The Mound Visit : The Catchers Podcast Show

Its been a while but both Tyler and Chris were able to bring on SF Giants Bullpen/Catching Coach Craig Albernaz. Craig was a very solid defensive guy in his playing days so they picked his brain on a number of topics as well as learning about the changing of the guard in San Francisco behind the plate. They also got to hear about the daily routine and work ethic of future HOF catcher Buster Posey and his impact on the catchers in the organization. Turn up the volume as its another MV classic.

Hello again! Feels like forever since our last Mound Visit but we were able to visit with Cincinnati Reds coach JR House as well as their minor league catching coaches and catchers. Got to discuss some things the Reds do to make their catchers more efficient and productive. Former Reds MLB catcher Corky Miller also sat in and explains teaching based on each individual. All the Reds minor league catchers were together talking differences from hs to college to pro ball. And at the end Eric Sim (King of Juco) crashed the meeting to our surprise. Had some fun with him and got a couple quality answers as well. This one was fun with a lot of people on the call. Enjoy!

Former MLB catcher, Olympian and instructor at IMG Academy joins Tyler and Chris to discuss changes in the game as well as what it was like to represent his country by playing in the Olympics. There were a lot of laughs in this one as we talked baseball, a little bit of hockey and even a rendition of the Canadian National Anthem (in french). Andy has been spending a lot of time lately working with the youth so we get to hear some of his favorite drills. On to the great white north to meet up with Andy at the CN tower for this one!

Seems like our off season was forever but we are back at it. The guys had a late night session with former 11 year MLB catcher Matt Walbeck. This episode was a lot of technique talk and drills. Matt talks about today's catchers from the MLB down to the kids, what they excel at and a number of drills he likes to use when he is training kids remotely today. It was fun to throw our gear back on! This one was a lot of info so might to save this one as well. Here we go... on to the 6th Inning of Game 4.

We head down to visit with Rangers catcher Jose Trevino for our 5th Inning. He told us about his journey to the show as well as some mechanical adjustments made in spring training. Like many others Jose started applying a 1 knee down stance this year and gave us his review. We also got into some conversations on receiving, workouts, prep work as well as his charity work he does for the community. Like we said on twitter, he was one of the coolest dudes we've spoke with. You'll enjoy this one!

We joined 9 year MLB catcher Bobby Estalella recently on the show and had a blast hearing his thoughts on the game today. For anyone that knew him or saw him play, you'd recall he was build like a truck. So when we talked collisions at the plate you won't be surprised to hear he welcomed contact. He did go into detail on how he received the ball and what he did to stay relaxed as well on who he imitated as a catcher growing up. Always cool when you meet and eventually play with your childhood idol. Anyways, lot of solid info for everyone on this episode so let's cut off our sleeves, throw on our Oakleys, and join Este on the mound for the 4th Inning.

It took us a while but we got to sit down finally with Jerry Weinstein... one of the most respected minds in baseball. In between monitoring every baseball game on TV, he was able to give his take on a bunch of different topics. So grab a pen, paper and hit the download button because this ones a keeper! Here comes the 3rd!

Our 2nd Inning takes us on the road with Mariners catcher Joe Hudson. This is a really cool episode as we get to hear what its like in the big leagues in 2020 with daily Covid testing, cutout cardboard fans, generic crowd noise and more. Hear about Joe's path to the show and how quickly things can happen as well as his experimentation this spring with using multiple setups. We even talked a little about hitting at the big league level and offseason workouts in Tampa. Alright, heading out the mound again to hang with Hud!

The Mound Visit starts Game 4 off with a bang. MT discusses and breaks myths on one knee catching, drills with his catchers in spring training, how he’s been dealing with Covid and more...

In this episode we go further in depth with 28 year front office exec Bill Geivett. We discuss what he’s currently doing now, and how he’s taken his experience to educated young men from all levels of what scouts are looking for.

The 8th Inning of Game 3 brings us up to the front office with long time executive Bill Geivett. This is the 1st part of a 2 part interview. Bill discusses decisions on calling players up to the Big Leagues and goes into depth on what scouts and general managers look for in catchers in the draft (you better be flexible and take off those knee savers). There is so much great content that you'll just have to listen to hear everything else. With that being said, out to the mound with Geivo!

The 7th Inning stretch of Game 3 where we sit down with former 9 year MLB pitcher Nelson Figueroa. Besides catching up with my old teammate, this episode was centered around how to get hitters out. Figgy pitched for almost 20 years professionally by throwing strikes and changing speeds. He didnt throw 95 or 100, but he spotted every pitch to keep hitters guessing. He goes into detail on how he used to play mind games with hitters as well as a story about breaking Gary Sheffield's bat multiple times on inside FBs (when the report was to never come inside on him). One of my favorite dudes to catch and this episode felt like we were sitting in a hotel room somewhere in the PCL. Enjoy!

