Sports Avenue Twisted Podcast

We welcome back Kenny Van Doren from Astros Future as our guest to discuss the Astros Farm System and Organization. We talked about the top prospects in the system, strengths and depths in the farm, the pitching depth in the system, Cam Smith's Trajectory, comparing Miguel Ullola vs Ethan Pecko, Walker Janek's timeline and the other catchers in the system, prospects down the line who could be talked about, and many more!Where you can find Kenny Van Doran:X: @thevandalorianX: @AstrosFutureIG: astrosfuture

We welcome back Jake McKeever, writer for College Baseball Central as our guest to talk about the SEC Baseball and some NCAA Baseball. We talked the College Baseball rankings, the level of competition in the SEC, teams that are underperforming, the top players in the SEC, upcoming schedule which team is need to win more, Golden Spike Award Candidates, SEC players of the year candidates, players who could be in the upcoming MLB Draft, and many more!Where you can find Jake McKeever:X: @CBCJakeMckX: @CollegeBaseCNT

Part II we asked the Draft Professor on teams who don't have 1st round picks or teams who could trade up in the 1st round, the Reuben Bain Jr situation and the other edge rushers, the Buffalo Bills on what they need to focus on, and we asked Jim a sleeper on each position in the NFL draft.Where you can find the Draft Professor:X: @cincyplannerX: @nfldraftfanatcYT: https://www.youtube.com/@nfldraftfanatc

We had the Draft Professor Jim Wickens back as our guest in a two part episode to discuss the upcoming NFL Draft. Part I we talked about the Hoosiers players who are going to be in the draft, players within the top 10 who could make an immediate impact, the NFL combine, dissecting each positional rankings in the draft, and many more!Where you can find the Draft Professor:X: @cincyplannerX: @nfldraftfanatcYT: https://www.youtube.com/@nfldraftfanatc

We had Danny Barrand, Pro-Evaluator from Prospects Live as our guest to talk about the Padres. We talked about the Padres Off-season moves, expectations for the season, Yu Darvish being on the restricted list, Craig Stammen's first go around as a Manager, the starting rotation and where it stands, Danny's Top 5 Prospects, Preller's extension, future ownership and many more! Where you can find Danny Barrand:X: @dannybarrand_X: @ProspectsLivehttps://www.prospectslive.com/author/daniel/

Part III all four of us made predictions on the upcoming MLB season! We will reflect back later in the season! Where you can find Jay Jackson and Trayvon Robinson:X: @Jaxland58⁠⁠jaxland58⁠⁠IG: ⁠⁠trayvon_robinson⁠⁠IG: ⁠⁠smile_zoneapp⁠⁠https://the-smile-zone.com/

Part II we discussed the potential Cy Young Candidates for both leagues, potential jobs on the the line for GMs and managers, teams on the horizon for a rebuild, and initial thoughts about the ABS system. Where you can find Jay Jackson and Trayvon Robinson:X: @Jaxland58⁠jaxland58⁠IG: ⁠trayvon_robinson⁠IG: ⁠smile_zoneapp⁠https://the-smile-zone.com/

We had Jay Jackson and Trayvon Robinson back once again in a roundtable discussion about the MLB and what to expect this year in a 3 part episode. Apologies for the sound issues around (40:30-41:50) - you can skip that section. Part I we discussed the impactful trades in the off-season, teams that could bounce back after having a down year, the AL East continues to be a juggernaut, and both the AL and NL rookie classes are off to hot starts. Where you can find Jay Jackson and Trayvon Robinson: https://the-smile-zone.com/X: @Jaxland58IG : Jaxland58IG: trayvon_robinsonIG: smile_zoneapp

We had prospect savant Eli Ben-Porat from Baseball America back as our guest to talk in depth with prospects who could be up later this year. We discussed the Not Top 100 prospects in the past and where they stand, this year's Not Top 100 prospects with the likes of Eduardo Valencia (Tigers), Ernesto Martinez (Yankees), Yohendrick Pinango(Blue Jays), a couple of Astros Prospects we discussed. We also discussed the comparisons between Daylen Lile and Dylan Crews, Trey Yesavage and Nolan MacLean, the remaining Starting Pitchers and Relievers from the Not 100 Prospects, Rookie of the Years Candidates for both leagues, and many more!Where you can find Eli Ben-PoratX: @EliBenPorathttps://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/author/eliben-porat-com/

