The Padres are right in the thick of the NL West race, and Alex Miniak and three-time All-Star Heath Bell break it all down on this week’s Bleav in San Diego Baseball. After dropping the opener to the Giants, San Diego bounced back with three straight wins at Petco Park, fueled by big bats from Ryan O’Hearn and Gavin Sheets, plus a highlight-reel robbery from Fernando Tatis Jr.

They’re now just one game back of the Dodgers heading into another crucial series. Guest Kyle Glaser (MLB.com, Friar Territory Podcast) joins the show to discuss how the Padres’ strong home record, favorable September schedule, and a Dodgers roster hit by injuries could give San Diego a real shot at winning the division for the first time since 2010.

Chapters:

00:00 - Alex and Heath Recap the Giants Series

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On this episode, host Alex Miniak and the three-time All-Star Heath Bell trade stories from the mound at Dodger Stadium and Oracle Park — from regrettable Dodger Dogs to ice-cold nights in San Francisco. Heath also reveals the best (and worst) clubhouse amenities in the West.

Heath breaks down what makes the Dodgers beatable, why the Padres-Dodgers rivalry has overtaken the old Giants feud, and how the upcoming back-to-back series against both teams could decide the NL West race.

With back-to-school week in San Diego, Alex gives Heath a Padres history quiz — and let’s just say he earns more than a “D for diploma.” It’s ballpark tales, rivalry breakdowns, and a crucial stretch of Padres baseball you won’t want to miss.

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The Voice of Petco Park, Alex Miniak, and three-time All-Star Heath Bell break down a jam-packed weekend where the Padres took two of three from the red-hot Red Sox in an August series that felt more like October. They dig into Saturday night’s hidden ball trick drama, Dylan Cease’s dominant Sunday, and why Red Sox manager Alex Cora calls the Padres bullpen “the best in the big leagues.”

Alex also shares a personal highlight — celebrating his first wedding anniversary — and remembering a special day at Petco Park complete with Hodad’s burgers, the Friar ringing the bell, and baseball cards as table décor.

The episode wraps with an “alternate universe” fan poll: if the Dodgers and Giants had never moved west, who would be the Padres’ biggest rival? From Astros to Diamondbacks, Heath and Alex explore alternate timelines, blending sharp baseball analysis with personal stories for a rich, can’t-miss listen.

Chapters:

00:00 - October in August: Padres Win the Sox Series 2-1

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In this episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, hosts Alex Miniak and Heath Bell preview the Padres’ pivotal home series against the Boston Red Sox, two teams locked in similar playoff races, before diving into Fenway Park nostalgia.

Heath recalls the surreal experience of watching a game at Fenway one day and pitching on its mound the next—striking out legends like Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz. Alex shares a heartfelt personal story of his connection to Fenway, including a meaningful moment filling in as the Red Sox PA announcer after the passing of his friend and mentor, Carl Beane.

In the debut of their new “Home Run Eats” segment, Alex tastes a classic New England roast beef sandwich from Big Jim’s (@bigjimsroastbeef) in Pacific Beach, rating it a perfect 10 and making Heath extremely jealous.

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Alex Miniak and Heath Bell break down a big week for the Padres, who went 5-1 at home and added six new big-league roster players at the trade deadline. Special guest Annie Heilbrunn from the San Diego Union-Tribune joins to share insight on the new guys — including Mason Miller and Ramón Laureano — and how they’re fitting in on and off the field. Alex and Heath talk about the impact these moves could have on the core stars like Tatis and Merrill, and why this team feels energized heading into the final two months of the regular season.

Chapters:

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The second half of the MLB season is underway, and the San Diego Padres are making waves! Hosts Alex Miniak and Heath Bell break down key performances from players like Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and a surging bottom-of-the-order. They preview the upcoming home series against the Cardinals, and reflect on Hall of Fame weekend — complete with a few laughs from Ichiro’s legendary speech.

Plus, it's time to talk lids. The hosts dive into the world of retro caps, power ranking their favorite Padres throwbacks and exploring what makes classic baseball gear so iconic. With insights, humor, and a touch of nostalgia, this episode is a must-listen for Padres fans, MLB diehards, and anyone who loves a well-worn ballcap.

Chapters:

00:00 - Padres Sweep the Mets! Encouraging Signs for the Second Half

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In this episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, hosts Alex Miniak and Heath Bell discuss Heath's recent concert experience (shhh!), the buzz around town surrounding Comic-Con, Alex's experience dressing up at Comic-Con (and getting paid for it!), and the culture of collectibles like bats, bucket hats, bobbleheads and more. They also preview the upcoming Padres-Cardinals series and the challenges posed by the heat in St. Louis.

Chapters:

Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and via social on Instagram and X (@gohailsports). For polls, bonus content, and more Padres talk, visit our Substack at BleavInSD.com.

In this episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, hosts Alex Miniak and 3x All-Star Heath Bell break down the Padres' explosive weekend in Washington and dive into Manny Machado’s historic milestones — including his 2,000th hit and 350th home run. Does he have a strong enough case for the Baseball Hall of Fame if the vote happened today?

Plus, it’s San Diego Comic-Con week! Heath, a die-hard Star Wars fan, takes on our Comic-Con trivia challenge. Can he go 10-for-10?

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview
01:18 – Slam Diego is BACK! Recapping the Nationals Series
03:07 – Is Manny Machado a Hall of Famer today? Vote at BleavInSD.com
14:40 – Comic-Con Trivia Challenge: Heath vs. Pop Culture

Subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and follow us on Instagram and X (@gohailsports). For polls, bonus content, and more Padres talk, visit our Substack at BleavInSD.com.

In the inaugural episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, new host Alex Miniak and three-time All-Star Heath Bell discuss the excitement of baseball culture in San Diego, reflect on the recent MLB All-Star Game, and share personal experiences from Heath's All-Star appearances on the field, and Alex's in the booth. They also touch on the new direction of the podcast, which aims to explore various aspects of baseball beyond just the game itself, including fashion, food, and art.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to the New Bleav in San Diego Baseball

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