Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In

Episode 129 of Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In is here, and this week we’re diving into the state of baseball — the good, the bad, and the downright confusing. From sloppy fundamentals and questionable decisions around MLB, to some surprisingly good baseball being played in places nobody expected, we break down what’s going on around the league. We also take a closer look at the Yankees pitching rotation and whether this staff has what it takes to carry New York deep into October. Plus, FIU Baseball lands a major name with the hiring of Pedro Grifol, and we explain why this could end up being a massive move for the program. And of course, we get into the so-called “controversy” surrounding Jaxson Dart introducing Donald Trump. Was it actually controversial… or just another case of outrage culture doing what it does best? All that and more on Episode 129 of Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In. ⚾🎙️

On this episode of Diamond Dreams Miami: Up & In, Armando Alvarez and Mike Quintana break down one of baseball’s hottest stories—Miami’s own Sal Stewart and his meteoric rise with the Cincinnati Reds. The rookie sensation has taken the league by storm, leading MLB in RBIs and quickly establishing himself as a force at the plate. Is this just the beginning of something special? The guys also dive into the disaster unfolding in Queens, as the New York Mets continue to spiral. With big names like Juan Soto and Bo Bichette now tied to a struggling roster, are their decisions to commit to this team already backfiring? What went wrong, and can this season be salvaged? In the Bronx, the conversation shifts to the youth movement. Are the New York Yankees finally ready to trust their young talent? With the emergence of Ben Rice and Cam Schlittler, could top prospects George Lombard Jr. and Spencer Jones be next in line? And switching gears to football, Armando breaks down the Miami Dolphins draft and why he’s fired up about the direction of the team. With new GM Jon Eric Sullivan making bold moves, has the identity of the Dolphins changed overnight? All that and much more on Up & In—real talk, strong opinions, and everything you need to stay dialed in.

Mike and Armando are back, and there’s a lot to get into. We kick things off with the World Baseball Classic and all the drama surrounding it—strikeouts ending games, over-the-top celebrations, and the tension between MLB teammates going head-to-head for national pride. Is it great for the game… or a little too much? With MLB Opening Night officially here, we shift to Yankees vs. Giants and what to watch as the season gets underway. Then, Armando goes full Dolphins mode. With the NFL Draft around the corner, he breaks down some of his favorite prospects for Miami, how they fit, and why he’s feeling optimistic about the direction of the team. Baseball debates, Opening Day vibes, and football optimism—Episode 127 has it all.

This week on Up & In, we kick things off celebrating the Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory — big love to their defense for dominating and a huge shout-out to Sam Darnold for how far he’s come this season. We revisit the Bad Bunny halftime show — an unforgettable performance that had everyone talking. We break down the reaction from all sides and why it became such a big discussion point this year. Now that the football season is officially over, all eyes turn to the Miami Dolphins. Can they turn it around in 2026? We dig into why Armando is unusually optimistic about this roster’s direction and what might make this offseason different. And in baseball, the Detroit Tigers have suddenly entered the conversation as a favorite in the American League — we break down why and what it means for the rest of the season. Champions, big moments, bold predictions, and more — that’s all here on Up & In.

Episode 125 is loaded across MLB and the NFL. We start with the blockbuster: Kyle Tucker’s massive signing with the Dodgers and what it means for baseball as a whole. Does this contract push MLB toward a lockout or strike? Will the league finally crack down on deferred money? And how does a deal like this impact Aaron Judge’s value and future superstar contracts? We also hit on the Mets, plus other major MLB news and storylines around the league. Then we shift to South Florida football. The Miami Dolphins hire Jon-Eric Sullivan as GM and Jeff Hafley as head coach, and Armando breaks down why this is a huge win for the franchise. What does this mean for Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and the direction of the team? What should Dolphins fans realistically expect moving forward? We wrap things up with a timely conversation on NIL, the transfer portal, and real-world advice for parents navigating youth and high school sports in today’s constantly changing landscape. MLB power moves, Dolphins optimism, and smart sports parenting talk — it’s all Up & In on Episode 125.

