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!;

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!

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On this episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, hosts Alex Miniak and three-time MLB All-Star Heath Bell react to a major milestone for the Padres: Joe Musgrove’s return to the mound in competitive action for the first time in 17 months. The two discuss Musgrove’s outing in a World Baseball Classic exhibition against Great Britain, where the right-hander flashed encouraging velocity and struck out three across two innings. Heath breaks down what pitchers really look for in a first outing after a long layoff — not just results, but how the arm feels, pitch movement, and confidence coming out of the delivery.

The conversation then shifts to the World Baseball Classic, with Alex and Heath previewing a stacked Team USA roster featuring stars like Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Bobby Witt Jr. Heath shares insight from his own experiences pitching for Team USA in the 2009 and 2013 WBC, explaining the tournament’s playoff-like intensity and the unique energy created by international crowds that resembles winter league baseball.

Finally, the hosts highlight Padres players competing around the globe in the tournament, including Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. for the Dominican Republic, Xander Bogaerts with the Netherlands, and several others. With games underway and national pride on the line, Alex and Heath discuss which teams Padres fans should follow during the tournament — and why the WBC has become one of the most exciting events in baseball.

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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;

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!

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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!;

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!

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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;

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!

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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

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!

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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;

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!

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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;

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!

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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;

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!

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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!;

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!

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