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Guest Tim Hagerty from the Tucson Padres joins the conversation to explain how great infielder Jedd "Jerk" Gyorko is going to be. The San Diego Padres are building from recent trades and drafts and Tim has the skinny on it all. Eric is digging on LHP Robbie Erlin acquired in the Mike Adams trade with the Rangers. Here's what you'll get in this episode: What on earth is a MuckDog and other fun ties to MiLB names. Tim Hagerty, the play-by-play voice of the Tucson Padres, literally wrote the book, you can find it on Amazon here. It's called Root for the Home Team: Minor League Baseball's Most Off-the-Wall Team Names and the Stories Behind Them. Buy it today! WBC is opening rosters spots all around for MILB players to take a crack and impress the front office. Take a look at Yankees LHP Vidal Nuno The Mobile Bay Bears make headlines for a unique tribute to our Armed Forces. Baseball is close, there is a food item called a Twinkie Dog set to make national TV headlines. Once again just like last week, Sam shares updates on several top prospects in action on major league rosters during the first week of spring training action. (If you don't follow our official Twitter account - @mlrpodcast - get on it! Sam does a terrific job of posting most of that update information on Twitter through the week. Got ideas for future shows? Want to chime in on something we've already talked about? Let us know! E-mail us at feedback@mlrpodcast.com! Don't forget we're also on Google+ so come join our MLR podcast community today! SUBSCRIBE TO THE MINOR LEAGUE REPORT WITH THESE PROGRAMS - NOW AVAILABLE ON STITCHER! Or you can enter http://feeds.feedburner.com/mlrcast into which ever feed reader you choose to use.

In this episode of MLR, the guys talk about the parts of the country they're coming to you from. (That's one of the coolest things of this show, by the way. Thanks to modern technology, four baseball nuts can share their love for the game with all of you from four different - yet contiguous - states.) Thank you to everyone who has downloaded the show so far this season and we welcome all of the new listeners who have found us by way of MiLB's social media sites! Here's what you'll get in this episode: Our crew of Jay, Mike, Eric and Sam tackle the Red Sox and Marlins organizations. Why do the Marlins seem to have an organization-wide identity crisis? What impact have major trades in the last 12 months had on the farm systems of both organizations? The guys look for the answers to those questions, and more. Mike Antonellis, Play-by-Play voice of the Portland Sea Dogs (AA - Eastern League - Boston Red Sox) joins the guys to give his take on the Red Sox organization and some of the up-and-coming players he hopes to see in Portland this year. Also, we'll take a look at the direction of the organization at large under new major league manager John Farrell. We'll hear from Tim Grubbs, Play-by-Play voice of the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA - Pacific Coast League - Miami Marlins) and talk about how the fortunes of the Marlins organization have changed 180 degrees over the past year. Tim will share his thoughts on some of the players he's seen in New Orleans and ones he hopes to see in 2013. Sam shares updates on several top prospects in action on major league rosters during the first week of spring training action. (If you don't follow our official Twitter account - @mlrpodcast - you should, by the way. Sam does a terrific job of posting most of that update information on Twitter through the week.) We'll touch on the South Bend Silver Hawks new team store and the rigors of umpiring in the Minor Leagues, both as a result of stories you should read on MiLB.com from our good friend Ben Hill. Jay and Mike talk about the anticipation of the season's action by keeping an eye on Spring training action, thanks to a couple handy smartphone apps. Got ideas for future shows? Want to chime in on something we've already talked about? Let us know! E-mail us at feedback@mlrpodcast.com! On Google+? Come join our MLR podcast community today! SUBSCRIBE TO THE MINOR LEAGUE REPORT WITH THESE PROGRAMS - NOW AVAILABLE ON STITCHER! Or you can enter http://feeds.feedburner.com/mlrcast into which ever feed reader you choose to use.

In this week's episode of MLR, Jay once again uses the word "denizens" to describe the MLR podcast crew, forcing Mike to Yahoo (he's trying to wane himself off of Google's hold on searching) to look for the definition just to make sure he knows what the definition is. Our producer's favorite Red, Billy Hamilton, gets a mention at the end of the show as the guys try and start a new streak of Billy Hamilton name drops. Here's what you'll get in this episode: With Spring Training games quickly approaching, the crew of Jay, Eric, Mike and Sam tackle the #3 and #4 organizations in the Baseball America Prospect Handbook in the Texas Rangers (#3) and Tampa Bay Rays (#4) It took 35 episodes but we FINALLY talk some Fantasy Baseball this week. We go in-depth fantasy style with Paul Sporer (@sporer on the Twitter machine) of Baseball Prospectus. Want to know the most common flaws in drafting MiLB guys for your dynasty league? Paul's got your answers and his top MiLB guys to watch in this year's draft rooms. Oh yeah, someone's getting shot out of a canon this year in Richmond....for the 2nd year in a row. We got some great emails this week so KEEP EM COMING! Send them to feedback@mlrpodcast.com On Google+? Come join our MLR podcast community today! SUBSCRIBE TO THE MINOR LEAGUE REPORT WITH THESE PROGRAMS - NOW AVAILABLE ON STITCHER! Or you can enter http://feeds.feedburner.com/mlrcast into which ever feed reader you choose to use.

