michael gillispie's Podcast

Legendary baseball scout Gary Hughes of the Boston Red Sox and @Broadcastermick (Mick Gillispie) Chicago Cubs Spring Training Voice talk about the Cubs 2015 spring training broadcast schedule. The problem players deal with lifting weights in the off season. Gambling in baseball and should Pete Rose reinstated.

Legendary baseball scout Gary Hughes of the Boston Red Sox and @Broadcastermick (Mick Gillispie) Chicago Cubs Spring Training Voice remembers the late Cubs legend Ernie Banks. Major League Baseball will look at banning the shift with new Commissioner Rob Manfred. The 2015 Hall of Fame class is among the best in history.

Legendary baseball scout Gary Hughes and @Broadcastermick (Mick Gillispie) talk about the best off-season movers and shakers in Major League Baseball, including the rise of San Diego and the rebuild in Philadelphia. Babe Ruth was sold to the Yankees 97 years ago today and his memorabilia still brings big money. Baseball lost some legendary figures in 2014.

Bluejays CEO job Kenny Williams White Sox VP not give permission to interview -Orioles GM Dan Duquette, The team blocking the move? Ethical? The podcast starts with Mick and Gary discussing the Toronto Blue Jays CEO job search. White Sox Vice President Kenny Williams and Baltimore Orioles General Manager Dan Duquette have both been connected to the opening. The second segment is a review of Winter Meetings. Gary's Boston Redsox made a cluster of moves- trading Yoenis Cespedes , Alex Wilson Gabe Speier for Rick Porecello form the Tigers. Then traded Arizona for Wade Miley giving up Ruby De La Rosa & Allen Webster. They finished a strong trip to San Deigo by signing free agent pitcher Justin Masterson. The Red Sox missed out on Jon Lester losing out to the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs paid 155 million on a six year deal to nap the lefty. Lester has been extremely durable and consistent over the past seven seasons. They also worked a trade with Arizona for catcher Miguel Montero. The finished an aggressive trip to Winter Meetings by signing Jason Hammel to a 2year deal. The biggest move of the week was Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp getting sent to San Diego for catcher Yasmani Grandal and pitcher Joe Wieland. L.A will also pay some of Kemps salary. They then traded All-Star Dee Gordon and pitcher Dan Haren to the Marlins for pitcher Andrew Heaney, Austin Barnes and Chris Hatcher. Then hours later Andrew Heaney was dealt again to Angles for second baseman Howie Kendrick. They also grabbed Philadelphia Phillies great Jimmy Rollins to play short stop and signed pitcher Brandon McCarthy to a four year deal. The final segment focused on the Veterans Committee Hall of fame vote. Made up of a 16-person committee, they did not select an inductee. Both Dick Allen (3B/1B) and Tony Oliva (OF) fell one vote short while Jim Kaat (10 votes) needed two. Vote? Golden Area Committee next meets in 2017. The newest hall of fame broadcaster is Dick Enberg of the San Diego Padres. He won the Ford Frick Award but Mick and Gary talk about the how Bill King was passed over again.

The 'Happy Thanksgiving' edition of the podcast starts with Gary recapping all the moves made by his Boston Redsox. They include the signings of both Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval to bolster the offense. Where will these guys fit into the Boston line-up? In segment two the conversation swings to free agent pitching. Gary talks about the best avaiable arms and where they rank. The guys then debate the latest trend that sees hitting trump pitching in overall availability. The Braves new President of Baseball Operations (GM) John Hart has just taken the helm and is making moves. The discussion centers on those moves and what Hart brings to the job. One move was sending the Cubs infielder Tommy LaStella. The Northsiders have steadily built up a stockpile of middle infielders. The guys explain why this isn't a problem. Finally the show touches on this years Hall of Fame ballot finalists. Gary makes his prediction on who will be elected. Mick and Gary both then make a strong case for Lee Smith, Tim Raines and Dale Murphy.

Gary and Mick get the Hot Stove Baseball Podcast started less then one week after the World Series. The show starts with a look back at the Kansas City Royals. How their improbable run to the Fall Classic started with a rally in the wildcard game against Oakland. Then the guys touch on San Francisco. They discuss the Giants Dynasty and what makes this title special, along with how the team keeps winning with a different roster of players. News broke Fridays that the Chicago Cubs fired Ricky Renteria to hire Joe Maddon as the teams Manager. The show focuses on the importance of a manager? Then it finally wraps up with a couple final thoughts by Gary.

The start Spring Training has Mick and Gary both excited about getting to camp. The two will leave next Tuesday although Gary will tackle the Grapefruit League while Mick heads to the Cactus League. Last week Gary’s long time friend and High School classmate Jim Fergosi passed away at 71 years old. Jim was a four sport star at Serra High in the San Francisco Bay Area and a teammate. Gary also credits Fergosi for helping him realize the importance of scouting and drafting multi-sport athletes. The Orioles signed Cleveland starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez to help bolster their rotation. Cleveland will receive a first round pick from Baltimore as compensation for signing the free agent fireballer. Mick and Gary discuss the pros and cons of the deal. Derek Jeter announced that this season would be his final in the Major Leagues. Gary recounts scouting Jeter as a prep star and guys discuss his place in Yankees history and place among the greatest shortstops in MLB history.

