On a very special episode of Tri-State at the Plate, Andy speaks to Brad Balukjian, author of the LA Times Best selling book 'The Wax Pack'. Brad's book takes readers on an 11,000 mile trek across the country in an attempt to meet all of the players from a pack of 1986 Topps baseball cards. Brad talks about his life as a scientist, professor, and Duke alumni and how his life helped prepare him to write this book. At the 27:30 minute mark, he discusses specific elements of his book, so spoilers will be from that point on. From there he talks about Pittsburgh fan-favorites Lee Mazzilli and Richie Hebner, Steve Yeager's mindset, Jaime Cocanower's career trajectory and post-career plans, and Don Carman's mental approach to life and baseball. Brad wraps up the interview discussing his literary decision to include personal details in the story and their importance to telling The Wax Pack tale. If you don't have a copy of 'The Wax Pack', you can pick up a copy at any of the sites below: The Wax Pack website Buy The Wax Pack on bookshop.org Buy The Wax Pack at Nebraska Press Buy The Wax Pack on Amazon Follow Brad on Twitter @waxpackbook

Could you have picked a better time to return to podcasting about baseball than right now? Probably. But the gang at Tri-State of Mind Baseball isn't going to let a lack of baseball stop them from podcasting about baseball. On this week's episode, Andy, Bob, and Jason talk about what baseball during a global pandemic might look like. Jason and Bob then recap the last three years of baseball in Cleveland and the complexity of the decisions that were made for a World Series contending team. Andy then analyzes the same time frame for the Pirates, which is an honest - and often heartbreaking - look at what front office decisions were made over the last few years. The team then finishes up the episode by discussing the current state of Minor League Baseball and how MLB's decisions are affecting their operations.

On this week's episode, Bob, Andy, and Jason are all back together and starting off the episode by talking about the 2017 Hall of Fame vote. In the least controversial hot take possible, the trio decide that they're mostly just okay with the Hall of Fame. After that, Bob and Jason dig into the newest Cleveland Indian contract, which is full of fun surprises and belongs to former Toronto slugger Edwin Encarnacion. Then they discuss some Rule 5 draft action in Cleveland, Terry Francona's status as manager, Carlos Santana's future with the club, and finish up with a panic-stricken discussion about Michael Brantley's shoulder. Andy then digs into the news in Pittsburgh, highlighted by the signing of Ivan Nova. He talks at length about the Pirates' farm system, first baseman Josh Bell reporting to winter workouts in the best shape of his life (already!), what could have been with Tyson Ross, and the departure of front office quantitative analyst Mike Fitzgerald and the potential impact on the club.

Andy and Bob get together to talk about the Hall of Fame election of former Major League Baseball commissioner Allan Huber 'Bud' Selig. They discuss the legacy of the man who was in the commissioner's office during: the 1994 players strike that led to the cancellation of the World Series for only the second time in baseball history, the entirety of an era baseball that is now known as 'The Steroid Era', and an All-Star Game tie. He also was responsible for home field advantage during the World Series being awarded to the team that was in the league that won the All-Star Game, so there's that. Once the duo finish digging through the highs (and mostly lows) of Selig's tenure, they dive right into the hot stove talk surrounding Andrew McCutchen, Jung Ho Kang's [third!] DUI in Korea, the end of the Jeff Locke era (and ERA) in Pittsburgh, and what the Pirates should be doing during the Winter Meetings. While the Indians' winter has been a quiet one so far, Bob waxes poetic about what could have been if Matt Holiday had signed with the Indians, wishes upon a star for Edwin Encarnacion to join the Tribe, and then finishes up with a discussion of what could have been with a healthy Michael Brantley in 2016.

On this week's episode, Andy and Bob lament their long absence from the podcast recording universe before talking about Major League Baseball's new collective bargaining agreement negotiations and the potential impact of a 26-man roster. Then they unwittingly create an advertisement for the Australian Baseball League and talk about how it can be viewed for free during the cold, winter months leading up to Spring Training. The duo then dig into the 2016 post season that was for the Cleveland Indians and talk about making trades using hindsight. Next, they look towards 2017 and beyond for the Pittsburgh Pirates as it pertains to Andrew McCutchen, the starting rotation, and first base. They talk about the incredibly thin free agent market and wrap up with a fun fact about former Erie SeaWolf and current American League Rookie of the Year, Michael Fulmer.

