Bleav in San Diego Baseball

Bleav
  • 5.0 (20)
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  • 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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 12/31/2025

    Return to the Throne: King Re-Signs as Padres Add Smart Depth

    In this New Year’s edition of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, Alex Miniak and three-time All-Star Heath Bell ease in between the holidays with plenty of humor and perspective. Alex recaps his recent work at the NBA G League Winter Showcase in Orlando, drawing parallels between basketball lifers grinding for opportunity and baseball players who persevere through long minor-league journeys in hopes of sticking at the highest level. The conversation then shifts to Padres news, highlighted by the re-signing of Michael King. Alex and Heath break down why the deal feels like a win-win: added stability for a rotation that needs it, flexibility for the club, and a chance for King to reestablish value after injury. They also discuss the addition of KBO infielder Sung-mun Song as a low-risk, high-upside depth move, emphasizing the Padres’ recent focus on smart value signings and building roster depth heading into Spring Training. The episode wraps with the latest Padres Junk Wax Gem, spotlighting a 1991 Upper Deck Mark Parent card and using it as a springboard to discuss the unseen careers and lifers who help sustain the game. Alex and Heath close by sharing personal goals for the new year before sending listeners into 2026 with stories, laughs, and plenty more Padres baseball to come. Chapters: 00:00 - Holiday Cheers and Happy New Years!; 02:49 - Alex's Recent Work at the NBA G League Winter Showcase; 06:23 - Padres Re-Sign Free Agent Michael King!; 09:17 - San Diego Also Signs KBO Star Sung-mun Song; 11:57 - Padres Junk Wax Gems: 1991 Upper Deck Mark Parent; 19:27 - The Guys' New Years Resolutions 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

  7. 12/16/2025

    Padres Winter Watch: Waiting, Wondering, and Wishing

    The Voice of Petco Park, Alex Miniak, and three-time All-Star Heath Bell kick off the episode with holiday chaos, spotlighting Heath’s impressive gingerbread houses before shifting to baseball and unpacking fallout from the Winter Meetings. Padres trade rumors are in full swing, with names like Ramón Laureano and Mason Miller circulating as San Diego looks to balance starting pitching needs, rebuild the farm system, and stay firmly in World Series contention. Alex and Heath discuss the realities of dealing from positions of strength, why blockbuster moves take time, and how A.J. Preller may once again reshape the roster through creative trades. The episode wraps with another edition of Padres Junk Wax Gems, featuring what may be the ugliest baseball card pulled yet — a 1991 Bowman Jim Presley — adding a grand total of $1.59 to the growing piggy bank. Equal parts Padres insight, offseason outlook, and holiday humor, it’s a reminder that sometimes — like gingerbread (and roster building) — the best results come when you’re willing to wait. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to Bleav in San Diego Baseball; 01:41 - Heath "Ginger God" Bell Reveals His Holiday Gingerbread Houses; 04:47 - Gingerbread House Building: Heath's Techniques; 07:16 - Sneak Peek on Houses Still to Come...; 08:28 - Padres Trade Rumors: Ramon Laureano and Mason Miller?; 11:01 - Blockbuster Moves: Giving Something to Get Something; 12:31 - Finding the Right Mix of Superstars, Veterans, and Homegrown Talent; 15:14 - Padres Junk Wax Gem: 1991 Bowman Jim Presley 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.

    21 min

  8. 12/11/2025

    Winter Meetings Wonderland: Hot Stoves and Holiday Ovens

    It’s off to Orlando as Alex Miniak and three-time All-Star Heath Bell welcome Padres Radio Network pre- and postgame host Sam Levitt from Baseball’s Winter Meetings. Sam breaks down the early free-agent action — including big deals for Kyle Schwarber, Pete Alonso, and Edwin Díaz — and explains what Díaz’s move means in the ever-escalating Dodgers arms race. He dives into what’s realistic for the Padres this offseason, what “blockbuster” really means when A.J. Preller is involved, and why Padres fans shouldn’t obsess over what L.A. is doing. Back in the studio, Alex and Heath roll into a full holiday-themed warmup — complete with movie debates, a Clark Griswold jersey, and a peek inside Heath’s annual gingerbread house project. Heath reveals the surprisingly elaborate engineering behind his builds: trees, tiny people, homemade icing mortar, and yes… even a chimney that smokes. To close it out, the guys unwrap this week’s Padres Junk Wax Gem: a 1988 Score Tim Flannery card. They reminisce about Flannery’s playing days, his coaching legacy, his three World Series rings, and his second life as a musician who’s shared the spotlight with members of the Grateful Dead. Chapters: 00:00 - 'Tis the Season for Holiday Movie Classics!; 02:40 - Heath Bell's Gingerbread House Construction Update; 06:12 - 97.3 The Fan's Sam Levitt Joins from Baseball's Winter Meetings; 06:55 - What Does Adding Edwin Diaz Do for the Dodgers?; 09:39 - Is There a "Blockbuster" Deal in the Works?; 13:36 - Will the Padres Sign Any Significant Free Agent Names?; 16:16 - Favorite Parts About Winter Meetings; 19:59 - Junk Wax Gems: 1988 Score Tim Flannery 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
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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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