This week we feature some in-depth conversation regarding the Mariners organization. Rated #2 by Baseball America led by Catcher Mike Zunino and 19 year-old RHP Taijuan Walker we discuss the details with the voice of the Jackson Generals (Double-A) Chris Harris. The 2012 Jackson team featured nine of the current top ten prospects and was loaded with pitching. From Walker to Danny Hultzen, Harris describes that one has drawn comparisons to Doc Gooden... Here's what you'll get in this episode: Retweet the show link to be entered to win a Robinson Cano bobblehead. You can follow us @mlrpodcast We visit with Chris Harris from the Jackson Generals to talk Mariners farm system Fort Myers is up to some shenanigans involving the State Senator Marco Rubio Dont forget we enjoy email at feedback@mlrpodcast.com. Cheers.. On Google+? Come join our MLR podcast community today! SUBSCRIBE TO THE MINOR LEAGUE REPORT WITH THESE PROGRAMS - NOW AVAILABLE ON STITCHER! Or you can enter http://feeds.feedburner.com/mlrcast into which ever feed reader you choose to use.

In this episode: rankings, rankings, rankings! The guys discuss prospect rankings, and speak to Jeff Levering, the play-by-play announcer for the Springfield Cardinals who joins the show and gives his take on the #1 system, and who he sees as the next Vladimir Guerrero. It's crazy to think that next week's podcast signals the start of Spring Training! Baseball is back folks! Here's what you'll get in this episode: With the release of the 2013 Baseball America Prospect Handbook, the radio play-by-play voice of the Springfield Cardinals Jeff Levering joins the show to discuss the St. Louis Cardinals’ organization, ranked as having the #1 farm system in all of baseball, and the guys give their take on what distinguishes the top farm systems from the others. With college football’s signing day this week, we debate the relevance of player rankings. And, if on cue, Baseball America’s 2008 San Francisco Giants #1 Prospect Angel Villalona got his visa today and is on pace to return to American baseball since his….issues. On Google+? Come join our MLR podcast community today! SUBSCRIBE TO THE MINOR LEAGUE REPORT WITH THESE PROGRAMS - NOW AVAILABLE ON STITCHER! Or you can enter http://feeds.feedburner.com/mlrcast into which ever feed reader you choose to use.

In this episode you will find: A free Ryan Howard Action Figurine, still in the box, never been opened. We will ship this collectable to one randomly selected listener. All you have to do is rate and review the show on iTunes and email us your name. Simple. Also, plenty of talk as we take a look at the Australian Baseball League with guest Tyler Maun. Additionally, there is a more in depth look at WBC roster and perspectives on what the whole Classic really means. Here's what you'll get in this episode: Justin Upon was traded to the Braves and now we debate who got the better end of the deal and what players such as Zeke Spruill and Brandon Drury will be. Feel free to ask Eric about the time he saw Drury replace Chipper Jones not once but twice in a series. Mike's former Broadcast partner and current Australian Baseball League employee chimes in on what the heck the ABL is and may be. A potential upcoming market for MLB from Sydney to Brisbane. And we mention Billy Hamilton, for good luck of course. SUBSCRIBE TO THE MINOR LEAGUE REPORT WITH THESE PROGRAMS - NOW AVAILABLE ON STITCHER! Or you can enter http://feeds.feedburner.com/mlrcast into which ever feed reader you choose to use.

In this episode....not a whole lot. Some conversation about football players being baseball players but really being better at football then baseball. We also discuss how a minor league player in 1983 used to make the same amount of money as the players do today. Not much has been done I advance Their cause. For the real die hard milb folks, Quincy Latimore was traded for Jeanmar Gomez, and now you know! Here's what you'll get in this episode: Everyone talks about their favorite football player who just so happened to be former MLB draftees. World Baseball Classic rosters announced Jay runs into an old minor leaguer Nick's experience in Vegas, and Billy Hamilton's invitation to Major League camp SUBSCRIBE TO THE MINOR LEAGUE REPORT WITH THESE PROGRAMS - NOW AVAILABLE ON STITCHER! Or you can enter http://feeds.feedburner.com/mlrcast into which ever feed reader you choose to use.