Up & In is back for 2026 with Episode 124. The NFL Playoffs are this weekend, but the off-season firings already started.  Even though Mike McDaniel hasn't been canned, someone the Dolphins and the rest of the NFL covets, John Harbaugh, was let go from Baltimore after 18-seasons.  Where will the Super Bowl winning head coach end up? Do the Dolphins have a chance? Also, the Miami Hurricanes are one win away from playing for the national championship. We'll tell you if we think they'll beat Ole Miss, and if they have what it takes to win it all. Baseball free agency continues.  Some possible big trades may take place, and we go into who's winning the winter wars so far, and who's losing.   That and much more on episode 124 of Up & In.

This week, we go deep into some of the most polarizing conversations in sports—and we’re not holding back. 👇 First up, the Contemporary Baseball Era Player Hall of Fame ballot voting is this weekend, and it’s STACKED with controversy and nostalgia. Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens are on the ballot—will their peers finally vote them into Cooperstown? Is it time to forgive the Steroid Era and acknowledge that those players shaped baseball history, flaws and all? But this one hits home for Armando… because two of his childhood heroes, Don Mattingly and Dale Murphy, are ALSO on the ballot. And let’s be real—it’s LONG overdue. These guys were icons, culture movers, and face-of-the-franchise talents. It's time they get their plaques in Cooperstown where they belong. 🏆⚾️ We also break down the sports betting crisis—players getting busted, scandals popping up everywhere, and leagues scrambling for solutions. We offer the fix that could finally end the madness. PLUS, baseball free agency is heating up: 🔥 Devin Williams to the Mets 🔥 Who Juan Soto is dating and why the internet is losing its mind 🔥 Will the Yankees pull off a blockbuster and land Sandy Alcantara? And if that’s not enough—we dissect the latest College Football Playoff rankings and explain why the entire system is broken. Expansion? Overhaul? More teams? Yes. Yes. And YES. 🏈 All that, and SO much more, right now on Episode 123 of Up & In.

On Episode 122 of Up & In, Armando and Mike are joined by a special guest and close friend — Fabian Camacho, a lifelong Boston sports diehard. We dive deep into MLB Free Agency, breaking down the latest on the Yankees, Marlins, and Red Sox, and asking the big question: What must New York and Boston do now that Toronto has become a real power inside the AL East? We look at potential landing spots for stars like Pete Alonso and other major free agents and discuss why team culture matters just as much as talent — with icons like Derek Jeter and Shohei Ohtani proving that leadership goes far beyond the stat sheet. Then we jump to the NFL, discussing what’s next for the Miami Dolphins after the firing of Chris Grier and back-to-back wins, and why the New England Patriots suddenly look revived under Head Coach Mike Vrabel, signaling a true cultural reset in Foxborough. That and much more on Episode 122 of Up & In. Tune in!

In Episode 121, Mike and Armando break down the Dodgers’ World Series victory and what truly separated them: base running and fundamentals. We highlight Andy Pages’ incredible catch, Kiké Hernández’s heads-up play, and Yamamoto’s all-time performance under pressure. Then we shift into the offseason ahead and talk free agency: which big names could be on the move, who fits where, and how the landscape might shift across the league. All that and more on this episode of Up & In.

In this week’s episode of Up & In, Armando and Mike welcome a special guest — Robert De Paz, founder of De Paz Golf, coach at Golf Academy USA, and coach of the Belen Jesuit Golf Team. A talented golfer himself with aspirations of turning pro, Coach Robby dives into the Golf Academy Program and how it’s helping young players develop through high-level instruction and mentorship. He also discusses the implementation of Operation 36, a system that teaches kids golf from the green back — meaning they start at shorter yardages from the hole and gradually move farther out as their skills improve, until they’re eventually teeing off from the box. The conversation explores the differences between teaching kids versus adults, how coaching golf compares to coaching baseball, and Robby’s own journey from player to mentor — including where he envisions his golf career heading next. The guys also discuss the surge in golf’s popularity and why so many kids are choosing the course over the court or field. Then it’s on to the World Series: can the Blue Jays finish off the Dodgers in Game 6? Is Shohei Ohtani already the GOAT? And finally, will the Miami Dolphins build momentum off their last win, or fall flat against the Ravens? That and much more on Episode 120 of Up & In – Diamond Dreams Miami.