We had Lindsay Crosby, Founder of Braves Today as our guest to talk about the Atlanta Braves. We talked about the newly acquired players so far in Spring training, the injury bug continues to be a thing, Profar busted once again for PEDs, the Starting Rotation for Opening day, Starting pitchers prospects and who could be up, the Bullpen depth, if Harris can finally have a breakout year, and many more!Where you can find Lindsay Crosby:X: @CrosbyBaseballX: @braves_todayIG : crosby_baseballYT: https://www.youtube.com/@BravesToday

We had Ian Finlayson who is contributor to Raptors Republic and Sportnet as our guest to talk about the Raptors. We discussed the season and what the expect the rest of the way, closing out games continue to be the problem, Scottie Barnes being a cornerstone player and potentialy winning DPOY, the Ingram trade paying dividends, Poeltl being healthy given the size they had to work with, X-factors for the Raptors moving forward, and many more!.Where you can find Ian Finlayson's work:X:@ianfinlayson_X: @raptorsrepublicX: @thejaysnation

We had Ryan Talbot, Co-host of the Shout Podcast and beat writer for the Bills back as our guest to talk about the major changes with the Bills and the off-season. We also asked Ryan about his thoughts about the new coaching staff, Beane being promoted to President, recapping the 2025 season, what will it take for the Bills to enhance the WR core, Bills FAs who they will try to bring back, the draft and how Beane strategically will focus amongst many topics we dicussed!Where you can find Ryan Talbot: X: @RyanTalbotBillsX: @billsupdatesX: @syracusedotcom

We had Kevin Nibley back as our guest to talk about the Washington Commanders and a bit about the Nationals. We discussed the downfall season after being in the NFC Championship back in 24, the injury riddled season for QB Jayden Daniels, Coaching staff cleaning house outside of Dan Quinn, the offensive weapons and where they stand, Conley Jr. being part the O-Line long term, Off-season moves with the 6th most cap space in all of football, and many more! We also talked a little about the Nationals on the off-season and what to look forward to this upcoming season. Where you can find Kevin Nibley:X: @k_nibley@TalkNatsPodcastX: @shopolddcX:@TalkCommandersX: @TalkNatsIG :knibley

We had Braves Content Creator Erin on Deck as our guest to talk about the Atlanta Braves. We talked about the off-season moves and how much they've improved, the strengths and flaws for the Braves, the SP depth and whether they could add in the off-season, who else will be pitching in high leverage situations besides Suarez and Iglesias, who will play SS once Ha-Seong Kim is back, Braves players who could be potential all stars for the 1st time, Brian Snitker's Tenure with the Braves, and many more!Where you can find Erin on Deck:X: @erinnicolee17IG: erinondeckTikTok: enw1992

Long time High School Pitching Coach Ken Anderson joins us to talk in depth about the Braves. We talked about the off-season moves the Braves have done, what's next for the Braves and who are they targeting, Walt Weiss being the manager for the Braves in addition of hiring a new pitching and 1B coach, the pitching depth, Ha-Seong Kim's devastataing injury and who would substitute Kim at SS, Andruw Jones is finally HOF bound, what is preventing Dale Murphy from being in the HOF and many more!Where you can find Ken Anderson:X: @Boydpc15X: @banter_baseballYT : @BravesInsideSourceTikTok : @Opas.Game

We had Urkel(Space Gang) on as our guest to talk about the Warriors. We discussed the expectation of the season so far and what to look forward to, X-Factors for the Warriors this season, Pat Spencer's incredible journey to the NBA, Steph Curry's 17th Season and the Warriors being sustainable moving forward, the Jonathan Kuminga Rumors, players that have been linked to the Warriors, the future and if owner Joe Lacob will continue to be aggressive, and many more! Where you can find Urkel:X: @spacegang30IG:spacegang30https://discord.com/invite/zXbwVgJfb

Part II we discussed teams who have been linked in the positional player market, players who could get traded this off-season, small markets teams continue to not spend, and the upcoming World Baseball Classic!Where you can find Julian Guilarte: X: @JulianGuilarte1IG: ⁠julianguilarte11⁠X:@LatinoSportsX:@WorldBaseballYT : @julianguilarte

We had Julian Guilarte as our returning guest who joined us in a two part MLB roundtable discussion. Part I we talked about how the aggressive the AL East is once again, both the Mets and Yankees are having unusual off-seasons, the relief pitching market has gone by rapidly quick, and the where the does the starting pitching market stand. Where you can find Julian Guilarte: X: @JulianGuilarte1IG: julianguilarte11X:@LatinoSportsX:@WorldBaseballYT : @julianguilarte