Happy New Year everyone! The MLR podcast returns with the first show of 2013. With the Blue Jays busy offseason, Toronto is the topic of discussion once again. The radio play-by-play voice of the Lansing Lugnuts (Single-A blue Jays) Jesse Goldberg-Strassler joins the show to break down Justin Nicolino, Noah Syndergaard and the trade moves for the great white north. Here's what you'll get in this episode: Who likes the Joel Hanrahan deal? Sam is feeling Jerry Sands. Former Pirate now Red Sox Brock Holt can hopefully get some love in Boston. We speak with Jesse Goldberg-Strassler of the Lansing Lugnuts (Single-A Blue Jays) Wonder how much an MILB umpire makes in a year? We go to the mail bag to answer and perhaps spawn more questions about umps. How many times was Willie Mays ejected in his 22 year career? SUBSCRIBE TO THE MINOR LEAGUE REPORT WITH THESE PROGRAMS - NOW AVAILABLE ON STITCHER! Or you can enter http://feeds.feedburner.com/mlrcast into which ever feed reader you choose to use.

As expected, you will find a little chatter on the Wil (with one "L") Myers, Trevor Bauer, Shin Shoo-Choo, James Shields Blockbusters. Author Eric Pettis joins in to discuss his book and the MILB life. Here's what you'll get in this episode: Without Sam and Eric, Nick steps up and expresses approval of Choo as a Cincy lead off man. With Didi Gregorious blocked at SS is a win-win for the Indians and Reds.... and maybe the D-Backs. Folks appear to be down on the Royals prematurely "going for it" with Shields and Wade Davis. Eric Pettis, drafted by the Phillies and subsequently released despite a sub 3.00 career era reveals some fun facts of baseball life. What is your favorite baseball joke? Do you have the keys to the batters box? SUBSCRIBE TO THE MINOR LEAGUE REPORT WITH THESE PROGRAMS - NOW AVAILABLE ON STITCHER! Or you can enter http://feeds.feedburner.com/mlrcast into which ever feed reader you choose to use.

Like waiting for a racehorse to come in, the guys finally were able to reflect and dissect the Rule 5 (yes, 5 not V, that is not correct in the AP style of things) draft which took place to wrap up the 2012 Baseball Winter Meetings from Nashville, Tenn. With the "Twitter Meetings" on the brain of most, the gang breaks down who did and did not get nabbed in the Rule 5 as well as catches up with the man who has the pulse of the MiLB scene in MLB.com's Ben Hill of Ben's Biz Blog. The guys live vicariously through Ben's retelling of the comings and goings of this year's meetings at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in The Music City and also gets the scoop on some of the newest items to hit the aisles at the always popular Trade Show. Here's what you'll get in this episode: Grab your Rule 5 list from Baseball America here thanks to J.J. Cooper and follow along as Jay, Sam, Eric and Mike breakdown some of the surprises of the Rule 5 as well as some of the picks we even called from our past episodes Ben Hill of Ben's Biz Blog talks about his second go around in Nashville for the Winter Meetings while covering the Job Fair and some of the job seekers After some more Rule 5 talk, the crew weighs in on the Ben Revere for Trevor May & Vance Worley deal that went down on the final day of the Meetings between the Twins (getting the pitching) and Phillies (getting the OF Revere) Added Bonuses in this week's podcast: B.J. Hermsen gets a mention for the third straight week, Aaron Sorkin's "Sports Night" gets a long overdue plug and we get a lesson in AP style from one of our twitter followers. SUBSCRIBE TO THE MINOR LEAGUE REPORT WITH THESE PROGRAMS - NOW AVAILABLE ON STITCHER! Or you can enter http://feeds.feedburner.com/mlrcast into which ever feed reader you choose to use.