We head into the 6th Inning with Detroit Tigers Quality Control Coach, Josh Paul. Josh has mentored a number of Mound Visit guests and he is considered one of the top catching minds in baseball. He explains the art of listening as well as training the body to react to stimuli verses just training the mind. We hear about some of the drills and concepts that he has used for a long time with his catchers. Drills you might think are impossible, until your body figures out how to move in a higher gear. This is is a fun one for everyone, so once again get out your notebooks as we head out to the mound with former MLB catcher Josh Paul.....

On to the 5th where we head out to CA for a 730am meeting with Padres catcher Austin Hedges. Austin is one of the top defensive guys in the game and we peeled back layer after layer after layer on what goes on to be able to receive the ball coming in at 100mph in a smooth relaxed manner. At the beginning of the show Austin told us he just loves to talk catching and we let him go with over 2 hours of insight from one of the best in the game. Grab your pen and notebook once again as we head out to the mound!!!!

Our 4th Inning takes us out to California to meet up with PFA Owner and former Phillies pitcher Dave Coggin. Dave has been one of the leaders in arm safety and development over the past decade and we brought him on specifically to talk about sequencing, arm path and developing a MLB starter. He has worked with a number of current pro pitchers and his style is truly unique that produces results over and over. Just as he told us to let the ball follow the elbow; you can follow Chris and Tyler to the mound to talk with Dave right now!

Today we head out to the mound to talk with former Texas Rangers manager and former MLB catcher Jeff Banister. Jeff has done nearly everything in baseball from a player.. to a coach... to a catching coordinator... to a field coordinator.. advisor and of course manager. Listen to the former Manager of the Year discuss what goes into preparing for a game from a managers view, likes/dislikes on the current game, Adrian Beltre, and more. A tremendous amount of baseball knowledge and experience in this one.... here we go!!!

When we looked for our 1st pitcher to come on the show, we decided to go big or go home. So who better then former World Series Champ, WS MVP and member of the 3000 strikeout club, Curt Schilling. One of the best ever joins us on the bump to discuss his views on how to speed the game up, preparing for his "Win Day", meetings with catchers and pitching coaches, mound visits and how he kept hitters looking for the pitches he gave in spring training. If you think you prepare for a game, think again; as this is how the best in the game think and operate. Just an absolutely amazing conversation that is going to blow you away... just like it did with us. Ok, before I go out there.. what's the situation, how many outs, who is up, who's on deck, what have I seen on video, what is he looking for....

On to Game 3 and batting lead off is former MLB catcher and current catching coordinator for the Atlanta Braves, JD Closser. We literally talked about everything. From wanting to become a MLB manager to teaching guys at the pro level. And of course we went into detail on receiving and blocking. One of the bright young coordinators of today who has a ton of knowledge for all you to listen to. Time to start Game 3!!!

For the bottom of the 9th we turn to Angels catcher Max Stassi to bring us home. We learned about his journey and where he developed his skills behind the plate from. We go in to detail on framing the glove side pitch, off season work and developing the arm as a catcher. Max explains his version of long toss and the real purpose behind it, along with plenty of info for you to take notes on... closing out Game 2 in 5...4...3...2...1....

Future Hall of Fame catcher Jason Kendall comes to The Mound Visit for the 8th Inning. Where do we start. We hear about the influence his Dad had on him, things said on Mound Visits, the memory of an elite catcher, catching the ball where its pitched, hybrid stances today, remembering hitters and pitch selection, picking up a pitchers tells, and issues with current hitters. He didn't hold back on anything and it was definitely a memorable interview. Listen for yourself... Here we go!

The 7th Inning stretch takes us out to Seattle to visit with Mariners HOF catcher Dan Wilson. We hear about the powerhouse Mariners teams of the mid 90s and what it was like to catch Randy Johnson. He also goes in depth on what he did as a receiver and how the game has changed behind the plate. Finally got an old school answer regarding catchers collisions at the plate... and how it elevated the team when he hung on. Also got some tips for the youngsters as he told us how he developed by initiating his favorite players. Gonna want to save this one... here we go again!

Pull up a chair, sit back and throw on your headphones as the 6th Inning takes us to South Florida with Marlins MLB Catching Coach Eddy Rodriguez. We hear about the culture of building catchers at Miami(FL). The journey from being a Hurricane through independent and minor league baseball to getting called up to the big leagues. We go into great detail on receiving styles and who influenced him behind the plate. One of the funnest shows we've had as we gave Eddy the mic and just let him go... on to the 6th we go!

The 5th Inning comes to you from a boat down in Arizona which happens to be where we caught up with one of the best all around catchers in the game, Yasmani Grandal. We listened to his journey to the Show and those who influenced him. Learn his daily routine and how he prepares for each game, his mindset on receiving and how he enjoys frustrating hitters from the way he calls a game. So put on your Oakley's, grab a bag of seeds, and throw on a Miami Hurricanes shirt as we head out to sea with Yas. Onward we go to the 5th Inning!