Part II we discussed the Starting Pitching Market being slower than expected, trades so far that's been a surprise, if there any big trades on the horizon, and rapid fire questions we elaborated and what we believe will happen. Where you can find the Brushback Crew:Jay JacksonX: @Jaxland58IG: ⁠⁠jaxland58⁠⁠smileyjcompany.comTrayvon RobinsonIG : ⁠⁠trayvon_robinson⁠⁠The S.M.I.L.E Zone - Athlete Intake Form

We had returning guests Jay Jackson and Trayvon Robinson from the Brushback Crew in a MLB Roundtable Discussion. Part I we recapped the World Series, the Blue Jays having an aggressive off-season, other teams been aggressive as well, the Mets and Yankees having an unusual off-season, and other teams who have been stagnant this off-season.Where you can find the Brushback Crew:Jay JacksonX: @Jaxland58IG: ⁠jaxland58⁠smileyjcompany.comTrayvon RobinsonIG : ⁠trayvon_robinson⁠The S.M.I.L.E Zone - Athlete Intake Form

Returning Guest Kevin Nibley joined us to talk about the Nationals and where they stand as a franchise. We talked about another downfall season, the new hirings with the Management, how important James Wood is to this franchise, Daylen Lile being a top 5 NL ROY candidate, Dylan Crews unexpected down season, the depth of this team, why Eli Willits was selected #1 in the 2025 draft, and many more! Where you find Kevin Nibley:X: @K_NibleyX: @talknatsX: @shopolddcIG: knibleyIG: talknats

Former Buffalo Bills OLine legend Jerry Ostroski joins us in an exclusive interview to talk about his career with the Bills. We also talked about his journey in his high school years, his time in University of Tulsa, the draft process, the moment he was destined to be a Buffalo Bill, and many more! Where you can find Jerry OstroskiX:@Ostroski_BigOX:@OverreactionBufYT:@OverreactionBuffaloYT:@LockedOnBillsIG: oskibig

Returning guest Houston Stressans joins on in another episode to talk about the Houston Texans and were they stand. We recapped Week 12 between the Bills Texans game and broke it down, how far can the Texans defense with them being of the best, looking in depth with the O-LIne, the QBs of the team and the contribution, the mysterious injury to Joe Mixon and looking at the depth of the RBs, the trajectories of the WRs, the importance of this coaching staff, and many more!Where you can find Houston Stressans:X:@TexansCommenterIG: houstonstressanswww.houstonstressans.com

Returning guest, Justin Siejak, producer of News4Buffalo joins us to talk about the Bills and their season thus far. We talked about the Chiefs-Bills game, if Beane was active in the trade deadline, rookie players stepping up in a big way, injuries continue to be a concern, upcoming schedule and many more!Where you can find Justin Siejak:X: @justinsiejakX: @news4buffaloIG: justin_siejak

We had Andrew Riedell from College Baseball Central as our guest to talk about NCAA Baseball. We talked about the reigning champs the LSU Tigers, the transfer portals being a frenzy and who has improved through the transfer portal, draftees who were draft eligible in 2025 who committed to college, coaches jobs on the line, early candidate in the 2026 draft, and many more!Where you can find Andrew Riedell: X: @RiedellAndrewX: @CollegeBaseCNTX: @BanTheWavePodX: @SouthernFriedCB

Co-Host of the Ryan Ripken Show Zach Bollinger joins us as a guest to talk about the Orioles. We talked about the promotion of Mike Elias, Sam Basello's extension, what went wrong for the Orioles this year, Brandon Hyde's firing and Tony Mansolino as a the interm manager, the roster construction moving forward, possible extensions and trade candidates in the off-season, and many more!Where you can find Zach Bollinger: X: @zachbollinger18IG : zach_bollingerYT : www.youtube.com/@RYANRIPKENMEDIA

Eli Ben-Porat from Baseball America joins us to talk in depth about some of the FSL players, players in Triple A, call up to the majors, and some players who could be rookie of the year candidates in 2026. Some players we also talked about were Spencer Jones, Payton Tolle, Forrest Whitley, the Big 3 prospects in the Mets organization, and many more!Where you can find Eli Ben-Porat:X: @EliBenPoratX: @baseballamericahttps://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/author/eliben-porat-com

