Bleav in San Diego Baseball

Bleav, 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. 2d ago

    Measuring Up to the Dodgers / Tarps Off at Petco Park!

    Alex Miniak and Heath Bell break down the Padres’ tightly contested series against the rival Los Angeles Dodgers and debate just how close San Diego is to matching up with the NL West powerhouse. The guys revisit Alex’s rapid-fire Dodgers lineup introductions at Petco Park, discuss the razor-thin moments that decided each game in the series, and dive into whether Shohei Ohtani’s unique two-way player rule creates a competitive advantage for LA. Later, the conversation shifts to one of baseball’s newest fan crazes: “Tarps Off.” Alex and Heath react to the shirt-spinning rally phenomenon that has spread from college football stadiums to MLB ballparks, including a breakout moment at Petco Park during the Padres’ series against the Athletics. Keep that shirt on Heath! Chapters: 00:00 - Coming Up on Bleav in San Diego Baseball... 01:16 - How Did the Padres Measure Up to the Dodgers? 02:10 - Alex Miniak Introduces Dodgers Lineups FAST 04:54 - The Dodgers-Padres Series Were Games of Inches 07:53 - The Ohtani Rule: Is it an Unfair Advantage? 11:14 - Why Aren't There More Two-Way Players? 14:29 - "Tarps Off" Hits San Diego! 18:23 - Looking Ahead to Fan Friday Bleav in San Diego Baseball is a HAIL! Sports production. Stay in the game! Follow Alex Miniak on Instagram, TikTok, and X. Heath Bell 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. May 20

    Gavin Sheets Stays Hot / Alex Drops the Ball

    On this episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, Alex Miniak and Heath Bell break down the breakout season of Padres slugger Gavin Sheets. From clutch late-inning home runs to his growing role as a fan favorite in San Diego, the guys dive into why “Holy Sheets” has become one of the most important contributors on the Padres roster. They also discuss his incredible National League Player of the Week performance, and how a fresh start with in San Diego may have unlocked the best version of his game. Later, Alex shares the hilarious (and painful) story of nearly snagging a Jackson Merrill foul ball inside the Petco Park production room — only to come up just short in a moment that instantly became scoreboard material. Heath offers up coaching advice, reaction drills, and plenty of laughs as the two swap stories about baseball instincts and handling the pressure. Chapters: 00:00 - Coming up on Bleav in San Diego Baseball... 01:16 - Heath is Back from Range Rider Duty 02:43 - Gavin Sheets: The Definition of Clutch 04:39 - Is Gavin Sheets the New Fan Favorite? 07:28 - The Impact of a Change of Scene 09:15 - Sound Advice from Coach Bell 10:25 - Alex Miniak's Foul Ball Fiasco 12:20 - Heads Up!! Jackson Merrill Coming in Hot! 14:13 - Alex Feels Shame... Not Once, But Twice! 16:18 - Coach Heath Bell Bringing the Rocky Training 19:44 - Looking Ahead: Fan Friday and Star Wars Weekend Bleav in San Diego Baseball is a HAIL! Sports production. Stay in the game! Follow Alex Miniak on Instagram, TikTok, and X. Heath Bell 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.

    21 min
  3. May 13

    Tatis’ Power Outage / 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! Bleav in San Diego Baseball is a HAIL! Sports production. Stay in the game! Follow Alex Miniak on Instagram, TikTok, and X. Heath Bell 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
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!

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