The Show Before the Show: Episode 21

MLB Ambassador for Inclusion Bean talks Denson, LGBT movement

August 20, 2015

Check out the latest episode of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review The Show Before the Show on iTunes. Send your questions and feedback to [email protected]. You can follow hosts Tyler Maun (@TylerMaun) and Sam Dykstra (@SamDykstraMiLB) on Twitter.

Episode 21:

Three Strikes (starts at 2:45):

Sam and Tyler talk about how well top overall prospect Byron Buxton was doing at Triple-A Rochester, where he was assigned after returning from a sprained left thumb injury sustained during his time in the Majors. (Note: Since taping of the pod, Buxton has been called up to the Majors by the Twins.)
Rangers No. 2 prospect Nomar Mazara and Red Sox first-rounder Andrew Benintendi were promoted to Triple-A Round Rock and Class A Greenville, respectively, and the guys discuss what to expect from both talented outfielders at their new levels.
Continuing on the theme of transactions, the guys wrap up the first segment by talking about Greg Bird's ascension to the Majors with the Yankees and how the first baseman should provide New York with some thump off the bench and some insurance for Mark Teixeira.

Billy Bean interview (15:15)

Following the news that Brewers prospect David Denson has announced that he is gay, MLB Ambassador for Inclusion and former Major Leaguer Billy Bean talks with Sam and Tyler at length about his involvement with Denson, how he judges the success of the LGBT movement and, yes, whether he gets confused for A's general manager Billy Beane. (You can listen to Denson himself HERE.)

Ben's Biz Banter (52:30)

Benjamin Hill joins the podcast for his weekly segment with two tales of bat boys from his southern swing, one from Pensacola and another in Mobile. Ben also discussed his latest Cut4 story about the Lowell Spinners' attempt to break the "simultaneous fist bump" world record and his own reaction (and reaction to the reaction) of the Denson news.

Wrapping up (1:08:20)