In this week’s episode of Diamond Dreams Miami: Up & In, Mike and Armando dive into the Dolphins’ latest debacle — breaking down Miami’s collapse, the fallout, and why ownership has still decided not to move on from Mike McDaniel or Chris Grier... at least not yet. Then, the guys turn their attention to Shohei Ohtani’s historic performance and explain why he’s proving to be worth every single penny of that record-breaking contract. From there, it’s a trip up to the Bronx — what can the Yankees do in free agency to finally get back on track? Mike and Armando weigh the realistic (and dream) moves that could shift the balance of power. Finally, the show wraps up with a deep dive into the world of card collecting — when timing is everything. The guys talk market trends, player value spikes, and how to spot the perfect moment to buy or sell. All that and much more on Episode 119 of Up & In.

The Yankees were eliminated from the postseason, and Mike and Armando sound off on the Bronx Bombers.  Will Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman finally be replaced, or will it be more of the same in New York? What big free agent can make a huge difference for the Yanks? Tune in and find out our thoughts. Also, the Dolphins continue their free fall. It's time for changes. Armando talks about who he likes at head coach, and what other changes must occur. That and much more on episode 118 or Up & In.

Up & In is back for Episode 117, where Armando shares what he would do if he were in Stephen Ross' shoes.  Would he fired Grier and McDaniel? Would he replace Tua? If so, who are the candidates to lead the Dolphins next season? Also, Mario Cristobal has the Canes in the best shape they've been in years. What's working for the Canes, and which of their players should be a top 5 pick in the NFL Draft. The MLB Playoffs are right around the corner, and we share what teams are in, who's on the brink of clinching, and who has been a disappointment. All that and much more on Episode 117 of Up & In!

This week on Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In we cover it all: Little League talk + the latest controversies on the diamond with Framber Valdez & Rafael Devers. Can the Marlins make a run next season? We break down exactly what needs to happen. Are the Miami Dolphins really a playoff team? Armando gives his take. The Miami Hurricanes looked great vs. Notre Dame to kick off the season—we’ve got the breakdown. Bill Belichick & Jordan Hudson… older men with younger women. Is it a big deal? Plus, Real Housewives of Miami talk and much more!

School’s back in session, and so is fall little league baseball. We kick things off by talking about the start of the season — and ask the big question: is there actually betting in little league? In MLB, Shohei Ohtani finds himself walking straight into another scandal. On the NFL side, it’s the Miami Dolphins vs. the national media, and we break down the bias against the team. Plus, Armando shares his frustrating experience trying to preorder the brand-new Topps Boxing trading cards. That and much more on this week’s episode of Up & In.

In this episode of Diamond Dreams Miami Up & In, with Armando Alvarez and Mike Quintana break down a number of topics in the world of sports. Mike recaps his recent trip to Cooperstown with his 12U team—what the experience meant, how the kids grew as teammates and competitors, and the lessons they’ve already applied since returning. The guys then shift gears from baseball to golf. What’s it like transitioning from the diamond to the fairway? They explore the mental and mechanical adjustments needed, and how the two swing in the two sports differ. In MLB talk, the Yankees’ free fall continues. Will Aaron Boone survive the season? Is anyone in the front office feeling the heat? Meanwhile, the Marlins are heating up—Armando and Mike break down what’s clicking, and which recent move signals the team is eyeing the postseason. Also, Topps is releasing its first boxing trading card set since 1951. How many boxes will Armando be ordering? He also pulls back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes in the fight game. That and more, right here on Up & In.  

Up & In is back with Episode 113.  Mike is back from his Cooperstown tournament trip, and tells us a bit about his experience.  He will give us the full details on episode 114.   On 113 we talk about the upcoming MLB trade deadline.  Will the Marlins be sellers, or buyers? Has Sandy Alcantara pitched his last game in Miami? The Yankees have made a couple of trades, and some have indicated they could trade Spencer Jones for a starting pitcher.  We tell you what we think of that possibility. Also, we discuss the death of Hulk Hogan and how it was a shot to the gut of those that grew up in the 1980s. That and much more on Up & In!

