Woodpeckers Baseball Podcast

Season 1 of the Woodpeckers Baseball Podcast wraps up with an insightful conversation with Fayetteville Pitching Coach Thomas Whitsett, whose 2019 Woodpeckers staff set a Carolina League record with 1,476 strikeouts. Matt chats with the Woodpeckers pitching coach about what young minor leaguers in the system are doing to improve without games this season (5:30) and what it's like as a coach to watch seven former Woodpecker arms make their MLB debuts this season (7:07), including the standout performances of former Fayetteville studs Cristian Javier (8:17) and Enoli Paredes (10:53). Plus, Whitsett touches on one of the most underrated sliders in the game by a former Woodpecker in The Show (12:18), his early experiences that got him interested in player development (13:24), what it was like to coach one of the Astros' current top-10 prospects as a high schooler (14:40), and a dynamic pitcher-catcher combination to watch in Houston's system (16:26).

2:40- Interview with Fayetteville Pitching Coach Thomas Whitsett

Music: "We'll Never Sleep" by Ryan Anderson, courtesy of the Free Music Archive

On the penultimate episode of the season, Matt is joined by Marty Costes, an Astros outfield prospect who was a key contributor in the Woodpeckers' 2019 playoff run. Among other topics, the Baltimore native chats with Matt about his passion for music production, how he became connected to the Fayetteville community last year (8:04), juggling three different sports before receiving a baseball offer from the University of Maryland (16:20), and the role his father played in keeping him engaged in the game when he didn't have a lot of peers pursuing careers in baseball (18:14). The former All-Big Ten standout with the Terps (#BigTenPod) also discusses being drafted twice by the Astros (19:48), playing with a future pro ball teammate in the Cape Cod League (22:15), the impact the Astros' player development machine has had on his career (27:03), and how last year's postseason run helped him bounce back from an injury to end the season on a high note (29:48). Peck that five-star rating!

4:40- Interview with Astros prospect Marty Costes

42:42- Woodpeckers Virtual Season Wrap-up 

Almost a year to the date from his dramatic Game 5 home run that helped send the Woodpeckers to the Mills Cup Championship Series, slugging Astros prospect Chandler Taylor shares the behind-the-scenes perspective of Fayetteville's dramatic postseason run in 2019. The former Crimson Tide masher touches on his day-to-day routine without minor league games (4:10) and how his 50 days on the injured list after a hamate injury helped him reflect and refine his approach before a monstrous return in which he clobbered 12 home runs from June to the end last season (9:02). The Astros preseason No. 30 prospect according to Baseball America also takes us behind the curtain of his iconic home run that helped the Woodpeckers clinch the second-half (13:41) and his game-tying blast in Game 5 against Down East (18:50), along with highlights from his collegiate career playing for three different coaches (22:29) and an unforgettable experience in the College World Series Home Run Derby (26:12). Next, longtime Fayetteville Observer sportswriter Sammy Batten joins the program to provide perspective on the bad taste left in the mouths of baseball fans when pro baseball left the city in the year 2000 (35:43), his chance encounter with the recently passed Cardinals icon Lou Brock (38:17), the excitement swirling around Fayetteville when talks of a new pro team coming to town first came up (41:44), and what it was like covering Opening Night at Segra Stadium last year (44:34).