On this week's podcast, Andy and Bob first discuss Tim Tebow's improbable comeback attempt at playing professional baseball after a ten year layoff. After some partially biased discussion on Andy's part, Bob reminds everyone that Tim, by all accounts, is a nice guy. The podcast gets back on track when Bob talks about the Indians' recent successes on the field without Michael Brantley, good attendance at the Jake lately, Josh Tomlin's struggles, and his thoughts on trading Clint Frazier for Andrew Miller. Andy then talks about the Pirates' struggles and the slim margin for error that teams with limited payrolls face, particularly as they pertain to Andrew McCutchen's struggles this season. He also talks about Josh Bell's debut at first base and David Freese's new contract extension. The duo then finish the episode talking about Erie SeaWolves baseball and Andy's son's first game.

In a continuation of the trade deadline that was, Andy, Bob, and Jason dig into the four moves by the Pittsburgh Pirates this trade deadline: 1). The trading of relief pitcher Mark Melancon to the Washington Nationals 2). The trading of Jon Niese back to the New York Mets for reliever Antonio Bastardo 3). The trading of two players to be named later for the services of Yankees' starter Ivan Nova for two months and 4). The confusing trade of Francisco Liriano and his $17 million contract, outfield prospect Harold Ramirez, and catching prospect Reese McGuire to the Blue Jay for starter Drew Hutchison. It's a trippy episode that elicits some raw emotions from Andy's childhood, back when the Pirates were mired in the midst of a twenty year losing streak. This is an episode you won't want to miss.

This week's episode is actually a two-for-one deal as there was so much trade deadline discussion, it had to be broken up into two episodes! In part one, Andy, Bob, and Jason talk about the feud between Billy Butler and Chris Gimenez before they dive right into the trade deadline that was for the Cleveland Indians' front office... to mostly positive reviews! The trio dissect the trading of super prospect Clint Frazier for Andrew Miller and how the trade affects the Indians' franchise. They then discuss the less-than-sexy, but statistically important trade for Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Brandon Guyer, before they talk at length about the trade that never was for former Milwaukee catcher (current Texas Ranger) Jonathan Lucroy. Make sure you tune into part two, in which they trio take a lot at the Pittsburgh Pirates' trade deadline moves.

On this week's podcast, Bob returns from his spiritual journey to the northeast to talk some baseball with Andy. The duo start the show talking about Chris Sale's Britney Spears-like meltdown in Chicago and what it says about him and the franchise. Andy then talks about Tyler Glasnow's shoulder and the state of pitching in Pittsburgh, Jonathon Niese's horrid season, and all of the trade rumors swirling around the Bucs. Bob dives into the current state of affairs in Cleveland and talks about the trade rumors surrounding the Tribe, as well as internal promotions of Clint Frazier and Bradley Zimmer. The pair then finish the show with a Pop Up Culture segment, in which they discuss Jeff Passan's new book, The Arm.

Jason Ruggiero joins Andy Burdick this week as Bob and his wife head to the mighty northeast on a journey of self discovery. In his stead, the two catch up on all things baseball just in time for the All-Star Game. The duo open the podcast discussing their likes and dislikes of the All-Star festivities. Andy then digs into the Pirates recent stretch of play and learns that being mediocre sometimes is good enough. He talks about Pittsburgh's buying/selling options at the deadline, the success that farmhands Adam Frazier, Josh Bell, Jameson Taillon, Chad Kuhl, and Tyler Glasnow have had in limited time on the Major League roster, and he finishes chatting with Jason about Pittsburgh's options with Andrew McCutchen and how Austin Meadows affects the franchise. Jason then digs deep into the Tribe's options for a Game 1 starter of a playoff series, the success of Danny Salazar, the outstanding play of Francisco Lindor, and the 2016 success of Jose Ramirez. The two then finish up the podcast by discussing the Double-A All-Star Game and its Tri-State participants.