Heading down to Arizona for our 4th Inning where we met up with Rockies catcher Tony Wolters. Hear his journey from a drafted short stop to a MLB backstop. We discussed his mental approach to catching and how being an infielder made that transition smooth. Got to hear some really cool insight on how he reacts to get rid of the ball as well as timing triggers for both throwing and hitting. And of course what his Mound Visits entail. Really cool cat to hang with and we know you'll get a ton of insight and information from it. Time to head out to the mound to meet with Tony!

Heading into the 3rd Inning we catch up with Seattle Mariners Field Coordinator Tony Arnerich on his journey from a MiLB catcher to College Coach to Little League Coach to Coordinator. Tony goes into detail on glove angles, blocking, managing the Mariners catchers, Game Calling University and overall game management. He also describes how to use "could vs should" when teaching. Really fun show with a lot of new topics and info. Time to head out to the mound...

The 2nd Inning of Game 2 takes us up to Shirley, MA which is the home of AllStar Sports. We meet President Stan Jurga Jr down in their "lab" where we see the research and development up close. Air compressors firing balls off helmets, equipment for minimizing concussions, birth of the hockey mask, training gloves, all wrapped up in an amazing 2 hours of sports science. Did you know that a foul tip can carry a force of 41 G's (fighter pilots pass out at 4G). Come join us in the lab at AllStar HQ or what we call Catchers College Science Course CM3000..

Game 2 starts off with 2018 All Star and 2019 World Series champion Yan Gomes. Hear his journey from a utility minor leaguer to full time MLB catcher. We also got to hear about his game preparation and management, conditioning, receiving style, as well as his famous 1.68 pop time. And as an extra treat, he walks us through the last inning of the World Series from behind the plate. If you love throwing then you'll really enjoy this one. Get your stopwatches ready because here we go!

9th Inning time... our closer turns out to also be our 3 hole hitter, Minnesota Twins catcher and Silver Slugger winner Mitch Garver. We go into great detail on the art of receiving with Mitch as we discuss his setup, hand position, seeing the bottom of the zone, along with blocking and throwing out of a one knee setup. Once again we take him on the side for our MV blocking drill and talk workouts, tv binge watching and even some Fortnite... better hit record as we join Mitch on the mound!

Heading to the 8th Inning with who many would consider a pioneer in receiving development; New Yankees Catching and Quality Control Coach Tanner Swanson. We go in great detail on the one knee setups, glove placement, bottom feeding for strikes, his journey to coaching pro ball, Gary Sanchez and we even put him through our rapid fire blocking drill. We've had tons of requests asking for him, so won't you join both Tanner and the Mound Visit Crew as we head out to the mound for the 8th...

The 7th Inning stretch is with 2017 Gold Glove Award Winner and current Cincinnati Reds catcher, TuckerBarnhart. We discuss workouts, throwing, receiving, coaches and a couple of his hobbies (cooking and shoes). Very entertaining and informative show as we shoot the breeze with one of the games best catchers. I hear "Take me out to the ballgame"... time for the 7th Inning stretch everyone!

The 6th Inning brings us to Los Angeles Dodgers Catching Coordinator, Ryan Sienko. We get to hear about his journey from a pro catcher to a coordinator and what it's like developing catchers at the pro level. Ryan gives us insight into the family like brotherhood of being a catcher in the Dodgers system as well as some of their philosophies. So much information you'll need to bring your pen and notebook as we head out to the mound once again.

On to the 5th with long time Red Sox NE Scouting Supervisor Ray Fagnant. This Inning Ray discusses what is going on in the scouting world during these times, what he looks for in a catcher, how the position has developed, Pudge Rodriguez, Benito Santiago, pop times, transfer times and even scouting Mike Trout in high school... Information keeps on coming so let's head out to the Mound for another visit!

Chicago Cubs 1b and Catching Coach Craig Driver comes on the show to discuss the catching position from the eyes of an MLB Coach. We discuss his time spent last year with the Phillies JT Realmuto and what makes him so special. Also touched on receiving, transfer, footwork as well as some great drills he uses. We were blown away by the details so we know you will really enjoy this one as well. Time to head out to the mound as we start the 4th Inning...

3rd Inning on it's way with NY Yankees minor league manager and former minor league Yankees catcher Tyson Blaser. In this Inning we discuss
: The Yankee Way
, Spring Training Daily Routines with Yankees catchers, Gary Sanchez, Offseason Training
, Receiving, Blocking, Throwing and more... Grab your headphones as we head back out to the mound for another visit.

Gary Bennett on his journey to the big leagues and what he did to stick... also spoke about one knee setups, proposed changes to the game, and even a story of a memorable mound visit..

Coaches CJ, Tyler and Chris break down what catchers go through in spring training, one knee setups for receiving, robot strike zones; along with some of their favorite drills they like to do with their students.... so call time out and walk out the the Mound to hear what's being said