2:50- Interview with Astros No. 30 prospect Chandler Taylor

34:27- Interview with Fayetteville Observer sportswriter Sammy Batten

Music: "We'll Never Sleep" by Ryan Anderson, courtesy of the Free Music Archive

Peck the 'ole subscribe button before flying into the seventeenth installment of the Woodpeckers Baseball Podcast! After a quick MLB trade deadline round-up, Matt is joined by Astros prospect Austin Hansen, a right-hander rated by Baseball America as Houston's No. 27 prospect entering 2020. The former Sooner closer hops on for an interview to discuss how he's staying sharp with the help of other pro players in the Kansas City area, including a run in with a Major Leaguer (8:50), his transition from a relief role in college to starting pitcher as a pro (10:28), and how eye-opening data from the Astros gave him insight into his pitching repertoire (12:03). Hansen also chats about his performance during one of the most dominant stretches by an Astros minor leaguer in 2019 (14:14), his pitching philosophy on staying in attack mode (15:45), watching NBA 7-footer Willie Cauley-Stein play wide receiver in high school (19:00), and how he uses his platform to bring attention to stigmas surrounding mental health (20:58). Next, accomplished groundskeeper and the Woodpeckers Director of Field Operations Alpha Jones joins the show. The baseball veteran discusses the day-to-day work that goes into maintaining the Segra Stadium playing surface (25:55), how the opportunity with the Woodpeckers (JUST WHEN I THINK I'M OUT...) pulled him back into baseball (29:58), and his unexpected role as a "Bull Durham" tour guide while working at the DAP (35:25). Alpha also touches on his unconventional route from engineering to landscaping to sports turf management (39:37), the glory days when he hit a home run at a pro tryout at Doak Field (47:37), and a chance encounter with one of his childhood heroes from the '79 Pirates (49:13).

6:03- Interview with Astros pitching prospect Austin Hansen

25:00- Interview with Woodpeckers Director of Field Ops Alpha Jones

51:09- Woodpeckers Rewind and Virtual Season Update

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode of the Woodpeckers Baseball Podcast! This week, Matt is joined by Woodpeckers outfielder Ross Adolph for an intriguing conversation that takes you inside the mind of an exciting prospect in the Houston farm system. The native Ohioan discusses his offseason routine and how much he misses baseball (9:15), how he continues to work on the mental aspects of hitting and a gameday routine without a season (12:40), and how he has gotten together with other pro players in Northwest Ohio to keep simulate live competition in 2020 (13:49). The former Mets farmhand also touches on attending a high school of just 350 students (17:12), getting traded less than 7 months after being drafted (19:10), and how his breakout 2018 season showcased his unique skillset and answered any doubts about a checkered injury history (22:10). Also don't miss "Ross's Road Trip Tips" for aspiring pro ballers (31:08), a breakdown of the Jason Kanzler highlight reel catch (34:59), and a funny moment from 2019 involving a David Hensley baserunning gaffe in the playoffs (36:15).

7:09- Interview with OF Ross Adolph

39:00- Woodpeckers 2019 Rewind, 2020 Virtual Season Update, Episode 17 Preview

Before a conversation with last year's Woodpeckers hitting coach Jason Kanzler, Matt gives his news and notes from around the majors, including the Astros' winning ways despite a growing injured list (1:15), Tatis and the Slam Diego Padres making waves (2:40), and Clayton Kershaw adding to the Dodgers' dominance (3:50). Next, the former two-time Rawlings gold glove award winner at the University of Buffalo Jason Kanzler joins the show to discuss what a typical day is like at the Astros alternate site in Corpus Christi (8:18), his breakdown of his Sportscenter Top Play catch during an intrasquad game (9:20), and the development of three former Woodpeckers currently training at Whataburger Field. Kanzler, among other topics, discusses the physical gains made by intriguing catching prospect Michael Papierski (12:18), how Colton Shaver's power stands out among other catching prospects in the game (14:20), and how Jake Meyers' bat is starting to catch up to his tremendous defense in center field (16:15). Be sure to like, share, and subscribe to the podcast.

6:10- Interview with Hitting Coach Jason Kanzler

22:10- Woodpeckers Virtual Season Update in OOTP 21

24:35- Woodpeckers Rewind Moment of the Week

Music: "We'll Never Sleep" by Ryan Anderson, courtesy of the Free Music Archive

On the "Talkin' Dingers" edition of the Woodpeckers Baseball podcast, Matt chats with last year's Fayetteville home run leader Jake Adams about some of the highlights of his career since going in the 6th round to the Astros out of the University of Iowa in 2017. The podcast continues to slowly evolve into a Big Ten pod as the former conference player of the year talks about facing live pitching with the help of his brother-in-law this offseason (8:20), his early fascination with the long ball growing up watching the Twins in South Dakota (11:14), and what it was like to homer in his first professional at-bat (12:33). The former Hawkeye slugger also discusses his thoughts on a pull side approach (15:00), Big Leaguers he loves watching including the Astros' Michael Brantley (16:35), his torrid stretch of four homers in four games in Double-A last year (18:19), and how he was nearly out of options before transferring to Iowa, where he had a record-setting season to propel his career forward (22:05).

