Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In turns 1! One year has passed by, and we are thankful to all the listeners for their support. We truly appreciate it. In episode 55 we cover the Key West Tournament from last weekend where Diamond Dreams Miami had two teams in the finals. We talk turf field vs. regular field. Also, the MLB playoffs are insane at the moment. The Braves and Dodgers are OUT! Who's our favorite to win the series between the Phillies and Diamondbacks? Astros vs. Ranges, who wins there?...
Oct 13, 2023•44 min•Ep. 55
Episode 54 is here, and Armando and Mike talk MLB. The Marlins were eliminated from the playoffs. What's next for the Fish? Who should they pick up in the offseason? Speaking of the playoffs, they're in full swing. Nothing better than October baseball. Who should advance to the next round? We talk about the players who stood out in the wild card round. The Yankees didn't make the playoffs, but they're keeping Aaron Boone, and Brian Cashman. Why? We go into it, and what the Bronx Bombers plan sho...
Oct 05, 2023•30 min•Ep. 54
Special episode 53 of Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In. Armando and Mike visited Hitting365 where they spoke to Erick San Pedro, former catcher for the Miami Hurricanes and 2004 second round pick by the Montreal Expos. Erick talks about his beginnings in baseball, his time with the University of Miami, and Hitting365, where he gives hitting lessons using the latest technology in the game. He tells us about the dedication needed to excel, what they go through during his lessons, and the differenc...
Sep 28, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 53
Episode 52 of Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In is here. Mike and Armando talk the latest with Shohei Ohtani. Where will the Japanese superstar end up, and what perks would his new team possibly get? We also talk on how to approach a little leaguer who may not want to continue playing baseball. Also, all-stars who are making an impact this season. We get into some life lessons. Understanding one another, and doing things that make you happy. That, and much more.
Sep 21, 2023•49 min•Ep. 52
The MLB season is getting close to wrapping up, and a lot of teams are battling for playoff spots. We go over that, and player stats. Were we way off on our preseason predictions for award winners? Also, why are such a small number of hitters batting over .300? We talk about the start of the Miami Dolphins' season, and Tua's great performance. Is Tyreek Hill the best WR in the NFL? Aaron Rodgers' injury, and much more on episode 51 of Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In with Armando Alvarez and Mik...
Sep 14, 2023•47 min•Ep. 51
Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In turns 50. On this 50th episode Mike and Armando recall some of the best moments of Up & In. We also talk MYBA Fall League, how the DD teams are doing, and about one rule that they may not agree with. The Yankees have turned to their young studs. Is this a glimpse into their 2024 season? The Marlins are back in the mix. And we go over the Julio Urias situation in Los Angeles.
Sep 08, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 50
Episode 49 of Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In welcomes back 2000 MLB First Round pick David Espinosa. Espy, who owns Swing Kings Miami, talks little league baseball, and about his son's upcoming season. He also discusses analytics in MLB with Mike and Armando, and how it's affecting the game. He believes big changes are coming to the Yankees organization, and believes analytics is a culprit for their demise this season. Also, Ken Griffey Jr. a soccer game photographer? This and much more on Epi...
Aug 31, 2023•57 min•Ep. 49
Episode 48 focuses on Shohei Ohtani's injury. Torn UCL for arguably the best player in baseball. What does that mean for his future? Does his price go down in free agency? Will he ever pitch again? What suitor would benefit the most from his power bat? Listen to what we have to say. Yankees continue to stink. Where does this team stack up with the underachieving teams of the 1980s? Also, the Perfect Game Back to School Tournament is done. Find out what we took out of it, and about safety in base...
Aug 24, 2023•45 min•Ep. 48
Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In welcomes back Alex Delgado, Commissioner of Miami Youth Baseball Association. He talks to us about the upcoming Fall League, and all the preparation that goes into it. He also gives advice to parents who have kids playing for the first time on a public team at a MYBA tournament, about respecting umpires, and how to handle any comments from people on other teams. Alex also talks about coaching summer baseball, his two sons playing, and the importance of continuing...
Aug 10, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 47
Mike and Armando break down the MLB trade deadline. The Yankees and the Mets are the big losers for the day. Mets trade everyone, Yankees only make one insignificant move. Hear our opinion on what the Bronx Bombers should do next. One of the big winners? The Miami Marlins. The Fish are looking to win. Also, who are the best Marlins players of all-time? Find out who we think deserves to be in the all Marlins team. The little league fall season is upon us. Mike goes over the biggest changes for ki...