Up & In is back with Episode 112.  Yankees are struggling, should they finally fire Boone? Anthony Volpe has had a rough time at shortstop.  Will the Yankees be in the market to replace him at the trade deadline? We will tell you who makes sense. Paul Skenes is one of the best young arms in MLB today, and may turn out to be a Hall of Fame worthy pitcher.  He has one of the lowest ERAs, but his team is offering very little run support.  Should he request a trade to a contender?  Also, we talk about someone who makes all the sense in the world to buy the Marlins.  Who is it? That and much more, on episode 112 of Up & In.

In Episode 111, we talk MLB—Jasson Dominguez launches a huge home run, Juan Soto continues to struggle, and the Orioles are hitting a rough patch. We break it all down and talk about what’s ahead. Plus, we dive into the surprising release of Pope Leo XIV’s Topps “rookie card” and the fan response to the Pontiff’s cardboard debut. And we wrap up with a conversation on some of the greatest Cuban players to ever play in the big leagues. All that and more on this episode of Up & In.

Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson are officially reinstated by MLB. Should this be celebrated or frowned upon—and does this mean Pete finally belongs in the Hall of Fame? We break it down. We also revisit the steroid era, when MLB reaped the benefits while the players who used PEDs may never get into Cooperstown. Fair or foul? Plus: The Godfather and the Pope. What’s next for Pat Riley and the Miami Heat? And our thoughts on Pope Leo XIV. That and more on Up & In, episode 110.

Armando and Mike talk about Aaron Judge's historic stretch on Episode 109 of Up & In.  The Yankees superstar is in the midst of another stellar, MVP type season, and the numbers he's put up the last few years have been mind boggling.  Ohtani was back in Miami, and playing as if he were home.  If only the Marlins paid their players...Speaking of the Marlins, we talk about Sandy Alcantara's situation what may be up next for him, and if a change in scenery may be just what is needed to get him back to Cy Young form. We also give our thoughts on the NFL Draft for the Miami Dolphins.  That and much more on Ep. 109 of Up & In.

In this episode of Up & In, Mike and Armando talk about something a lot of parents deal with—kids around 8 to 10 years old deciding they’re done with a sport they’ve been playing and want to try something new. We get into what drives those decisions and how you can be supportive without pushing too hard. Then it’s on to baseball: bad umpiring is back, and we’re wondering how some of these obvious home runs are getting called foul—especially when the replay tells a different story. The Yankees are off to a solid start, but Juan Soto’s been struggling in Queens... did he pick the wrong New York team? And who's really been carrying the Mets? Plus, Armando was not feeling the WrestleMania main event—he breaks down what didn’t work for him. All that and more on Episode 108 of Up & In.

On Episode 107 of Up & In, Mike and Armando talk about the "controversy" with the torpedo bats.  Is it really an issue, or a nothing burger?  We also talk about the placebo effect when using new equipment.   The Marlins are off to a decent start.  Can they show us all something and become buyers instead of sellers this season?  The Mike Trout/Mickey Mantle comparison, life talk regarding memories and stress, healthy lifestyle, and much more on Up & In.  

In this episode, we break down the Marlins' 2024 bobblehead giveaways and which ones fans are most excited about. Plus, MLB’s latest blunder—the logo on top of logo hats—what went wrong, and why the Texas Rangers' version stole the show. The Yankees take a major hit with Gerrit Cole’s injury—how can they fill the void in their rotation? We also dive into the latest buzz from NFL Free Agency and the wild world of college sports breakups and makeups. All that and much more on Episode 106 of Up & In!

Spring Training is back, and so is Up & In! In this episode, we break down all the biggest baseball storylines as the season gets underway. Will the Marlins move on from Sandy Alcántara? What should fans expect from Mike Trout this year? And who should take over as the Yankees' full-time shortstop in the near future? We also dive into early World Series contenders. But that’s not all—John Cena’s shocking heel turn has the wrestling world buzzing, and Armando breaks down the art of scoring knockdown rounds in boxing. All that and much more on Episode 105 of Up & In!

In this episode of Diamond Dreams Miami: Up & In, we’re joined by special guest FIU Head Baseball Coach Rich Witten as we gear up for the 2025 college baseball season, set to begin Friday, February 14. Coach Witten gives us an inside look at the Panthers’ offseason preparations, the players to watch, and his expectations for the team this year. We also talk about FIU teams of the past, including the squads Mike Quintana played on, and how Coach Witten is bringing former players back to speak to the team. Plus, we discuss former FIU Head Coach Danny Price and his lasting impact on the program.