1:24- Woodpeckers shoutout on the Astros broadcast, featuring Enoli's cannolis

4:07- Fayetteville alumni updates

6:52- Interview with Astros 1B prospect Jake Adams

32:20- Woodpeckers Rewind and OOTP Virtual Season Update

Music: "We'll Never Sleep" by Ryan Anderson, courtesy of the Free Music Archive

On Episode 13 of the podcast, Matt first gives his news & notes from around the Majors, including a pair of former Woodpeckers making their debuts in the past week and some key injuries from around the league. Next, the Woodpeckers skipper Nate Shaver hops on the podcast to discuss the electrifying first two starts in the bigs by former Fayetteville ace Cristian Javier (12:32), the raw stuff that Enoli Paredes possesses out of the Astros bullpen (15:27), the debut of Humberto Castellanos this week (17:27), and how Astros players got creative during the extended layoff to stay ready (19:26). Next, another tall right-hander with swing-and-miss stuff joins the show as Cody Deason hops on the podcast to talk about his offseason since finishing 2019 strong in a Woodpeckers uniform. The former Arizona Wildcat chats about his recovery from a recent Tommy John surgery (24:15), his experience pitching in the College World Series as a freshman in 2016 (28:30), the litany of Arizona ties in the Houston farm system (31:20), how he's two degrees of separation from Channing Tatum (42:28), and more. Peck the 'ole subscribe button and leave a glowing review!

6:38- Interview with manager Nate Shaver

23:09- Interview with Cody Deason

46:40- Woodpeckers OOTP 21 virtual season check-in

Music: "We'll Never Sleep" by Ryan Anderson, courtesy of the Free Music Archive

On Episode 12 of the pod, Matt gives some quick hitters on the news & notes on the first week of the MLB season, including coronavirus concerns and four former Fayetteville arms making their big league debuts in the past week. Next, Matt continues his series previewing the Woodpeckers of the future as he welcomes outfielder Jordan Brewer, the 2019 Big Ten Player of the Year at Michigan and the Astros' No. 12 prospect entering 2020 per Baseball America. The former College World Series standout discusses, among other topics, his recovery from a fluke cartilage injury this offseason (10:10), his athletic development as a true three-sport standout growing up in Michigan (15:00), and his JUCO bandit roots while playing in relative obscurity in central Illinois before taking his talents to Ann Arbor (21:01). The vibrant personality also touches on the College World Series craze surrounding the Wolverines' surprising run to the CWS Finals (29:10), playing baseball on an everyday basis for the first time (34:49), how he swung out of his shoes in a memorable first professional at-bat (36:15), and an interesting personality comparison to Astros All-Star outfielder George Springer (42:30). Don't forget to share, subscribe, and leave a rating on your podcast platform of choice to help grow the show!

8:38- Interview with Astros prospect Jordan Brewer

44:00- Woodpeckers Virtual Season Check-in and Episode 13 Preview

Music: "We'll Never Sleep" by Ryan Anderson, courtesy of the Free Music Archive

It's the MLB Opening Day episode of the podcast as Matt welcomes Jake Kaplan of The Athletic to preview the Astros season in advance of Friday night's opener! Jake discusses his predictions on how the final 30-man roster will shake out (9:47), how the back-end of Houston's rotation might fare this year (12:10), the impacts of key rookies Enoli Paredes (14:37) and Bryan Abreu (19:23), and makes a bold prediction on an Astros MVP candidate this season (19:23). Next, Astros Fundamentals Coordinator Jason Bell joins the show to discuss preparations for the Astros taxi squad site in Corpus Christi and his impressions of the minor league side of summer camp at the University of Houston. Bell also touches on the breakout year for Colton Shaver (35:41) last season, how Jake Meyers has developed into one of the best centerfield defenders in the minor leagues (39:28), and how shortstop prospect Jeremy Pena took his glovework to the next level last year (41:41). Like, share, and subscribe to help grow the hottest pod in Minor League Baseball right now.