Andy and Bob return as a newly minted father and uncle respectively! The pair discuss what it's like to be a new uncle and father right before discussing Alex Rodriguez's veiled threat promise, "You haven't heard the last of me." The two then discuss all things Cleveland, specifically: injury updates as they pertain to two testicular contusions on the team, the Indians' undefeated June at home, their record against division rival Detroit, Trevor Bauer's emergence, Cleveland's attendance woes and what it means for fanship, and finally, some players' performances down on the farm. Andy then attempts to tackle talking about the Pirates woeful June, Chad Kuhl puns, Pirates pitching changes, and then broaches a very sensitive subject: Andrew McCutchen's struggles and the trade rumors swirling around him. The duo then finish by teasing Tri-State of Mind's very first book club book, 'The Arm' by Jeff Passan.

On this week's episode, Andy and Bob talk about pitchers in the home run derby and how hitters are probably sweating that decision. Andy then talks about the amazing offensive output and pitching woes in Pittsburgh before he discusses the list of injuries plaguing the Pirates. Bob then talks some Tribe with the resurgence of Trevor Bauer, the frustrations of Bryan Shaw, the return of Danny Salazar, the mystery surrounding Michael Brantley's injury.

On this week's episode, Andy and Bob open the show talking about the new-and-improved Barry Bonds. Andy quickly spirals out of control into what can only be described as a free style poetry slam on the depravity of Barry Bonds as a human being. Once things get back under control, the duo dissect the pitching woes that have been hounding the Pirates all season, specifically as they pertain to starter Francisco Liriano. They take a look at some starters in Triple-A Indianapolis who could be potential boons to the rotation (Jameson Taillon, Tyler Glasnow, Chad Kuhl) before looking at injuries that have dogged the Pirates over the past few days. Finishing on a positive note, Andy discusses the successes of Matt Joyce and farmhand Mitch Keller. Bob then takes a look at the transactions for Cleveland, talks about the Indians' bullpen going without a lefty for a day, the return of Carlos Carrasco and potential return of Michael Brantley. Finally, Bob and Andy booth swoon over the recalling of outfielder Tyler Naquin and the resurgence of Jose Ramirez. The duo finish the podcast with a SeaWolves Shoutout, discussing the raging successes of Dean Green and JaCoby Jones as well as the promotion of Matt Crouse to Triple-A Toledo.

On this week's episode Andy and Bob lead off with a discussion that answers the question: What is the only thing that Max Scherzer and Cody Anderson have in common? After that, Andy leads the discussion of Francisco Cervelli's surprising contract extension and what that means for the pecking order of catchers in Pittsburgh. He talks about two distinctly different series with the Reds and Cubs, before he waxes poetic about Pirates pitching prospects Tyler Glasnow and Jameson Taillon. Bob then addresses the Indians' outfield as it pertains to the health of Michael Brantley's shoulder, he talks about Dan in Buffalo's favorite prospect Mike Clevinger making his first start tomorrow, the health of Carlos Carrasco's hamstring, and finishes with talk of surprising Trevor Bauer stats and the importance of Cleveland sports fans to remain optimistic. The duo wrap up the show with a SeaWolves shout out that looks at the upcoming schedule, the Akron RubberDucks, Dean Green destroying baseball's for the Wolves, and JaCoby Jones returning to the SeaWolves' lineup.

The staff of Tri-State of Mind Baseball is incredibly thrilled to be talking to the general manager of the Erie SeaWolves, Greg Coleman! Greg returns to the podcast to fill us in on the 2016 SeaWolves and lets us know about the new long-term lease with Erie Events, working under the new ownership of Fernando Aguirre and how that changes expectations and performance, fan experiences and COWBOY MONKEYS COMING TO JERRY UHT PARK, new food at the stadium, how the SeaWolves are involved in the community, how awesome SeaWolves manager Lance Parrish is on and off the field, and finishes up the episode by telling his story of how he ended up in Erie, Pennsylvania. This is definitely a must-listen podcast for all fans of Minor League Baseball!