After a week hiatus to give thanks, this week's MLR Podcast is enhanced by the Baseball Hall of Fame Director of Communications Craig Muder to discuss the highly-anticipated 2013 ballot. Additionally, Baseball's Winter meetings are days away and that means everyone's not-so-favorite Rule V draft is finally upon us. Find out who may be an intriguing pick, would you not want 2B Jeff Kobernus on your team? Finally, the team pays homage to the passing of legend Marvin Miller, perhaps the most influential man in baseball history. Here's what you'll get in this episode: Indians Preston Guilmet and Rob Bryson are potential bullpen Rule V takes as well. The much talked about (on this show at least) RHP B.J. Hermsen does indeed make it on to the 40 man although Mets 3B Jefry Marte is left unprotected. Mike manages to bring up some San Francisco delicacy and not share Sam basks in hitting on 67 percent of his master "roster list". Eric stands up and applauds the Hall of Fame guest, Mr. Craig Muder. Nashville hot spots are included free of charge. SUBSCRIBE TO THE MINOR LEAGUE REPORT WITH THESE PROGRAMS - NOW AVAILABLE ON STITCHER! Or you can enter http://feeds.feedburner.com/mlrcast into which ever feed reader you choose to use.

The Blue Jays and Miami Marlins made some headlines this week with their blockbuster trade that is still pending approval from Bud Selig. We've seen the Marlins do this before. But considering how much money was spent during the offseason in 2011 to have a last place finish in the AL East was unacceptable. Here's what you'll get in this episode: Breakdown the trade between the Blue Jays and the Miami Marlins The AL Central breakdown with Lake County Captains play-by-play voice, Craig Deas joins us to dive a little deeper into the Cleveland Indians farm system. Next week: The NL Central SUBSCRIBE TO THE MINOR LEAGUE REPORT WITH THESE PROGRAMS - NOW AVAILABLE ON STITCHER! Or you can enter http://feeds.feedburner.com/mlrcast into which ever feed reader you choose to use.

We continue our Rule 5 draft coverage ahead of the Winter Meetings and don't forget the Arizona Fall League is in full effect. Lots to discuss with some of baseball's top players in the Arizona desert. Here's what you'll get in this episode: Nathan Rowan from the Arizona Fall League joins in the conversation. Eric and Sam tee off on who the World Champion Giants need to protect on the 40 man roster. While the rest of the NL West may not have too many difficult choices for the pending Rule V madness. Names such as Tyler Kuhn, Chris Gloor, Nick Noonan, Tim Wheeler, Chris Heston are up for debate. Who would you snatch up? Tell us at feedback@mlrpodcast.com Mike is still roaming around Europe and Nick needs your vote for Who-Dey Weekly at PodcastAwards.com. Next week: The AL Central SUBSCRIBE TO THE MINOR LEAGUE REPORT WITH THESE PROGRAMS - NOW AVAILABLE ON STITCHER! Or you can enter http://feeds.feedburner.com/mlrcast into which ever feed reader you choose to use.

Congrats to the San Francisco Giants on their 2nd World Series title in the last 3 seasons, a pretty remarkable feat considering this team was on the brink of elimination 6 different times this postseason. Unreal. This week we talk a little more about the Rule 5 draft and what it means for a minor league team who's parent club wins the World Series. Here's what you'll get in this episode: When a team wins the World Series, how do the minor league affiliates celebrate? Hurricane Sandy's effect on MiLB The Anaheim Angels and their potential Rule 5 draftees, Matt Long, Travis Witherspoon and pitcher Mike Piazza, yes that's his name. The Seattle Mariners Brian Moran, Vinnie Catricala, Brandon Mauer and James Jones, take your pick. The Houston Astros making their debut in the AL West have some decisions to make with their roster. SUBSCRIBE TO THE MINOR LEAGUE REPORT WITH THESE PROGRAMS - NOW AVAILABLE ON STITCHER! Or you can enter http://feeds.feedburner.com/mlrcast into which ever feed reader you choose to use.

After a bit of a hiatus, the guys get back together this week to discuss the Rule 5 Draft, how it works and who is eligible on some of the clubs. The guys also take a look at some of the guys making names for themselves out in the Arizona Fall League. Here's what you'll get in this episode: The glamorous life of working in MiLB and memories of Pablo Sandoval in Augusta. The Rule 5 Draft and some of the bigger names in MLB who were previous Rule 5 draftees Oakland Athletics, fresh off a surprising playoff run, have quite a few big prospects who are currently not protected. Grant Green, Arnold Leon, Steven Parker and Shane Peterson all could be swept up by another big league club. The Texas Rangers have one former Rule 5 Draftee in Josh Hamilton (Reds from Tampa), who will they protect this offseason? Big names like Leury Garcia, rated 11th by Baseball America could be leaving the Rangers through the draft. SUBSCRIBE TO THE MINOR LEAGUE REPORT WITH THESE PROGRAMS - NOW AVAILABLE ON STITCHER! Or you can enter http://feeds.feedburner.com/mlrcast into which ever feed reader you choose to use.