For Episode 103 we hang out with Jonathan Escarza.  We talk about opening day at Diamond Dreams, and bringing the little back to little league.  Also, why our kids can't truly enjoy the Marlins. Is this situation worse than 1998 and 2004? The Super Bowl is set. Who is our favorite to win, and how far are the Dolphins from getting themselves to a position to make the big game.  We dive into boxing and how the stacked cards are making a comeback.  Is Naoya Inoue one of the best fighters of all time? The boxing/UFC comparison, and much more.

Happy 2025 everyone! We are back with Episode 102.  We talk about the Marlins spending $0 in free agency, and what we can expect from the team this season.  Also, should the Yankees trade for Luis Arraez?  If you've been listening to this podcast, you know the answer to that. In the NFL, will the Chiefs repeat?  Will this be the Lions year? We talk NFL Playoffs, and we talk about the Dolphins.  What that can do differently to turn around their fortunes, and who Armando wants them to draft to back-up Tua. Some exciting Diamond Dreams Academy news, and much more, on Up & In.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays from the Up & In family!  On Episode 101 Mike and Armando talk about the unexpected death of Rickey Henderson, one of the greatest of all-time, and a favorite of the both of them.  Also, what are the Marlins doing? Will the A's do better, and have better attendance than the fish? With each passing day, the non-signing of Juan Soto is looking good on the Yankees. The NBA and their viewership problem. And Why Oleksandr Usyk may be one of the best heavyweight boxers of all-time.  This and much more, on Up & In.

Up & In hits the century mark! 100 , and first off we want to thank the loyal listeners who have supported us from day one.  It means so much to us every time some of you reach out to tell us about an episode you just listened to, or with an opinion about a certain topic.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!   On episode 100, we talk about Juan Soto signing with the Mets over the Yankees.  Will this move hurt the Yankees, or will it backfire on the Mets?  Was it too much money?   The Marlins traded Jake Burger.  Who on their team excites the fan base? Let us know. The Miami Dolphins suffered a terrible loss against the Houston Texans, and with that Mike McDaniel and Tua continue their terrible streak against winning teams.  Barring a miraculous turn around, is it time for the Dolphins to blow it up, and start from scratch?  Mike rips into Tua, while Armando defends him a bit...just a bit. Cam Ward didn't win the Heisman, but Armando tells us what he did that should earn him even more respect.  Also, where Ward should go in the draft, and what will happen with Shedeur Sanders. Political talk on Up & In as well.  We're getting to the end of the Biden Administration and the start of the second Trump term.  What we can expect, and what's changed since Election Day. All that, and much more on Episode 100 of Up & In.  

Up & In is back with episode 99.  We are one shy of the century mark.  We talk about Aaron Judge and his second MVP award.  Will he mentally recover from his slow postseason, and costly error in the World Series?  We also dive into Juan Soto and where he may end up.  Will the Yankees pay up?  Will be head over to Queens?  The Dodgers strike again with a deferred contract.  Who else will they sign? Armando says he's done with Mike McDaniel, and throws out some ideas as to what the Dolphins can do for next season.  Mike really rips into McDaniel and the Dolphins.  Tune in to see what he had to say. Canes finish the regular season 10-2.  Even though they're out of the ACC Title Game, will they still make the College Football Playoffs?  Let us know if they deserve it.  This, and much more on Episode 99 of Up & In.

It's Election Day in America.  We will know who the 47th President of the United States is tonight...maybe.  We talk about the election, and what to expect tonight.  Also, World Series talk.  What went wrong for the Yankees?  What changes should they make?  Will they keep Juan Soto? Will fans remember Aaron Judge's season as a success, or a failure? The Dodgers are champs. We talk about what they did correctly.  The offseason is here.  Will the Marlins trade away their best players once again?  The Dolphins are struggling, even with Tua back.  Armando proposes an idea for next season if they finish poorly.  It's an idea some people may hate.  Dallas may go for it, if Miami doesn't.  Canes are kicking ass.  Will they make the national title game?