Part II we talked about why Bill Belichick accepted the head coaching job in UNC, the new fake injury rule, QBs who could potentially break out, the big matchups, predicting the championship game, and many more! Where you can find RTP Sports N More:https://www.facebook.com/randytheplumber/https://www.tiktok.com/@rtpsportsnmore

We had RTP Sports N More and he was an entertaning guest! He joined us to talk about some college football. Part One we talked about the Top 25 Rankings, some teams that weren't ranked that could be in the top 25, toughest conference in football, the big matchup between Ohio State and Texas, and how good Arch Manning will be for the LonghornsWhere you can find RTP Sports N More:https://www.facebook.com/randytheplumber/https://www.tiktok.com/@rtpsportsnmore

We had RG Chav on as a guest to talk about the Astros. We talked about Carlos Correa being an Astros again, the other acquisitions that were acquired at the trade deadline, the Astros remaining contenders after a major shakeup in the off-season, the injuries remaining an issue, Yordan Alvarez and Jake Meyers set to return to the majors, Yainer Diaz's bizarre season and many more!Where you can find RG Chav:X: @ThirdCoastTomIG : tctom1

Part II we discussed the next prospects in line if not this year, next year, Owen's RHP, LHP, and 3B lists, top positional prospect list, and where the Orioles and Nationals stand moving forward heading into the Off-season.Where you can find Owen Hurd: X: @Owen_FBBX: @StatlineScout

Owen Hurd from Scout the Statline joins us in a two part episode. Part I we talked about the Trade Deadline, the Twins firesale, Bieber being the best available SP, sellers who can make an impact moving forward, which teams made sense in the MLB Draft, and pitching prospects who just got called and how much of a difference they can be. Where you can find Owen Hurd: X: @Owen_FBBX: @StatlineScout

Part II we discussed about the Sellers not doing enough, teams being questionable at the MLB trade deadline, the weirdest trades, and the competitiveness in the AL and NL.Where you can find Hagen Snell:X: @HagenSnellBBsubstack: hagensnellbb

Hagen Snell, co-host of the The Skippers view joins us in a 2 part roundtable to discuss about the trade deadline. Part 1 we discussed about the Padres going nuclear, other big winners at the trade deadline, the Yankees/Bluejays improving in the AL East, the showdown between the Phillies and Mets in the NL East, Twins going on a firesale, and more!Where you can find Hagen Snell:X: @HagenSnellBBsubstack: hagensnellbb

Part IV we made predictions on who will be playing in the playoffs and some of us made some bold predictions!Where you can find the Brushback CrewJay JacksonX: @Jaxland58IG: ⁠jaxland58⁠www.smileyjcompany.comTrayvon "T-Rob" RobinsonIG : ⁠trayvon_robinson⁠The S.M.I.L.E Zone - Athlete Intake Form

Part III we discussed about teams that are in the fences and where they stand, sellers and buyers at the deadline, and teams who could benefit the most at the this year's trade deadline.Where you can find the Brushback CrewJay JacksonX: @Jaxland58IG: ⁠jaxland58⁠www.smileyjcompany.comTrayvon "T-Rob" RobinsonIG : ⁠trayvon_robinson⁠The S.M.I.L.E Zone - Athlete Intake Form

Part II we talk about the Brewers and Cubs battling for 1st place in the NL Central, the competitiveness of the MLB and if it's an even level field, the managerial firings, , and the trades that already have happened so far.Where you can find the Brushback CrewJay JacksonX: @Jaxland58IG: ⁠jaxland58⁠smileyjcompany.comTrayvon RobinsonIG : ⁠trayvon_robinson⁠The S.M.I.L.E Zone - Athlete Intake Form

Former major leaguers Jay Jackson and Trayvon "T-Rob" Robinson from The BrushBack Crew return in a roundtable discussion in a 4 part episode. Part I we talked about the Jays being in the 1st, the landscape of the AL East, Orioles down season and what's next, and the Braves on where they stand.Where you can find the Brushback CrewJay JacksonX: @Jaxland58IG: jaxland58smileyjcompany.comTrayvon RobinsonIG : trayvon_robinsonThe S.M.I.L.E Zone - Athlete Intake Form

