Minor Leagues, Major Issues

Minor Leagues, Major Issues

Author: Sportsnet August 7, 2020 Duration: 25:02
Minor league baseball has been around since the 1880s, allowing players to develop and pursue their dreams of making it to the big leagues while also providing endless entertainment for baseball fans in those towns. Currently there are 162 teams, but the system as we know it appears to be on the verge of seismic change, which may include up to 42 franchises losing their affiliate status. Why is this happening? Should it happen? J.J. Cooper, Executive Editor of Baseball America, weighs in. This episode is produced and sound designed by Christian Ryan, and hosted by Dan Shulman. Audio Credits: YouTube.com/MLB; YouTube.com/TODAY The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

In the world of Major League Baseball, the conversation never stops. A Swing and a Belt with Dan Shulman is a space for those deeper dives, moving beyond the daily scores and highlights. Each episode, Dan selects a single compelling thread from the vast MLB tapestry-be it a developing trend, a pivotal historical moment, a pressing front-office issue, or an under-the-radar story gaining momentum. He then sits down with a guest, someone with unique insight or firsthand experience, to unpack it thoroughly. This isn't about rapid-fire hot takes; it's a focused, thoughtful exploration designed for fans who crave more substance. You'll hear nuanced discussions that connect the dots between past and present, strategy and personality, the data and the human element of the game. The rhythm of this podcast is deliberate, built on conversation and analysis that respects the complexity of baseball. It’s for those moments when you want to settle in and really think about the sport, guided by one of its most trusted voices and the experts he brings to the microphone.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 78

A Swing and a Belt with Dan Shulman
Podcast Episodes
Episode 6: Sitting With Superman, And His Boss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:45
Dan is joined by a couple of Blue Jays: centre-fielder Kevin Pillar, who discusses going from a 32nd-round pick to a Gold Glove candidate; and team president and CEO Mark Shapiro, who talks about building a franchise fro…
Episode 5: Changing It Up, With Marco Estrada [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:08
Dan is joined by Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos who discusses his career and players he targeted for the Blue Jays at the 2015 MLB trade deadline but couldn’t acquire, by Basketball Hall of Famer and big baseball fan…
Episode 4: Don Cherry, Dodgers Prospect [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:22
Dan sits down with Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins to discuss his life in the game. Then Don Cherry joins Dan to tell some stories about his baseball-playing days. New radio voice of the Jays, Ben Wagner, explains his unique ro…
Episode 3: The Road Less Travelled [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:34
Dan talks to John Gibbons about his long and winding path to becoming Blue Jays manager, David Cone about the 1992 World Series and Indians play-by-play man Tom Hamilton about the best moment of his career. Then Ben sits…
Episode 2: 42 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:12
Dan explores Jackie Robinson’s legacy with MLB pitchers CC Sabathia and Chris Archer, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president Bob Kendrick and ESPN baseball analyst Chris Singleton. Other topics include: Sabathia’s love…
Episode 1: New Beginnings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:23
Dan is at Rogers Centre with Aaron Sanchez to talk about his Little League career and fatherhood, visits with Terry Francona in Anaheim to discuss his time with the Expos and breaking the Red Sox curse, and sits down wit…
March 30, 2018: Introducing A Swing and a Belt with Dan Shulman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:22
In the latest audio project from Sportsnet, Dan Shulman brings his decades of baseball knowledge to this MLB and Toronto Blue Jays podcast, in which he pulls back the curtain on the sport. Because everyone in the game ha…