Bleav in San Diego Baseball

Bleav
  • 5.0 (20)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. MAR 10

    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

  2. FEB 26

    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

  3. FEB 12

    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

  4. FEB 4

    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

  5. JAN 31

    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

  6. JAN 22

    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

  7. JAN 15

    Camping with Jake Peavy: The Art of Pitching and Team Chemistry

    This episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball features Alex Miniak holding down the mic while Heath Bell checks in from Padres Fantasy Camp in Peoria, Arizona. Alex opens with a quick breakdown of the Padres’ newly finalized arbitration deals and what they reveal about payroll flexibility and remaining roster needs. From there, the show shifts to the lighter, family-driven side of the game, spotlighting the generational magic of Fantasy Camp through camper stories and classic clubhouse humor — think fried chicken, frosty beers, and glazed donuts. The highlight of the episode is the arrival of the show’s biggest guest yet: Padres Hall of Famer and Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy. Heath and Jake reflect on their shared history, the pressure of Game 163 in Colorado, and how pitching has evolved from feel and grit to today’s analytics-heavy approach — and what that shift means for the modern game. The conversation reinforces what still matters most in baseball: team chemistry, experience, and above all — belief. Bring your six-string — it’s time to strum some songs, talk some baseball, and create some memories. Chapters: 00:00 - Padres Arbitration Updates: Adam, Morejon, Sheets, Miller, Fermin Locked Down; 02:13 - Heath Bell Checks In From Padres Fantasy Camp; 04:21 - How Camp is Going for the Heath's "Ringers and Swingers"; 08:14 - Talkin' With Padres Hall of Famer Jake Peavy; 10:10 - Why Does Jake Love Coming Back to Peoria?; 12:19 - What Was it Like Having a Cy Young on the Mound and Heath in the Pen?; 14:02 - Remembering 2007: Game 163 in Colorado; 15:49 - The Art of Pitching vs. Today's Analytics; 21:39 - Building Team Chemistry and a Championship Mindset; 23:51 - Reflections on Past Championships and What's to Come in San Diego 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

  8. JAN 7

    Peoria to Pit Parties: On the Road with Fantasy Camp and Monster Jam

    The bags are packed for Arizona! Alex Miniak catches up with co-host Heath Bell as the 3x MLB All-Star heads off to Padres Fantasy Camp, breaking down what makes the annual trek so special. Beyond the love of baseball, it’s about reconnecting with familiar faces, welcoming new campers, and building genuine friendships that last long after the week in Peoria wraps up. Alex then shifts gears to life on the road behind the mic with Monster Jam, explaining why motorsports delivers a level of fan and driver access different from baseball. The two bond over the simple joy of watching kids of all ages meet their heroes — whether that hero is pumping 100 mph fastballs or climbing into a 12,000-pound monster truck. The episode closes by circling back to baseball, with a look ahead at Padres FanFest, the calm-before-the-storm of the offseason, and spring training inching closer by the day. And of course, it wouldn’t be Bleav in San Diego Baseball without Padres Junk Wax Gems—highlighted by a 25-cent Darrin Jackson special. Cha… ching. Chapters: 00:00 - Heath Bell: Packin' for Padres Fantasy Camp; 01:56 - Building Lasting Relationships Beyond the Diamond; 05:00 - Heath's Annual Gingerbread New Year's Eve Party; 08:59 - Alex's Monster Jam Adventures; 10:10 - Fan Access and the Differences Between Motorsports and Baseball; 14:53 - Reminder: Get Your Padres Fanfest Tickets!; 17:54 - Padres Junk Wax Gem: 1993 Donruss Darrin Jackson 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.

    24 min
See All (102)

5
out of 5
20 Ratings

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Bleav
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    102
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Bleav Podcast Network
  • Show Website
    Bleav in San Diego Baseball

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