Tri-State at the Plate

Two Testicular Contusions

Andy and Bob return as a newly minted father and uncle respectively! The pair discuss what it's like to be a new uncle and father right before discussing Alex Rodriguez's veiled threat promise, "You haven't heard the last of me." The two then discuss all things Cleveland, specifically: injury updates as they pertain to two testicular contusions on the team, the Indians' undefeated June at home, their record against division rival Detroit, Trevor Bauer's emergence, Cleveland's attendance woes and what it means for fanship, and finally, some players' performances down on the farm. Andy then attempts to tackle talking about the Pirates woeful June, Chad Kuhl puns, Pirates pitching changes, and then broaches a very sensitive subject: Andrew McCutchen's struggles and the trade rumors swirling around him. The duo then finish by teasing Tri-State of Mind's very first book club book, 'The Arm' by Jeff Passan.

Home Run Derby Pitchers

On this week's episode, Andy and Bob talk about pitchers in the home run derby and how hitters are probably sweating that decision. Andy then talks about the amazing offensive output and pitching woes in Pittsburgh before he discusses the list of injuries plaguing the Pirates. Bob then talks some Tribe with the resurgence of Trevor Bauer, the frustrations of Bryan Shaw, the return of Danny Salazar, the mystery surrounding Michael Brantley's injury. 

Pitching Woes Plague Pittsburgh and Other Alliterative Topics

On this week's episode, Andy and Bob open the show talking about the new-and-improved Barry Bonds. Andy quickly spirals out of control into what can only be described as a free style poetry slam on the depravity of Barry Bonds as a human being. Once things get back under control, the duo dissect the pitching woes that have been hounding the Pirates all season, specifically as they pertain to starter Francisco Liriano. They take a look at some starters in Triple-A Indianapolis who could be potential boons to the rotation (Jameson Taillon, Tyler Glasnow, Chad Kuhl) before looking at injuries that have dogged the Pirates over the past few days. Finishing on a positive note, Andy discusses the successes of Matt Joyce and farmhand Mitch Keller. Bob then takes a look at the transactions for Cleveland, talks about the Indians' bullpen going without a lefty for a day, the return of Carlos Carrasco and potential return of Michael Brantley. Finally, Bob and Andy booth swoon over the recalling of outfielder Tyler Naquin and the resurgence of Jose Ramirez. The duo finish the podcast with a SeaWolves Shoutout, discussing the raging successes of Dean Green and JaCoby Jones as well as the promotion of Matt Crouse to Triple-A Toledo.

The Only Thing Max Scherzer and Cody Anderson Have In Common

On this week's episode Andy and Bob lead off with a discussion that answers the question: What is the only thing that Max Scherzer and Cody Anderson have in common? After that, Andy leads the discussion of Francisco Cervelli's surprising contract extension and what that means for the pecking order of catchers in Pittsburgh. He talks about two distinctly different series with the Reds and Cubs, before he waxes poetic about Pirates pitching prospects Tyler Glasnow and Jameson Taillon. Bob then addresses the Indians' outfield as it pertains to the health of Michael Brantley's shoulder, he talks about Dan in Buffalo's favorite prospect Mike Clevinger making his first start tomorrow, the health of Carlos Carrasco's hamstring, and finishes with talk of surprising Trevor Bauer stats and the importance of Cleveland sports fans to remain optimistic. The duo wrap up the show with a SeaWolves shout out that looks at the upcoming schedule, the Akron RubberDucks, Dean Green destroying baseball's for the Wolves, and JaCoby Jones returning to the SeaWolves' lineup.

Erie SeaWolves State of the Union Featuring General Manager Greg Coleman

The staff of Tri-State of Mind Baseball is incredibly thrilled to be talking to the general manager of the Erie SeaWolves, Greg Coleman! Greg returns to the podcast to fill us in on the 2016 SeaWolves and lets us know about the new long-term lease with Erie Events, working under the new ownership of Fernando Aguirre and how that changes expectations and performance, fan experiences and COWBOY MONKEYS COMING TO JERRY UHT PARK, new food at the stadium, how the SeaWolves are involved in the community, how awesome SeaWolves manager Lance Parrish is on and off the field, and finishes up the episode by telling his story of how he ended up in Erie, Pennsylvania.

This is definitely a must-listen podcast for all fans of Minor League Baseball!

