Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In

Miami Hurricanes second baseman Dorian Gonzalez Jr. is our special guest on Episode 20 of Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In.  The 20-year old, who attended Belen Jesuit, talks to us about his beginnings in baseball, how his dad has influenced him on the field, his expectations for this year's Canes Baseball team, how he thinks he can improve in 2023, and he explains why the Red Sox are his favorite MLB team after growing up a Yankees' fan.  

Mike Quintana and Armando Alvarez welcome back baseball writer Santos Perez to talk about Jazz Chisholm making the cover of MLB The Show 23.  Did he deserve to be the face of Major League Baseball's video game?  Also, what's the deal with the Baseball Hall of Fame voters?  Are they being too welcoming?  Do they need to finally welcome in some key names that are missing?  And we talk Super Bowl, and why the Dolphins could be there next season now that Vic Fangio is the defensive coordinator.  What's the big move they need to make? (hint hint - Mike wants someone big throwing the ball)

Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In welcomes New York Mets Minor Leagues Assistant Infield Coordinator, former Brooklyn Cyclones Manager, MLB Draft pick, and FIU standout Luis Rivera to talk about coaching pro baseball, how analytics has affected the game, how he approaches the relationship with players, and his ultimate goal as a coach.  He also offers advice to parents, and a pretty big one to high school baseball players.  Also, we discuss the Marlins trade with the Twins, what Luis Arraez means to the team, and what will they do at SS and 1B?  Some NFL talk, and even a little boxing.

Mike Quintana and Armando Alvarez welcome Carlos Casanueva, state champion in 2000 with the South Miami Cobras.  Carlos talks to us about that improbable title run, his beginnings in baseball and when he fell in love with the sport, the difference between baseball now and then with kids, and much more.  Very fun episode with Carlos.  We also talk Dolphins football, and Mike gives us his reasons on why Tua should retire, or the Dolphins should cut him loose.  

Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In Episode 16 features special guest David Espinosa, first round pick of the Cincinnati Reds in 2000, and standout at Gulliver. He talks to us about his start in baseball, when he realized that he could get drafted right out of high school, his start in pro ball, and great stories of some players he scouted through the years.  We also talk about Swing Kings Miami, and the value of getting those swings in the batting cage.  Also, a discussion about the Marlins, and Dolphins.  Don't miss this amazing episode. 

Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In turns 15, and this episode is sponsored by Magic City Pizza.  Pepe Marina joins us to talk about the beginnings of the business, and to talk baseball.  Mike and Armando dive in and expand on what Omar Falcon left us in episode 14.  Mike talks about some eye opening moments in spring training, and how young pitchers are being used these days.  Is Babe Ruth the GOAT?  Should he be compared to players of today?  We also talk baseball free agency including the Pirates over asking in a trade for Bryan Reynolds, Carlos Correa's love letter to the Twins, and do the Miami Dolphins have a chance against Buffalo?  

Mike Quintana and Armando Alvarez welcome Omar Falcon, a 2000 MLB Draft third round pick by the San Diego Padres.  Omar played high school ball in Miami, and shares some great stories about what he learned playing as a teen, how he found out he got drafted, and some unforgettable moments playing pro ball.  We also dive deep into what's going on now with youth baseball, and gives some valuable advice to both parents and kids. 
 
As always, MLB talk.  Carlos Correa is a Minnesota Twin once again...for now.  We discuss that situation.  Also, why the Marlins should sign Trevor Bauer, and will they trade for a bat after the Johnny Cueto signing? 

Mike Quintana and Armando Alvarez are back for 2023 with Episode 13 of Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In.  We talk about the Dos and Don'ts of Little League tryouts.  The Marlins and Red Sox are working on a possible big trade.  Who wins the trade?  Find out what we think.  What's new with Carlos Correa?  We breakdown what's going on with the Miami Dolphins, and we talk about the Damar Hamlin situation.  That, and much more.

Armando Alvarez and Mike Quintana discuss the Carlos Correa situation, the Giants disappointing off season, Aaron Judge officially signing, the Yankees rotation, and some cool stories about meeting your idols.  Armando talks about meeting Eddie Murray, Don Mattingly, and Charles Barkley.  That and much more on episode 12.

Mike and Armando recap the Diamond Dreams Miami Instructional League draft with a couple of coaches, David Vela and Chris Chinea.  We talk about the importance of playing in this league, and the value in brings to the kids.  Baseball free agency is still hot.  Is the Yankees pitching rotation the best in baseball?  We share our opinions.  Are they done with the signings?  Also, what are the Marlins waiting for.  Will they sign any veteran free agents?  Carlos Correa has problems with his physical.  We go over his saga with the Giants.  Miami Dolphins football, the World Cup, and much more.