7:54- Interview with The Athletic's Jake Kaplan

29:33- Astros Fundamentals Coordinator Jason Bell

Music: "We'll Never Sleep" by Ryan Anderson, courtesy of the Free Music Archive

Smash the subscribe and share buttons before listening to the first double-digit episode installment of the Woodpeckers Baseball podcast! As he starts to exhaust his list of 2019 Woodpeckers, Matt Dean brings in a potential future Woodpecker to the show, talking with shortstop Grae Kessinger, the Astros No. 10 prospect heading into the year. The former Ole Miss standout provides insight into the excitement and nervousness surrounding his draft year in 2019 and elaborates on his positive mindset about how to look forward towards 2021 without minor league baseball to play this year. Next, it's a must listen for fans of Astros pitching prospects and Big Ten wrestling (but not necessarily both) as Astros Pitching Coordinator Bill Murphy joins the pod to discuss an array of former Fayetteville arms poised to make an impact in the upcoming Major League Baseball season.

7:08- Interview with Astros prospect Grae Kessinger

24:25- Interview with Pitching Coordinator Bill Murphy

44:28- Woodpeckers OOTP 21 season check-in and Episode 11 preview

Music: "We'll Never Sleep" by Ryan Anderson, courtesy of Free Music Archive

Be sure to share, like, and subscribe before diving into Episode 9 of the Woodpeckers Baseball Podcast! Matt Dean is joined first by former Fayetteville outfielder Jake Meyers, one of 13 former Woodpeckers on the Astros current 60-man player pool, to talk about his experiences at the Astros' summer camp in preparations for the upcoming season. Among other topics, the former Nebraska Cornhusker standout also shares his memories of playing in front of crowds at Segra Stadium last year and how he grew to love the game as a kid watching the College World Series every year in Omaha. Next, Fayetteville City Councilwoman Shakeyla Ingram joins the show to talk about updates surrounding the renovation of the Fayetteville market house downtown, the city's solidarity with the Black Lives matter movement, and what she misses most at a Woodpeckers game in 2020.

5:18- Interview with Astros OF prospect Jake Adams

24:05- Interview with Fayetteville City Councilwoman Shakeyla Ingram

41:29- Woodpeckers OOTP virtual season update and Episode 10 preview

Music: "We'll Never Sleep" by Ryan Anderson, courtesy of Free Music Archive

In Episode 8 of the Woodpeckers pod, Matt Dean chats with Astros slugging prospect Colton Shaver, one of 13 former Woodpeckers announced on the Astros initial 60-man player pool for the 2020 season this week. The former BYU standout discusses his approach to joining the big league camp, philosophy behind how he views the catching position, and how joining the fly ball revolution helped his offensive game explode with a 21-homer campaign in the minors last season. Next, Astros Sr. Director of Business Operations Dan O'Neill hops on the show to talk about the cancellation of the Minor League Baseball season, how the Astros are preparing for the Major League season in earnest, and his impressive on-base percentage figures during his career at the University of Illinois and Phillies minor league system.

7:27- Interview with Astros catcher Colton Shaver

24:00- Interview with Dan O'Neill, Astros Sr. Director of Business Operations

42:41- "Woodpeckers Rewind" and OOTP Virtual Season Update

Music: "We'll Never Sleep" by Ryan Anderson, courtesy of the Free Music Archive

In Episode 7 of the podcast, Matt Dean is first joined by a standout from the Woodpeckers' 2019 playoff run, infielder/outfielder extraordinaire David Hensley, who among other things discusses his upbringing in a baseball household, enjoying the summertime in San Diego, and how he draws inspiration from the sweet stroke of perennial MVP candidate Christian Yelich to devise his ideal swing. Finally, Astros Director of Player Evaluation Charles Cook makes an appearance on the pod to break down the Astros' 2020 draft class and discuss the four talented selections that could be in a Woodpeckers uniform over the next couple of seasons.

5:04- Interview with Woodpeckers infielder David Hensley

27:34- Astros Draft Recap with Houston Director of Player Evaluation Charles Cook

39:07- Segra Stadium Event Updates and Virtual Woodpeckers Recap on OOTP 21

Music: "We'll Never Sleep" by Ryan Anderson, courtesy of Free Music Archive

In Episode 6 of the Woodpeckers Baseball Podcast, Matt Dean chats with local product Matthew Barefoot, the 6th round pick of the Astros in 2019. Among other topics, the former Fighting Camel and Tarheel State native talks about his previous experiences at Segra Stadium, how a mutual partnership between Campbell and the Astros help him get noticed, and how his access to an indoor batting cage on his family's farm in Dunn, N.C. is helping him stay game ready in the absence of baseball. Finally, noted baseball Twitter personality Joey Mellows AKA "The Baseball Brit" joins the show to talk about his visit to Segra Stadium last season, his chance meeting with the Luhnow family, and plans for a book featuring some of the wackiest and wildest behind-the-scenes stories from his travels to over 140 baseball games during the 2019 season.