The Nolan Ryan No Hitter - Cy Young Debate

On this week's episode, Andy and Bob start off by discussing Stephen Strasburg's new deal before an at-length discussion about swapping no-hitters for Cy Young Awards. Andy then talks about: the Pirates getting swept by the Cubs, David Freese getting a standing ovation from St. Louis fans, the return of Kang, Gregory Polanco's walk rate, and the Pirates' pitchers' slow starts and what this could mean for Jameson Taillon and Tyler Glasnow. Bob then discusses: the Tribe getting swept by the Phillies, Tyler Naquin getting optioned, Terry Francona only carrying three bench players, and Giovanny Urshella being named player of the week. The duo then discuss the Erie SeaWolves and their current and upcoming schedule before congratulating Dean Green as being named the Eastern League player of the week!

PEDs and Prospect Performances

This week's podcast is full of prospect talk, but first, Andy, Bob, and Chris conduct the mandatory discussion of Dee Gordon's PED suspension (Andy thankfully resists the urge to share his 'P.E.Dee Gordon' pun). After that, Andy discusses the Pirates' coaching staff extension through 2017 before he and Chris invent the Juan Nicasio Cy Young Thermometer. Then Chris leads the prospect talk featuring: Josh Bell, Tyler Glasnow, Jameson Taillon, Kevin Newman, Cole Tucker and Mitch Keller. Bob finishes up the podcast by highlighting an unheralded Cleveland prospect Willi Castro, a 19-year-old short stop for Cleveland's Lake County Captains affiliate.

You Can't Reverse a Reversal!

On this week's episode, Andy and Bob lead off by discussing Mark McGwire's first day managing due to Padres manager Andy Green losing his mind on a reverse of a reversal of a balk call. Andy then talks about the ups and downs of the early season Pirates, the Pirates amazing on base percentage, the bullpen's struggles, Andrew McCutchen's early season struggles with runners in scoring position, Francisco Cervelli starting at first against lefties, rehabbing Buccos Jung ho Kang and Jared Hughes, and finishes his segment talking about the Pirates throwback uniforms on Sunday home games. Bob then dissects the Indians early season woes, the eventual return of Michael Brantley, Lonnie Chisenhall returning from the DL, and finishes by discussing Carlos Santana leading off. The two then have a SeaWolves shout out, taking a look at where the Wolves currently stand in the Eastern League.

No Trevor Story Puns This Episode

Even with Colorado Rockies' short stop Trevor Story off to an hi-Story-ic start, we refuse to jump on the bandwagon of Trevor Story puns.

Instead, on this week's episode, Andy, Bob, and Jason get back together for the first time in ages to talk baseball. The open this week's show by discussing the new slide rule and the potential psychological ramifications of it being referred to as 'The Chase Utley Rule'. Andy then talks about Gregory Polanco's new deal, a new sabermetric Bucs lineup, all the other pitchers giving up because Juan Nicasio is going to win the Cy Young Award, and finishes his portion of the podcast by talking about Ray Searage's contract in Pittsburgh. Bob and Jason then dive into the Indians with talk of, but not limited to: Opening Day being cold, Jose Ramirez's defense, Carlos Santana's walk rate, and former top prospect Jeremy Sowers now as a front office employee with an MBA from the University of North Carolina. The gang finishes with a SeaWolves shout out that features their enjoyment of watching former Erie SeaWolf Steven Moya hitting baseballs.

 

There might be an awkward pause at the beginning as the three podcasters learn to work together again, but the trio pull it together for one of the best episodes of the year.

Hypothetical Tags

On this week's episode, Andy and Jason discuss the merits of Major League Baseball changing the rules of tagging runners out; the laces on your mitts are now excluded from the tag. Once their heated debate cools, Andy discusses the end of the Pirates' spring, including, but not limited to: Juan Nicasio nailing down the fifth starter spot and whether to be optimistically optimistic or cautiously optimistic, the Pirates' bullpen construction, and how the Pirates' roster is going to cut down from 30 men to 25 before Sunday. Jason then transitions flawlessly into talking about Trevor Bauer's career and how it's led him to the bullpen. He also talks about Tyler Naquin in center field, Michael Brantley and Lonnie Chisenhall on the disabled list, and he finishes up with discussing Paul Dolan's recent interview in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The gang finishes with a SeaWolves Shoutout, taking a look at when the Tri-State teams are coming to town as well as waxing poetic about Minor League Baseball.

This week's episode isn't brought to you by North Country Brewing's Uncle Ray's Bucco Blonde Ale, but we wouldn't be opposed if it was.