Baseball Bar-B-Cast

Latest Episodes:

Rickwood Field game recap, Brody Brecht interview & The Good, The Bad and The Uggla Jun 21, 2024

Show notes

Thursday night saw the San Francisco Giants face off against the St. Louis Cardinals. However, it was the environment of the game that stole the show. The renovated Rickwood Field, formerly home to the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro league, was the setting for a game that took on a special meaning with many former Negro league players in attendance. It was also the perfect way to remember the legacy of Willie Mays.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss why this event went beyond just the baseball game that was played, and they talk about Reggie Jackson’s poignant remarks during the pregame show and the importance of taking Major League Baseball on the road to play in special venues.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake and Jordan sit down with potential first-rounder Brody Brecht from the MLB Draft Combine to talk about his choice of playing professional baseball over football, the first time he ever hit 100 mph as a pitcher and attending the University of Iowa at the same time as Caitlin Clark. The guys then close the show by giving this week’s edition of The Good, The Bad and The Uggla.

(1:54) - Rickwood Field game recap

(16:11) - MLB Draft Combine wrap-up

(18:46) - Brody Brecht interview

(22:15) - Being a two-sport athlete in high school

(25:17) - Choosing baseball over football

(29:47) - First time Brody hit 100 mph

(34:37) - Attending the University of Iowa at the same time as Caitlin Clark

(38:34) - The Good, The Bad and The Uggla

(39:29) - The Good

(42:23) - The Bad

(44:58) - The Uggla

Follow the show on X at @CespedesBBQ

Follow Jake @Jake_Mintz

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🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

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Live from the 2024 MLB Draft Combine + JJ Wetherholt interview & Triple-A challenge system changing Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

The Baseball Bar-B-Cast crew is on the road for this episode of the podcast, coming to you live from Chase Field in Arizona where Major League Baseball is holding the 2024 edition of the Draft Combine. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about their experience watching potential draft picks go through drills, the importance of the combine for teams and why there is a need for more attention on this event for baseball.

The guys are then joined by West Virginia baseball’s JJ Wetherholt to talk about his time at the combine. The projected-first-rounder discusses why his brother influenced him to become a lefty hitter, his history at the shortstop position, what he’s taken from the style of baseball played in Korea and how he implemented it into his game and what he’s most looking forward to in becoming a pro-ball player.

Later, Jake & Jordan talk about a major change happening mid-season at the Triple-A level to its replay system and why that system could show up in the majors sooner rather than later.

(0:59) - A word about this special episode

(3:09) - Thoughts from the combine

(10:12) - The importance of being in Arizona

(12:15) - Who is JJ Wetherholt?

(14:13) - JJ Wetherholt interview

(19:42) - JJ on playing shortstop

(28:50) - Impact of Korean baseball on his career

(31:26) - Most excited about pro-baseball

(33:44) - Triple-A changing review system

Follow the show on X at @CespedesBBQ

Follow Jake @Jake_Mintz

Follow Jordan @J_Shusterman_

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

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🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Remembering baseball legend and Hall of Famer Willie Mays Jun 19, 2024

Show notes

On Tuesday night, the sports world learned of the passing of Hall of Famer and baseball legend Willie Mays at the age of 93 years old. Often referred to as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, the “Say Hey Kid” was a truly one-of-a-kind personality and talent in the game of baseball, on and off the field.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman share their thoughts on the passing of Mays and talk about the lasting impact he has on the countless number of baseball fans who got to watch him play and his contributions to the game in his post-playing days. They also discuss the incredible stats that Willie put up throughout his career and how the Rickwood Field game between the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday will be a special night honoring number 24.

(0:29) - Thoughts on the passing of Willie Mays

(2:14) - Willie’s lasting impact

(6:39) - The incredible stats

(9:49) - Timing of the Rickwood Field game

(15:11) - Memories in New York City

Follow the show on X at @CespedesBBQ

Follow Jake @Jake_Mintz

Follow Jordan @J_Shusterman_

🖥️ Watch full episodes on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ

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⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Dodgers place Mookie & Yamamoto on IL, umpire suspended for gambling & 2024 MLB Draft Combine preview with Nate Tice Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

The Los Angeles Dodgers were a heavy favorite to win the World Series this season, with superstars in their lineup and in their rotation. However, this past weekend, they took a double gut punch when they were forced to place shortstop Mookie Betts and starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the injured list.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the hit that these two injuries might have on the Dodgers for the rest of the season, why they’ll need Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman to step it up even more and the positive spin that these injuries might have for the club.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys talk about the gambling suspension for umpire Pat Hoberg and then get into all the other action from the weekend including the Boston Red Sox getting over .500 with their series win against the New York Yankees, the Minnesota Twins mopping the Oakland Athletics and the New York Mets getting hot since the appearance of a McDonald’s mascot.

