On this episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, Alex Miniak checks in with Heath Bell as he reports from Mets (...really?) Fantasy Camp in Florida. The hosts break down the Padres’ unexpected decision to hire former reliever Craig Stammen as their next manager and explore how his long-standing organizational ties and respected clubhouse presence could shape the team heading into 2026.

Alex and Heath also dive into key roster developments: Dylan Cease and Michael King receive qualifying offers, Yu Darvish is officially ruled out for the season, and the Padres lock in outfield stability by exercising Ramón Laureano’s team option. Awards season brings more good news to San Diego as Manny Machado claims another Silver Slugger and Fernando Tatis Jr. secures his second Platinum Glove. The episode also spotlights a meaningful civic tribute—the renaming of a block near Petco Park as Peter Seidler Way.

The show wraps with a reflective conversation on the Netflix documentary Who Killed the Montreal Expos?, sparking memories from both hosts about Montreal’s storied baseball past and the franchise’s lasting imprint on the game.

Chapters:

00:00 - Heath Bell... Live from Florida? 02:52 - Padres Introduce Craig Stammen as Manager 07:46 - Padres Updates: Dylan Cease, Michael King, Yu Darvish, Ramón Laureano 10:44 - Silver Sluggers, Gold Gloves, and Platinum Gloves... Oh My! 12:23 - City of San Diego Dedicates Peter Seidler Way 13:36 - Florida vs. Arizona Training Facilities 15:36 - Reel MVPs: Who Killed the Montreal Expos? (Netflix) 19:25 - Gary Carter Memories...

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