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.  

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?      

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.

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.

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.

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.  

Archbishop Coleman Carroll Head Baseball Coach, Steven Suarez, joins us once again on Up & In.  We talk about his team's turnaround this past season, and all the projects he's been working on and completing at the school.  We also discuss the differences between baseball when he played it, to now.  The baseball All-Star Game just took place, as well as the highly anticipated Home Run Derby.  Steven, Mike, and Armando share their thoughts on this year's edition.  Did they enjoy it, or was it a big swing and a miss for MLB?  Also, pitch counts in baseball.  The why, and are they positive for the young arms in the sport today.  We even talk WWE.  The Bloodline angle, the different eras of wrestling, and much more.  Tune in to a very entertaining episode of Up & In.

Up & In talks about the Yankees struggles, and how they can get back to their winning ways.  Will they finally part with Aaron Boone?  Mike has a great suggestion for manager.  We also talk U.S. Soccer, and why the USMNT dropped the ball when they didn't hire Jesse Marsch.  Also, will the Heat make any moves this offseason?  And we talk about the Presidential debate, and the fall out from Biden's performance.  

Armando and Mike are back with Episode 85 of Up & In.  We talk about the Panthers' championship, and ask, are the Dolphins next?  We disagree of what's ahead for the Dolphins.  Which one of us do you agree with?  Also, some trades we may see at the MLB Season's halfway point, and some teams that may get dangerous when we get closer to October.  Willie Mays' passing reminds us of the importance of preserving baseball's history.  We talk about his legacy, and we should all do to never forget what the baseball forefathers brought to the game we love.  And championship boxing returns to Miami.

Mike and Armando select their AL and NL All-Star Teams on Episode 84 of Up & In.  Some surprises, some tough selections, but we made our choices.  Do you agree?  Any snubs?  We also talk about all the rain in Miami this week, and how it's affected every outdoor baseball practice.  Also, Disney trips, the famous Planet of the Apes monkey meme "Oh no! Ohhhh no!", and much more. 

Mike and Armando talk Yankees baseball on Episode 83.  The Bronx Bombers are playing like the World Series frontrunners right now.  Who's to laud for their success?  Is it their offense?  Their stellar pitching?  All of the above?  We go through what's going right for them, and some impressive player stats.  Also, the Bronx Zoo Documentary exposes a lot of wrong that went on with the 1990 Yankees.  Armando discusses his thoughts, and why you should watch.  NIL deals have been approved for Florida High Schools.  The WNBA is going through a lot of drama with the arrival of Caitlin Clark.  Boxing is back in South Florida, and much more.

Up & In is back talking MLB. Why the San Diego Padres acquisition of Luis Arraez is the best of 2024. Aaron Judge is on an absolute tear.  Is 99 the favorite for MVP at the moment? His teammate Juan Soto may have something to say about that. We discuss why signing him now is a great move for the Yankees. Ronald Acuña is out for the year. Do the Braves make some moves, or play out the rest of the season with the pieces they got?  The Negro League stats are now part of the MLB record books. Angel Hernandez retires. Daniel Cuvet’s unbelievable freshman year with the Canes. Proving people wrong. Summer vacation plans, and much more. 

Up & In welcome MMA fighter, DD dad, and owner of Stunnas Fit, Gabriel "Stunna" Varona.  We cover a number of topics including his experience with his son playing Little League, his Mixed Martial Arts career, and about his amazing training facility.  He talks about the importance of recovery, the methods he implements to do so, and how big a part someone's mental state factors into achieving their fitness goals, or anything in general.  This was a really cool interview.  Mike and Armando also go over what's next for Trevor Bauer now that he's calling out the league for preventing a team to sign him.

Mike and Armando talk about the Luis Arraez trade to the San Diego Padres.  The Marlins are at it again, and we are not happy.  Who will get traded next?  Will they be able to make this work, and put a smile back on the fans' faces?  Or will this be another Marlins disaster?  We also talk about Ohtani's interpreter pleading guilty, about the now viral home plate collision during the Braddock vs. Columbus playoff baseball game, and Mike talks about Diamond Dreams Academy and the reality of some players leaving after every season.  That and much more on Episode 80 of up & In.