Jake & Jordan then preview the upcoming MLB Draft Combine and what fans can expect out of the fourth installment of this event. Nate Tice joins Jordan to talk about the similarities between the NFL and MLB combine, why the event is important for players as well as the clubs and the importance of technology for scouting draft picks.

(1:32) - Jake’s time at the College World Series

(4:30) - Umpire Pat Hoberg suspended

(8:55) - Dodgers injury blow

(13:59) - Yankees-Red Sox recap

(16:28) - Orioles over Phillies

(17:46) - Astros over Tigers

(20:28) - Mop & sweeps from the weekend

(26:10) - MLB Draft Combine preview

(32:08) - Nate Tice interview

Follow the show on X at @CespedesBBQ

Follow Jake @Jake_Mintz

Follow Jordan @J_Shusterman_

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ

📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq

⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

The 2024 Men's College World Series for dummies + The Good, The Bad & The Uggla Jun 14, 2024

Show notes

The Men's College World Series has finally arrived and the Baseball Bar-B-Cast crew is here to give you an extensive breakdown on the 2024 edition, whether you’re a college ball fiend or someone who’s a casual fan but wants to get in on some of the wildest, most unpredictable action we’ll see all year in baseball.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman take a look at all eight teams in the tournament this year and give you the rundown of their seasons, identify some of the players and coaches you should keep an eye on and which teams will bring the stereotypical college baseball energy that everyone loves. The guys also give their picks for who might play in the finals and ultimately be crowned champion.

Later in the show, Jake & Jordan give their picks for The Good, The Bad and The Uggla this week, which includes a new member of the St. Louis Cardinals' mascot family, an unprecedented record set by a minor leaguer off the field and New York Yankees fans finding a way to complain despite having one of the best teams in baseball.

(1:16) - An introduction to the Men's College World Series

(11:54) - North Carolina

(16:06) - UVA

(20:38) - Tennessee

(25:51) - FSU

(33:55) - Kentucky

(37:53) - North Carolina State

(42:22) - Texas A&M

(46:39) - Florida

(51:08) - The Good, The Bad & The Uggla

Follow the show on X at @CespedesBBQ

Follow Jake @Jake_Mintz

Follow Jordan @J_Shusterman_

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ

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⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Something’s up with the Braves, Paul Skenes’ standing ovation, the Dodgers make a trade & Rintaro Sasaki homers Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

The Atlanta Braves came into the 2024 season with lofty expectations after winning the most games in baseball last season. However, things have taken a bit of a turn for Atlanta in their last 40 games — they’ve gone 17-23 and have fallen 10 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the National League East.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman examine what exactly has gone wrong for the Atlanta Braves this season and why there is still hope for them to make the postseason despite losing Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuna Jr. for the rest of the season. But considering they haven't made too many changes to their 2023 squad, being shutout by Albert Suarez and the Baltimore Orioles should raise some red flags.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys talk about Paul Skenes receiving a rare standing ovation on the road following a 6+-innings performance agains the St. Louis Cardinals, Major League Baseball dropping the ball when it came to the debut of Rintaro Sasaki and Cavan Biggio being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jake and Jordan wrap the show by giving a quick preview of the College World Series and what they’re most excited to see.

(2:21) - What’s up with the Braves?

(27:04) - The O’s tough schedule

(29:16) - Paul Skenes’ road ovation

(35:59) - MLB dropping the ball

(45:39) - Cavan Biggio traded

(49:50) - College World Series preview

Follow the show on X at @CespedesBBQ

Follow Jake @Jake_Mintz

Follow Jordan @J_Shusterman_

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ

📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq

⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Yankees-Dodgers lives up to the hype, Braves' lineup issues, Twins City Connect uniforms drop & weekend wrap-up Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

For only the fourth time during the regular season, the Los Angeles Dodgers came to Yankee Stadium to take on the New York Yankees and everyone in the baseball world was hyped for this possible World Series match up. Normally, a series of this magnitude doesn’t live up to the hype. However, this one did.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the epic three game series that saw Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Teoscar Hernandez lead the Dodgers to a 2-1 series win, the electric atmosphere in the Bronx from both fan bases and the notable absence of Juan Soto from the Yankees’ lineup.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys talk about why the Atlanta Braves will be one of the first teams to make a trade to help their underperforming lineup since the loss of Ronald Acuna, the Texas Rangers being on the verge of getting back a major piece for their rotation and the super success that Kyle Bradish has had for the Baltimore Orioles.

Jake & Jordan also recap every series from this weekend in baseball and break down the newest City Connect uniforms to drop for the Minnesota Twins. Spoiler alert, Jordan is a big fan of the design.