Part II we talked in depth about the Braves Pitching in the minors and majors, who could be the next manager of the Braves in 2026, and what to expect from the trade deadline for the Braves and others.Where you can find the Tomahawk Talk Podcast:X: @TomahawkTalk2Ben on X: @weaver_cardJose on X: @ATLHeadband

Ben and Jose from the Tomahawk Talk Podcast joins us in roundtable discussion about the Braves and where they stand. Part I we talked about the Braves season, the up and downs this year, and what to expect for the Braves in the 2nd halfWhere you can find the Tomahawk Talk Podcast:X: @TomahawkTalk2Ben on X: @weaver_cardJose on X: @ATLHeadband

Newly commit for St.Jospeh University college pitche Andrew Gaines joins us in an exclusive interview to talk about life as a college pitcher. We talked about his upbringing of being a baseball player, playing in high school at St. Augustines, his college years, summer league, and many more!Where you can find Andrew Gaines:@andrewgaines_4IG: andrewgaines_4

Kevin Niebly from Talkin' Nats joined us to discuss about the Washington Nationals. We talked about the firings, the interm GM and Manager, the Nats season, James Wood's breakout year, Dylan Crew's freshman year, reflecting back to the Juan Soto deal, some of the prospects who got called up, the draft, and many more!Where you can find Kevin Niebly:X: @k_nibleyX: @TalkinNatswww.TalkNats.com

Greg Zumach from Cubs on Deck joins us to discuss about the Cubs prospects, the Cubs as a whole and the rest of the NL Central. We talked about PCA's breakout season, some of the top Cubs prospects in the system and where they stand, Cade Horton and Matt Shaw being up in the majors, the pitching depth in the minors, the rotational depth in the majors, the NL Central and many more!Where you can find Greg Zumach: X: @IvyFuturesX: @CubsOnDeckPodhttps://baseballtribune.substack.com/

Former Blue Jays Scout who is currently working for the Athletics Steve Springer joins to talk about his journey being a baseball player, playing with his teams, working as a hitting scout, talking about his program and working with players from the past to the present day, working as a Pro Scout with the Athletics, and many moreWhere you can find Steve Springer:X: @qualityatbatshttps://qualityatbats.com/

Part II we talked about some of the disappointments and surprises in the NL, looking at both scenarios as buyers and sellers at the trade deadline, early awards winners in the NL, and bold predictions in this year's deadline. Where you can find Jeb Maize:X: @jebmaize17X: @TomahawkTalk2

Jeb Maize from the Tomahawk Podcast Crew joins us in a roundtable discussion. Part I we discussed were having the Mets number, President of Baseball Ops. Alex Anthopoulos addressing the Braves rumors, interests on Rafael Dever and if there's any traction, Ronald Acuna's next extension, Fuentes being called up and were he stands moving forward, and perhaps Austin Riley being re-positioned once again?Where you can find Jeb Maize:X: @jebmaize17X: @TomahawkTalk2

Part II we discussed about the Devers trade and the aftermath, the landscape of the AL East, Buyers and sellers at the trade deadline, bold predictions in the trade deadline, and the future with the MLB and the CBA.Where you can find Tobey Schulman: X: @tschulmanreportX: @InsideTheDiamndhttps://www.youtube.com/@InsideTheDiamondPod

Tobey Schulman from Inside the Diamond joins us in a two part roundtable discussion. Part I we discussed about the college world series tournament, players who came out of no where and flourished in the tournament, wild card players in this year's MLB Draft, MLB Prospects in the minors is having a breakout year, prospects who've been called up in last year's draft, and next guys to be called up. Where you can find Tobey Schulman: X: @tschulmanreportX: @InsideTheDiamndhttps://www.youtube.com/@InsideTheDiamondPod

Part II we talk about the transition from being the Blue Jays affiliates to the Athletics affiliates. We also talked about players who played for the Lugnuts who are currently on the A's roster, comparing the Jays to the A's, talking about Jackson Field, and many more!Where you can find Jesse Goldberg-Strassler:X: @jgoldstrassX: @LansingLugnutshttps://www.instagram.com/jgoldstrass/

Jesse Goldberg-Strassler, play-by-play guy for the Lansing Lugnuts(Athletics Affiliate) joins us in a two part episode. Part I we talked about his 10 year with the Blue Jays affiiliates in A Ball from 2009-2019 and talking about his career as a play by play analyst. Where you can find Jesse Goldberg-Strassler:X: @jgoldstrassX: @LansingLugnutshttps://www.instagram.com/jgoldstrass/