On this week's episode, Andy and Bob start off by discussing Stephen Strasburg's new deal before an at-length discussion about swapping no-hitters for Cy Young Awards. Andy then talks about: the Pirates getting swept by the Cubs, David Freese getting a standing ovation from St. Louis fans, the return of Kang, Gregory Polanco's walk rate, and the Pirates' pitchers' slow starts and what this could mean for Jameson Taillon and Tyler Glasnow. Bob then discusses: the Tribe getting swept by the Phillies, Tyler Naquin getting optioned, Terry Francona only carrying three bench players, and Giovanny Urshella being named player of the week. The duo then discuss the Erie SeaWolves and their current and upcoming schedule before congratulating Dean Green as being named the Eastern League player of the week!

This week's podcast is full of prospect talk, but first, Andy, Bob, and Chris conduct the mandatory discussion of Dee Gordon's PED suspension (Andy thankfully resists the urge to share his 'P.E.Dee Gordon' pun). After that, Andy discusses the Pirates' coaching staff extension through 2017 before he and Chris invent the Juan Nicasio Cy Young Thermometer. Then Chris leads the prospect talk featuring: Josh Bell, Tyler Glasnow, Jameson Taillon, Kevin Newman, Cole Tucker and Mitch Keller. Bob finishes up the podcast by highlighting an unheralded Cleveland prospect Willi Castro, a 19-year-old short stop for Cleveland's Lake County Captains affiliate.

On this week's episode, Andy and Bob lead off by discussing Mark McGwire's first day managing due to Padres manager Andy Green losing his mind on a reverse of a reversal of a balk call. Andy then talks about the ups and downs of the early season Pirates, the Pirates amazing on base percentage, the bullpen's struggles, Andrew McCutchen's early season struggles with runners in scoring position, Francisco Cervelli starting at first against lefties, rehabbing Buccos Jung ho Kang and Jared Hughes, and finishes his segment talking about the Pirates throwback uniforms on Sunday home games. Bob then dissects the Indians early season woes, the eventual return of Michael Brantley, Lonnie Chisenhall returning from the DL, and finishes by discussing Carlos Santana leading off. The two then have a SeaWolves shout out, taking a look at where the Wolves currently stand in the Eastern League.

Even with Colorado Rockies' short stop Trevor Story off to an hi-Story-ic start, we refuse to jump on the bandwagon of Trevor Story puns. Instead, on this week's episode, Andy, Bob, and Jason get back together for the first time in ages to talk baseball. The open this week's show by discussing the new slide rule and the potential psychological ramifications of it being referred to as 'The Chase Utley Rule'. Andy then talks about Gregory Polanco's new deal, a new sabermetric Bucs lineup, all the other pitchers giving up because Juan Nicasio is going to win the Cy Young Award, and finishes his portion of the podcast by talking about Ray Searage's contract in Pittsburgh. Bob and Jason then dive into the Indians with talk of, but not limited to: Opening Day being cold, Jose Ramirez's defense, Carlos Santana's walk rate, and former top prospect Jeremy Sowers now as a front office employee with an MBA from the University of North Carolina. The gang finishes with a SeaWolves shout out that features their enjoyment of watching former Erie SeaWolf Steven Moya hitting baseballs.There might be an awkward pause at the beginning as the three podcasters learn to work together again, but the trio pull it together for one of the best episodes of the year.

On this week's episode, Andy and Jason discuss the merits of Major League Baseball changing the rules of tagging runners out; the laces on your mitts are now excluded from the tag. Once their heated debate cools, Andy discusses the end of the Pirates' spring, including, but not limited to: Juan Nicasio nailing down the fifth starter spot and whether to be optimistically optimistic or cautiously optimistic, the Pirates' bullpen construction, and how the Pirates' roster is going to cut down from 30 men to 25 before Sunday. Jason then transitions flawlessly into talking about Trevor Bauer's career and how it's led him to the bullpen. He also talks about Tyler Naquin in center field, Michael Brantley and Lonnie Chisenhall on the disabled list, and he finishes up with discussing Paul Dolan's recent interview in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The gang finishes with a SeaWolves Shoutout, taking a look at when the Tri-State teams are coming to town as well as waxing poetic about Minor League Baseball. This week's episode isn't brought to you by North Country Brewing's Uncle Ray's Bucco Blonde Ale, but we wouldn't be opposed if it was.