Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In

Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In Episode 97 - World Series Preview, Impact of Yankees-Dodgers

Mike and Armando preview the World Series that MLB was dreaming about this entire season, The New York Yankees vs. The Los Angeles Dodgers.  The old school rivals are squaring off in the Fall Classic once again, and for the first time since 1981.  This World Series features some of the biggest stars in baseball, including the two biggest in Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani.  This is a battle between two juggernauts of the sport, and the biggest winners will be the fans, and of course MLB, the networks, and everyone who is going to pocket big time from this match-up.
We talk about the economics of this World Series, and what it means in the TV advertising world.  We go into the two managers.  Both Dave Roberts and Aaron Boone looked to be on their way out at times, and here they are battling for a championship ring.  Who will make a mistake first?  
Former Marlins' players are having a big role in these playoffs.  Can Giancarlo Stanton continue his monstrous postseason?  Will Jazz Chisholm and his energy carry the Yankees to a title?  
We remember Fernando Valenzuela, who passed away this week, and what he meant to the game of baseball.  
Speaking of the Marlins, who will be their next manager?  We tell the fans of our local team what they can expect next season.
In football, Tua is back.  Positive for the Dolphins, but how about for the QB and his health?  And can the Canes carry their magic for the rest of the season?
This, and much more on episode 97 of Up & In.

Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In Episode 96 - ALCS and NLCS, Disney pricing, Elections

Welcome to Episode 96 of Up & In.  Mike and Armando talk about both league championship series: Yankees-Guardians and Dodgers-Mets.  While it looks like the Yanks and the Dodgers have the upper hand after three games, do the Guardians and Mets have it in them to stage a comeback and make the World Series? 
We also present six potential future hall of famers.  Find out who we think is a shoe-in, and who surprised us with their stats.  Also, softball talk, little league, and Savannah Bananas.
Disney has unveiled their Lightning Lane Premier Pass.  Will it price out a lot of families from visiting the Happiest Place on Earth?  Armando also talks about his upcoming trip.
Early Voting starts on Monday October 21 in Miami-Dade County.  Get out and vote.  We get a little bit into the elections, and about the importance of casting your ballot. 
All that, and more on Up & In!

Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In Episode 95 - MLB Playoffs, Yankees and Mets Advance, HOF case for Tiant and others

Mike and Armando talk about the Yankees advancing to the ALCS.  Stanton got hot, Judge not so much, but what can we expect from the Bronx Bombers in the LCS?  Is a World Series in their future?
The Mets definitely got hot at the same time, and now await the winner of the Dodgers-Padres series.  We go into who came up clutch for the Mets, and what went wrong with the Phillies. 
Luis Tiant passed away.  Armando dives into some pretty good numbers that great Cuban pitchers had in their careers, yet none of them are in the Hall of Fame.  Find out who else Armando and Mike think should be considered for Cooperstown.
That and much more on Up & In!

Diamond Dreams Miami Episode 94 - Dolphins, Canes, MLB Playoffs and Marlins

Armando and Mike talk Dolphins and Canes football on Episode 94 of Up & In.  The Dolphins went from Super Bowl contender to possibly drafting in the top 10 in 2025.  Can Miami salvage their season?  Who's to blame for the current mess? Chris Grier? Mike McDaniel? Both? Listen to what we think.  
Also, the Miami Hurricanes have been looking solid so far.  Can they run the table and make the playoffs?  Can they compete with the top tier teams?
The MLB Playoffs are underway.  Armando talks about some of his disastrous predictions, and who MLB wants to see in the World Series.  
The Marlins cleaned house.  Their next manager may already be inside the building.  Will they do anything to attract fans back to the stadium?
That, and much more on Episode 94 of Up & In.

Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In Episode 93 - Cheating in Little League, Ohtani, Postseason Baseball, Tua

We are getting closer and closer to Episode 100! On Episode 93, we talk about cheating in little league, and how to combat that.  We also get into the bad Miami weather, and dealing with the schedule changes.  The MLB Postseason is getting closer, the Yankees are in, the Marlins are trying to win at least 60-games, and Shohei Ohtani is about to make history.  Mike and Armando get into a lively discussion about Tua and his latest concussion.  Should the Miami Dolphins QB retire?  Also, what's better, McDonald's coffee, or Starbucks?  Last but not least, Diddy got indicted, we talk about the evil that's out there.  

Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In Episode 92 - James Earl Jones Tribute, Remembering 9/11, and Keeping Little Leaguers Loving Baseball

We pay tribute to James Earl Jones, the film legend who passed away this week.  He starred in a lot of great movies, including two very beloved baseball movies "Field of Dreams" and "The Sandlot".  His monologue at the end of "Field of Dreams" as author Terence Mann, is one for the ages.  May he Rest in Peace.  
Little Leaguers can either love baseball, be in between, or not like it much.  Mike and Armando talk about keeping them motivated, and how many great players were late bloomers.  
Also, the tee ball / instructional league season began at DD.  Girl's softball is coming up soon. Could a cartoon series be responsible for Aaron Judge's struggles?  What the heck did "Big Papi" say about Shohei Ohtani? 
Here at Up & In, we reflect on September 11, 2001.  23-years have passed since that tragic day, and every year it hurts just as much.  Where were we when we first heard the news?  How can we get back to the unity in the days that followed?  
 
 

Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In Episode 91 -

Mike and Armando are back with Up and In Episode 91.  We talk September baseball and how a slump, or hot streak can make or break your entire season.  What teams could surprise everyone in this last month?
We also dive once again into analytics, and how that old school baseball feel may win you a playoff game, or two, or three.  
Also, a bit of WNBA, and DD Girl's Softball.  That and much more on Episode 91.

Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In Episode 90 - Judge/Ohtani and their Historic Season, Bonds/Maddux, Postive Reinforcement

Episode 90 of Up & In goes into Aaron Judge's and Shohei Ohtani's historic seasons.  We didn't get to witness Babe Ruth, and have read about him and many other legends in the history books.  We all have a chance to watch what Judge and Ohtani are doing.  Will Judge break his AL home run record? Will Ohtani be the first player to get to 50/50? 
We also talk Greg Maddux, and what was revealed in his MLB Network documentary.  Also, the breakdown of the battle between Maddux and Barry Bonds.  
The little league fall season is underway, and Coach Mike gives some advice to parents watching from the stands, and what positive reinforcement they can give their kids.  We discuss parenting, and using common sense around certain situations.

Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In Episode 89 - School Starts, Fall League 2024 kicks off, Analyzing prospects

This is episode 89 of Up & In with Armando Alvarez and Mike Quintana.  We talk first week of school.  The traffic is back, so are the early mornings, but with that comes routine.  Are you happy summer vacation is over?  Also, the fall little league season is upon us.  Mike also talks about his 12u team and their road to Cooperstown.  Jazz Chisholm is hurt.  Can the Yankees find a way to keep him out of the IL, and in their lineup?  Jake Burger is playing great baseball.  Is he the next to go?  Will the Marlins keep their promise of keeping Sandy Alcantara in Miami?  We also analyze MLB prospects, and what makes them a hot commodity in a trade.

Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In Episode 88 - Jazz Chisholm Trade, State of the Marlins, Olympic Controversy

Mike and Armando are back after a much needed vacation.  On Episode 88 we talk about where we went with our families, and some very cool experiences.  We dive into the Jazz Chisholm trade, and how he's adapted quickly to the Yankees.  Also, what's up with Gleyber Torres?  The Marlins look very different than they did at the beginning of the season.  Will we see them call up some of their top prospects?  The Olympics are almost done, and we weigh in on the women's boxing controversy.  The new baseball season is about to start in the Little League world.  The latest from DD, with some exciting news for the 12u team.  That and much more.