4:16- Interview with Astros prospect/Campbell product Matthew Barefoot

23:49- Interview with Joey Mellows, "The Baseball Brit"

Music: "We'll Never Sleep" by Ryan Anderson, courtesy of Free Music Archive

In Episode 5 of the Woodpeckers Baseball Podcast, Matt Dean is joined by a right-hander on Fayetteville's record-setting staff from last season, who discusses his experience at the College World Series with Mississippi State in 2018 and how he approaches the use of data to help him become a better pitcher. Next, Astros radio play-by-play voice Robert Ford says "see ya later" after a compelling conversation in which he discusses how he grew to love the game growing up in New York, a memorable story about Carlos Correa's call up to the Big Leagues, and speaking with an overzealous caller in a prom dress during his time as the pre and post-game show host on the Kansas City Royals radio network.

4:20- Interview with Astros prospect and RHP JP France

24:24- Interview with Astros radio broadcaster Robert Ford

Music: "We'll Never Sleep" by Ryan Anderson, courtesy of Free Music Archive

In Episode 4 of the Woodpeckers Baseball Podcast, Fayetteville broadcaster Matt Dean welcomes former Woodpecker shortstop Jeremy Peña to the show to discuss his preparations for the season on hold along with his experiences as a non-roster invitee to the Astros' big league camp. Next, writer of the "Ben's Biz Blog" for MiLB.com Ben Hill joins the show to talk about his visit to Segra Stadium in 2019, trends in the industry, and how he is entertaining the masses on Twitter in the absence of baseball.

5:58- Interview with Astros No. 7 prospect Jeremy Peña

21:39- Interview with MiLB.com's Ben Hill

47:46- Woodpeckers Rewind and OOTP Virtual Season Check-In

Music: "We'll Never Sleep" by Ryan Anderson, courtesy of Free Music Archive

In Episode 3 of the Woodpeckers Baseball Podcast, Fayetteville broadcaster Matt Dean is joined by Astros pitching coach Brent Strom, who discusses how he stays in touch with his staff during the current shutdown, a few notable Astros prospects that passed through Fayetteville in 2019, and his unique perspective as the second ever baseball player to undergo Tommy John surgery. Finally, the former first-round pick and current D-Backs farmhand Seth Beer reminiscences about his time in Fayetteville last season, his illustrious college career at Clemson, and his crazy travel schedule after switching organizations in the Zach Greinke trade last July. 

5:20- Interview with Houston pitching coach Brent Strom

21:42- Interview with former Fayetteville slugger Seth Beer

Music: "We'll Never Sleep" by Ryan Anderson, courtesy of Free Music Archive

On Episode 2 of the Woodpeckers Baseball Podcast, Matt Dean is joined by the Astros' No. 20 prospect Shawn Dubin about his offseason preparations heading into 2020 and talks with Justin Mitchell, the Deputy Garrison Commander at Ft. Bragg, about the base's emergency preparedness during COVID-19 and his memories of the unforgettable Ft. Bragg Game between the Braves and Marlins in 2016.

3:38- Interview with RHP Shawn Dubin

18:24- Interview with Justin Mitchell

32:22- update on the "Virtual Woodpeckers" season in Out of the Park Baseball 21

Music: "We'll Never Sleep" by Ryan Anderson, courtesy of Free Music Archive

On Episode 1 of the Woodpeckers Baseball Podcast, Matt Dean is joined by the Woodpeckers GM David Lane for an update on Segra Stadium operations to prepare for the beginning of the season, chats with Woodpeckers catcher Michael Papierski about his preseason preparations during the stay-at-home order, and has a conversation with Bianca Shoneman, the CEO & President of Cool Springs Downtown about the future of the downtown Fayetteville's development.

4:25- Interview with David Lane

12:31- Michael Papierski

25:47- Bianca Shoneman

37:46- update on the "Virtual Woodpeckers" season in Out of the Park Baseball 21

Music: "We'll Never Sleep" by Ryan Anderson, courtesy of Free Music Archive