningful steps toward strengthening Padres culture, with Bell emphasizing the impact veteran voices can have on young players and Black’s experience providing steady guidance behind the scenes. The episode wraps with a lighthearted National Cheese Lover’s Day power ranking of ballpark favorites — from nachos to pretzels to cheesesteaks. The debate is spirited, the opinions are strong, and whether the two are anywhere close in their rankings is very much up for discussion! Chapters: 00:00 - Heath Bell Back Home from Padres Fantasy Camp; 03:08 - Warriors Owner Joe Lacob and Padres Relocation Rumors; 04:48 - Why the Padres Will NEVER Leave San Diego; 09:00 - The San Francisco Giants Say What?; 11:53 - Party Like it's 2015... Wil Myers and Bud Black are Back!; 15:50 - Heath Reppin' the Vintage Clairemont Bowl Tee; 18:42 - National Cheese Lovers Day Power Ranking: Ballpark Favorites with Cheese; 19:36 - Heath Bell's Cheesy Picks; 22:21 - Alex's List of the Cheesy Ballpark Best Stay in the lineup — follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more Friar Faithful fun! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    27 min

About

Bleav in San Diego Baseball is the go-to San Diego Padres podcast for fans who live and breathe Padres baseball. Hosted by Alex Miniak, the iconic Voice of Petco Park and MLB The Show, alongside 3x All-Star Padres closer Heath Bell, this weekly show delivers in-depth Padres baseball talk, postgame breakdowns, and exclusive clubhouse stories. You’ll also get interviews with former Padres players and fan favorites, plus the best of San Diego’s fan culture — from local food and drink to the freshest gear in the Gaslamp Quarter, East Village, Barrio Logan, and beyond. Follow now on Apple Podcasts for the most authentic and entertaining Padres podcast experience. Also available on Spotify and your favorite podcast app — and Bleav in San Diego Baseball with us!

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