(1:06) - Jake fighting to stay off the IL

(3:28) - Yankees-Dodgers recap

(17:59) - “We want Soto,” chants

(25:37) - The series wins

(29:15) - Braves need to make a move

(36:27) - Twins City Connect uniforms

(47:22) - The Splits

Follow the show on X at @CespedesBBQ

Follow Jake @Jake_Mintz

Follow Jordan @J_Shusterman_

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ

📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq

⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Assembling the All Star Game squad, Juan Soto’s injury, Gunnar Henderson’s ascension & Paul Skenes vs. Shohei Ohtani Jun 07, 2024

Show notes

The 2024 edition of the Major League Baseball All-Star game is a little over a month away which means that it’s time for fans to start sending in their picks for who they want to see represent the American and National League squads.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman do their best to put together the most fun and deserving teams for the mid-summer classic, set to take place in Arlington, Texas this July. While there are a few obvious selections like Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and Kyle Tucker in the AL outfield, other position battles, like the AL shortstop crop, will create some fun races to watch as the votes come in.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys talk about Juan Soto’s forearm tightness and why New York Yankees fans shouldn’t be overly concerned about the injury just yet, the ascension of Gunnar Henderson despite his draft status and the epic match-up between Paul Skenes and Shohei Otahni earlier this week in Pittsburgh.

Jake & Jordan then give their picks for this weeks’ The Good, The Bad and The Uggla and highlight a couple weekend matchups including the London series between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies.

(2:30) - All Star game voting process

(8:17) - Infield

(28:30) - Outfield

(34:36) - Designated hitter

(41:22) - Juan Soto’s forearm injury

(45:21) - Gunnar Henderson’s ascension

(53:21) - Paul Skenes vs. Shohei Ohtani

(54:58) - The Good

(59:15) - The Bad

(1:02:13) - The Uggla

(1:07:04) - Weekend preview

Follow the show on X at @CespedesBBQ

Follow Jake @Jake_Mintz

Follow Jordan @J_Shusterman_

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ

📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq

⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Another gambling scandal in Major League Baseball, Dodgers-Pirates notes, Rhys returns to Philly & listener mailbag Jun 05, 2024

Show notes

For the second time this year, a major betting scandal has been uncovered in Major League Baseball that includes four players being suspended for one year and one receiving a lifetime ban. Although the names aren’t as noticeable as the previous scandal, MLB made a swift and impactful ruling on these five players.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman break down the scandal including some background on Tucupita Marcano, who received a lifetime ban, and why his punishment was much harsher than the four other players included in this report. Plus, they discuss why MLB had to make an example out of these players.

Later on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jordan talks about attending the Los Angeles Dodgers-Pittsburgh Pirates game on Tuesday night, where Tyler Glasnow made his return to PNC Park as a completely different pitcher and Jake talks about why Rowdy Tellez has earned the ire of Pirates fans.

Jake & Jordan then get into Rhys Hoskins’ return to Philadelphia. Gerrit Cole’s first rehab start in AA and open up the listener mailbag answering why fans can’t vote on pitchers to make the All-Star Game, who the leading ump is for most disliked in the sport and much more.

(1:51) - Another gambling scandal

(22:46) - Dodgers-Pirates matchup

(26:49) - Rowdy Tellez ire

(31:32) - Rhys’s return to Philly

(33:36) - Gerrit Cole makes a rehab start

(34:47) - Listener emails

(38:30) - Voting for pitchers for All-Star Game

(44:40) - Umpire villain number one

(47:06) - Funniest double play combo

Follow the show on X at @CespedesBBQ

Follow Jake @Jake_Mintz

Follow Jordan @J_Shusterman_

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ

📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq

⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Yankees’ Aaron Judge’s epic performance in San Francisco, Tommy Pham’s ready to fight & recapping MLB’s weekend Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

When the New York Yankees play on the road, there’s always some buzz because of the superstars that come along with them. However, this past weekend in San Francisco, there was a little extra buzz in Oracle Park because of Aaron Judge’s first time playing where he almost signed prior to the 2023 season.

Jake Mintz and the newly-moved Jordan Shusterman talk about the Yankees' Bay Areas sweep of the Giants, where the Major League Baseball player of the month for May, Judge, helped lead his squad with a three-home-run performance, as well as Juan Soto doing Juan Soto things and hitting a go-ahead home run in the 9th on Sunday.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys talk about the altercation between Tommy Pham and William Contreras over the weekend that led to the benches clearing in Milwaukee, as well as taking a look at the Detroit Tigers sending Spencer Torkelson back down to the minors, the Baltimore Orioles dueling with multiple Tommy John surgeries and the Seattle Mariners' dominant starting pitching weekend.

Later in the show, Jake and Jordan discuss the disappointing ending to Birmingham-Southern Panthers’ college baseball season and why it was a fitting end to their college sports legacy. Then Jake rants about lazy people on the internet criticizing play-by-play announcers.

(2:01) - A note from Lou Gehrig Day

(4:18) - The sweeps

(5:39) - Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani?

(13:15) - Tommy Pham’s ready to throw down

(28:05) - The splits

(39:34) - The series wins

(45:56) - Orioles' Tommy John problems

(56:37) - College Baseball roundup

(1:01:10) - Jake has a rant

Follow the show on X at @CespedesBBQ

Follow Jake @Jake_Mintz

Follow Jordan @J_Shusterman_