The Hot Stove Baseball Podcast starts with Gary and Mick talking about the official start of spring training. Pitchers and catchers have reported and Gary talks about the worries and concerns management faces with players before they get into shape. The Red Sox and Yankees are gearing up for another AL East battle. Mick asks Gary about the prospects of a Boston repeat. Then the guys discuss all the changes to the Bronx Bombers roster. New York has spent more then a half of billion dollars to retool. Earlier this week Baseball Hall of Fame slugger Ralph Kiner passed away at age 91. He was also a great broadcaster in New York on Mets radio. His post game interviews known as 'Kiner's Corner' are still legendary. Gary reflects on his time as an official in the Expos, Marlins and Cubs front offices. He explains why arbitration can be a negative between players and management. Ken Korach wrote a new book about former A's voice Bill King. Gary was mentioned in one of the chapters and explains the reason why. Growing up and living in the Bay Area, he was a long time fan before becoming a friend. Baseball America has awarded Gary a 'Life Time Achievement' Award and also to their list of 'Top Ten Scouts of the Century'. He is the only living member of the Top Ten list and explains why he was perceived to be so successful.

Since 1996 Oakland A’s fans have heard the play-by-play voice of Ken Korach fill the radio airwaves in the Bay Area. Korach is known for his professionalism on-air and overall broadcast organization. He is great at giving his audience an excellent description and maintaining the excitement of the game. In January the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association named him the California Sportscaster of the year 2014. This season marks Korach’s 19th on the A’s broadcast team only second to his former partner Bill King. King was the inspiration for this new book “Holy Toledo – Lessons from Bill King: Renaissance Man of the Mic” and the topic of today’s Hot Stove Baseball Podcast with Mick Gillispie.

Veteran Major League Baseball Scout Gary Hughes and Broadcaster Mick Gillispie discuss an array of off season topics. The show starts with the guys talking about Spring Training. It was announced earlier this week that Mick would again work with Len Kasper on the Cubs Cactus League broadcast. This includes 23 games and the opening of the brand new Cubs Park. The Yankees signed Masahiro Tanaka from Japan for seven years/$155 million dollars. Mick asks Gary to explain the pressure on the front office for paying that type of salary for an unproven player. The impact it has on the player and realistic expectations. Gary worked for both the Yankees and Redsox and gives his account of the rivalry. Alex Rodriguez was suspended from baseball by the commissioner last year. He appealed the 211 game penalty and it was reduced to 162 or the entire 2014 season. Gary and Mick both talk about the effect steroids have on the game of baseball and the Hall of Fame. The guys then preview a couple of guests that will join this years podcast, Rangers broadcaster Eric Nadel and A's voice Ken Korack. Nadel is the 2014 Ford Frick winner which is the broadcasters Hall of Fame award in Cooperstown. Then Korack wrote about his former A's broadcast partner Bill King. Mick asks Gary about Tracy Ringolsby's story on MLB.com "Hughes has a keen eye for multisport talents". The two discuss John Elway, Delino DeShields and John Lynch along with how they were drafted for baseball and football. Then a final note about The Former La Tech Quarterback Sam Hughes who also went from football to baseball. Sam is Gary's son and a scout for the Chicago Cubs. He was awarded 'Scout of the Year' honors but the organization.

Broadcaster Mick Gillispie and veteran Major League Baseball Scout Gary Hughes discuss an array of topics. This show kicks off with a reaction to the three former players elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Gary gives his analysis of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Frank Thomas. Then turn to the players that didn't make it in today include Craig Biggio who fell just two votes short. The guys then both pay tribute to the late Jerry Coleman. Coleman passed Sunday at 89 years old. Gary remembered some of the accomplishments that characterized the life of an American Hero. Mick then shared how it felt hearing Jerry tell first hand stories about the greatest broadcasters in baseball history like Mel Allen and Red Barber.

Smokies broadcaster Mick Gillispie and veteran Major League Baseball Scout Gary Hughes discuss an array of topics. This show starts with a breakdown of the latest developments concerning Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka. Gary explains the changes in MLB/Japan posting rules. Then sites his experience scouting players in Japan and how they transitioned to Major League Baseball. The two speculate on who might sign Tanaka and what he would add to a pitching staff. The guys move the conversation towards Major League Baseballs rules committee vote to eliminate home-plate collisions. Plays at the plate have long been a dramatic and sometimes dangerous reality of baseball. Injuries to star players like Buster Posey have brought the issue to light. However, some of the greatest moments in the sports history surround home plate dust-ups. On Wednesday long time Cleveland Indians Broadcast Analyst Mike Hegan passed away. Hegan played 12 seasons for the Yankees, A's, Brewers and Pilots. Mick reflects on meeting Mike and their conversation about the book "Ball Four" by Jim Bouton. The book was written about the 1969 Seattle Pilots that Mike played on. Gary reflects on his days working with Jim Hegan in the Yankees organization. Jim was also a Major League player who helped Cleveland win a World Series and was Mike's father. Mick mentions that he has watched hours of Ken Burns documentary 'Baseball' on the MLB Network during the Holidays. He then admits having a fascination of the Negro League's and wonders how MLB Baseball could have colluded to prevent Black players from the game. He calls Satchel Paige one of the greatest players of all time and says Major Leagues baseball hurt the games history with segregation. Gary agrees, then talks about meeting the late Paige in person. They concluded the segment talking about Buck O'Neil and his contribution to baseball. The Rangers signed Shin-Soo Choo to a seven-year $130 million contract this off season. The outfielder receives the third-richest deal this hot stove. Mick was surprised the speedy leadoff hitter would get that kind of a money. Gary however, is quick to disagree and educates how a contact like is market value.