Aug 03, 2023•51 min•Ep. 46
Armando and Mike talk about the Little League fall season, and proper hitting mechanics on Episode 45 of Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In. Alex Rodriguez spoke about how he was taught to hit a ball, and it caused a stir because it goes against the launch angle being taught to young players today. Which way is the right way? Find out what we think. The MLB trade deadline is approaching, and the Angels are keeping Shohei Ohtani. Are they now the favorites to keep the Japanese superstar and make hi...
Jul 28, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 45
Mike and Armando are back for episode 44 with a very special guest, Robert Caminas. Mr. C, who's a teacher at St. Brendan Elementary in Miami, and a Diamond Dreams Miami dad, talks about his son Justin's little league journey from 4-years old through 11-u. He goes over the ups and downs, his son's dedication and love for the game, and gives advice to the parents of kids who are just starting out with their 4, 5, and 6-year olds. Very valuable nuggets through the podcast. You do not want to miss ...
Jul 20, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 44
Did the Yankees ruin their legendary uniforms by placing an advertisement on it? Mike and Armando discuss that on Episode 43 of Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In. We also go hard after Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman. Is it time for a change? We recap the All Star Game and Home Run Derby, talk about a potential huge trade, and we rate the Disney World Parks from 1 through 4. Mike also lets us in on a secret about the best snack in Disney. Armando's son's birthday recap, and a true story about Chuck...
Jul 13, 2023•52 min•Ep. 43
Episode 42 of Diamond Dreams Miami is in the books, and we cover a lot, from the significance of number 42 (Mariano Rivera and Jackie Robinson) to kid birthday parties, parents in Taekwondo vs. baseball parents, amazing hats from Negro League teams, the Marlins, Cubans in the All-Star Game, the Damian Lillard rumored trade to the Heat, cocaine in The White House, and Reptilian humans. Do you believe they exist? Thank you for all the support.
Jul 07, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 42
Mike gets personal on episode 41 talking about his recent surgery, and thanks everyone for the well wishes, and for wishing him a Happy 44th Birthday. We talk Marlins at the halfway point, their chances at the postseason, and about Luis Arraez being named an all-star. We go down the list of starters, talk Shohei Ohtani and the small controversy with Keith Hernandez this week. Domingo German throws a perfect game, we'll talk about the significance of that, and J.D. Arteaga being named Hurricanes ...
Jul 01, 2023•50 min•Ep. 41
George Foreman once said, "Life begins at 40," and Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In is just getting started. We talk about life, and how building relationships could help you personally and in business. The Marlins are still hot, and we are witnessing history with Luis Arraez and Eury Perez. Could this turn out to be a magical season for the Fish? Do you need so spend money in MLB to build a winner? We also talk about the Titan submarine tragedy, and about Pope Francis meeting with Cuba's Diaz C...
Jun 23, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 40
Episode 39 of Up & In is out! We break down the Miami Heat's loss in the finals to the Denver Nuggets. What changes are coming for the Heat? Will Pat Riley be able to work his magic? The Marlins are a winning team at the moment with the hottest hitter in the majors, and one of the best young pitchers in the game. Are they a true World Series contender? Will they make moves at the trade deadline? Also, what happened to Saturday morning cartoons? We talk about a couple of our favorites. The Oa...
Jun 16, 2023•41 min•Ep. 39
Mike and Armando bring us episode 38 of Up & In. Diamond Dreams Miami had an outing to the Marlins-A's series finale at Loan Depot Park. We talk about the event itself, and about what we saw on the field. Is Sandy back on track? Was Yuli Gurriel the Marlins' best off-season signing? Mike offers some key advice for 6u ball players and their families. He thinks people are focusing on the wrong thing. The week in viral moments in baseball. What did we think? And we breakdown the Miami Heat's ga...
Jun 06, 2023•41 min•Ep. 38
37 episodes down for Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In. In this latest installment, Armando and Mike talk about the language of baseball. How do two players who don't speak each other's language communicate on the field? Mike has a personal story to share. We also talk about the latest from Diamond Dreams Academy, including a round of applause for the instructional league champions. In MLB talk, Aaron Judge is on pace to hit 62, or more, the Marlins are in desperate need of catching help, and can...
May 31, 2023•51 min•Ep. 37
Mike and Armando talk summer little league baseball, where kids get ready for the fall and spring leagues. Also, changes from week to week in MLB. Should the divisions change, or be eliminated? With all five AL East teams having a winning record, is it time to condense teams just a bit? We also make a case for a professional softball league, we talk Brittney Griner and the WNBA, Heat and Panthers, and the latest in the world of boxing.
May 25, 2023•54 min•Ep. 36
Mike and Armando talk little league playoffs on Episode 35. Huge win for the Diamond Dreams 10u team, bringing home the championship, as did the 8u-9u modified squad, and the 6u team. We talk key players, how these teams came together, and what the future holds for the kids. We also talk about the Aaron Judge "cheating" allegations, if it's time for MLB to introduce a pitcher's gripping the ball aid, and the Marlins may have the best pure hitter in baseball.
May 19, 2023•55 min•Ep. 35
Episode 34 of Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In is in the books. We talk about an anticipated debut for the Marlins, the hot AL East, Shohei Ohtani’s next contract, and the sick MLB stadiums being built soon. Also, are you a fan of participation trophies? We get into the Heat and Panthers’ and their respective playoff series, the Dolphins 2023 schedule, Canelo’s win vs John Ryder, and Bad Bunny’s fight at WWE Backlash.
May 12, 2023•46 min•Ep. 34
On Episode 33, Armando talks about turning 43, and what comes with it, no matter how young you feel inside. Mike makes his case for Pete Rose being inducted into the Hall of Fame, now that the Oakland A's appear headed to Las Vegas. We also talk about Aaron Boone's future with the Yankees, the secret behind Tampa Bay's success, and Bryce Harper's impressive return from Tommy John surgery. Also, NFL Draft talk, and WWE!
May 04, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 33
Mike and Armando talk MLB and a team that's surprising everyone. Also, should teams trade for Shohei Ohtani at the deadline? We go over favorite baseball movies as well. We preview the NFL Draft, recap Jimmy Butler's amazing playoff performance, and break down Tank Davis' stellar win over Ryan Garcia.
Apr 26, 2023•53 min•Ep. 32
Mike and Armando talk about Angels' sensation Zach Neto's debut. The Halos' 2022 first round pick is now in the bigs, and we'll talk about what's next for the Miami Coral Park graduate. Also, a breakdown of the league leaders of this early part of the season. What teams and what players have been true surprises? MLB implementing more new rules in the Atlantic League. Ever heard of a designated runner? Tune in and find out.
Apr 19, 2023•38 min•Ep. 31
Spring break is wrapping up as Up & In turns 30! On episode 30, Armando and Mike talk about their trips with their families this week, academy baseball when kids are on vacation, the massive amounts of rain in Miami, and MLB. Beer sales were down, so some teams are extending the cut off time. Is the pitch clock bad for business? Also, hot bats and hot teams. The impact of Luis Arraez on the Marlins, and how do the Rays do it?
Apr 15, 2023•46 min•Ep. 30
Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In welcomes Michelle Barney for Episode 29. Michelle is a Diamond Dreams volunteer head coach, mom to two awesome kids, and one heck of an athlete. We talk about how she approaches coaching tee ball, her years playing softball, and about the much needed growth for softball in South Florida. We also touch on some national topics like the Angel Reese / Caitlin Clark controversy, and the pitch clock in MLB.
Apr 06, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 29
MLB Agent Michael Maulini joins us on Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In for Episode 28. He tells us about falling in love with the game of baseball, when he realized he wanted to be an MLB Agent, how he got his big break, his ideal client, and some cool stories from his years in the business. We talk new baseball rules and how that's going to impact the game. Also, the MLB Season is starting, and we go through our predictions for MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, and World Series champs. We talk...
Mar 30, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 28
Mike and Armando recap what was an amazing and memorable World Baseball Classic. We talk about the Hollywood style ending to the game, and what Shohei Ohtani could command in free agency. We go over the best and worst from the WBC including what went on during the USA vs. Cuba game, and why we'd like to see a big change for the next Classic. Everyone got to see baseball without a pitch clock again. Should MLB keep it, or do away with it? Check out Episode 27, and send us your comments....
Mar 22, 2023•47 min•Ep. 27
Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In turns 26 and we talk about the best moments of the World Baseball Classic. From perfect games to electricians striking out one of the best players in the bigs. We touch on the passion we're seeing from fans, and the players. Do we like the 10-run mercy rule? What do we think of the Venezuelan players with their uniform shirts wide open? Check us out to find out. We also make a plea to the Yankees to let the kids play! Dolphins Free Agency, boxing talk, and much m...
Mar 15, 2023•59 min•Ep. 26