Tennessee Smokies broadcaster Mick Gillispie and veteran Major League Baseball Scout Gary Hughes discuss an array of topics. On this show Gary explains what it was like being part of a World Series winning franchise again with the Red Sox in 2013. How Boston Strong was a rallying point for the club and city. Then detail how it feelings receiving a championship ring. The Baltimore Orioles had an agreement in place for former Oakland closer Grant Balfour. According to reports the deal fell apart based on problems with his physical. Gary gives the front office and scouts prospective on situations like this. The 2014 MLB Hall of Fame class is already shaping up to be one of the best. It includes three World Series Champion managers with the players yet to be selected. Mick and Gary ponder the eligible players and possibilities. Finally, the Oakland Athletics, City of San Jose and MLB are involved in a controversy. The A’s would like to move to San Jose and the City would like to have them but MLB won’t approve the move. Recently media reports have explored a possible new facility in Oakland. Gary lives in the Bay Area and breaks down the obstacles.

Mick and Gary talk spring training baseball. Mick shares incite on broadcasting Chicago Cubs games in AZ. Gary lays out his schedule which includes a trip to Florida. They also touch on Brandon McCarthy returning from a scary head injury and pitching again. Then the conversation includes talk about the return of the once missing Sausage race costume. They finish with stories about bad National Anthems.

Mick and Gary start the show off by talking about Jose Bautista's comments to Foxsports reporter John Paul Morosi. In the story Bautista says players should know MLB's rules on P.E.D.s. The two then cover another Foxsports story which mentioned Gary when he was the Scouting Director for the Marlins. They then talk about the risk Washington took last season when they sat ace Steven Strasburg before the playoffs started. Then closed the show with a preview of the World Baseball Classic.

Mick and Gary pay tribute to late Baltimore Orioles manager Earl Weaver and Cardinals legend Stan Musial. The Hall of Famers passed away with in hours of each other on Saturday, January 19th. Weaver had only one losing season in his seventeen as Baltimore manager and led the Orioles to the 1970 World Series Championship. Stan Musial is the greatest playing in St. Louis Cardinals history. The 24-time All Star was the National League MVP three-times and a seven time batting champion. Musial served in the United States Navy in 1945 during WWII. He was part of three World Series Championship teams in the 1940's. Mick and Gary then give a movie review of the latest Clint Eastwood film "Trouble with the Curve". Eastwood plays the role of an aging baseball scout. Then they conclude the podcast by breaking down the Atlanta Braves acquisition of both B.J and Justin Upton.

Mick and Gary dive into the Hall of Fame snubs of some very high profile baseball names and break down an empty class in 2013. They examine the top vote getters and discuss their chances in the future. The two discuss P.E.Ds and the effects it had on the historical aspects of Major League Baseball and the Hall of Fame. Gary reflects on how he and his organizations dealt with players who were suspected of using steroids. They also both applaud MLB's new HGH blood testing policy. Then explain how the Cubs were ahead of the curve in drafting San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick out of college.

Gary and Mick discuss the recent free agent signings by both Los Angles teams. The Angles inking Josh Hamilton and Dodgers snagging Zack Greinke. Then they breakdown the AL East which is baseball's toughest division.

Mick and Gary discuss the 2012 MLB Baseball Winter Meetings in Nashville. Gary gives background on three of the newest Hall of Famers. He also shares the experience of his first HOF committee. Then Mick and Gary break down the biggest names still available on baseballs free agent market place.

Mick Gillispie and Gary Hughes have teamed up to debut the “Hot Stove Baseball Podcast”. This podcast will feature nine shows between November and February. Mick and Gary will discuss topics that include team and player news, offseason trades and other Major League Baseball related events. Gary Hughes has a long and very distinguished career in Major League Baseball that spans over 45 years with the Yankees, Expos, Marlins, Reds, Cubs and currently the Boston Red Sox as an Adviser. Gary was awarded Baseball America “Life Time Achievement Award” in 2007. He was also induced into the Scouts Hall of Fame in 2009. The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown N.Y. recently added Gary to its selection committee for the Pre-Integration Era (1946-Back). Mick Gillispie is currently the Director of Broadcasting for the Tennessee Smokies. He also calls Chicago Cubs spring training baseball with Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper. Mick was named the Southern League “Broadcaster of the Year” in 2010. Ballpark Digest has mentioned Mick twice in its last two Broadcaster of the Year Award announcements.