Giants Talk: A San Francisco Giants Podcast

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by Giants Coordinator of Pitching Sciences Matt Daniels to discuss the Giants’ philosophy on pitching, which players to keep an eye on this season and who is the best MLB pitcher of all-time. (1:34) Daniels discusses his role in the Giants organization (6:50) Daniels details the off-site training in 2020 (12:27) Daniels reveals which MLB...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by A’s analyst Dallas Braden to discuss the key departures of Liam Hendriks and Marcus Semien, how the A’s look heading into next season and a key player to keep an eye on in 2021. (1:34) Semien leaves Oakland, signs with Blue Jays (8:02) Which player leaving was the biggest loss for the A’s? (15:30) How do the A’s look for next season?...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by Britt Ghroli, MLB writer for The Athletic, to discuss the Hall of Fame, if Barry Bonds and Curt Schilling deserve to be enshrined in Cooperstown and the challenges of covering MLB as a woman. (2:10) How prevalent is weed in MLB? (12:45) Why is Hall of Fame voting so controversial? (21:30) Should the voting process be changed? (25:01)...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by former MLB pitcher Peter Moylan to discuss the success of Liam Hendriks, what it was like to pitch in the World Baseball Classic and how to build the perfect MLB bullpen. (3:40) Moylan details staying involved with baseball after retirement (7:45) Moylan shares his World Baseball Classic experience (15:30) How does mentality help with...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by former MLB player Kurt Bevacqua to discuss his friendship with former Giants manager Bruce Bochy, the legacy of Tommy Lasorda and the new era of MLB. (7:40) Bevacqua details his relationship with Bochy (17:02) Will Bochy return to MLB? (26:30) Bevacqua reminisces on his days with the Padres (32:10) Bevacqua discusses the legacy of Tom...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt and Dalton Johnson discuss the recent offseason moves for the Giants and how the team should fill some holes moving forward. Then, they turn their attention to the A’s and discuss if Oakland should try to acquire Andrew Benintendi from the Red Sox, and break down the chances Marcus Semien returns to Oakland next season. (1:40) Giants acquire Carso...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by former MLB player Preston Wilson to discuss a number of different topics, including the experience playing during the steroid era, if Barry Bonds should make the Hall of Fame and the diversity problem currently plaguing MLB. (2:07) Wilson reveals his favorite MLB memories (8:40) Wilson breaks down the reaction to the Astros' cheating...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by Yankees hitting coach Rachel Balkovec to discuss a number of different topics, including the influence of Giants coach Alyssa Nakken, what it takes to be a good MLB hitter and how MLB can appeal to a younger demographic. (2:07) Balkovec details her journey to the Yankees organization (10:02) What does it take to be a good MLB hitter?...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by former Major League infielder Trevor Plouffe to discuss the early years of Matt Chapman’s career, where Chapman ranks among the third basemen in MLB and his bond with Matt Olson. Plus, the duo discuss MLB's stance on marijuana, and the importance of female representation in sports. (5:07) Plouffe discusses Chapman’s early years (10:02...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by Rob Friedman, also known as Pitching Ninja, to discuss the Giants' chances in the NL West next season, how good the A’s starting rotation will be in 2021 and look back at the most memorable moments from the 2020 MLB season. (4:55) What challenge do the Padres present to the Giants? (10:20) Cueto’s unique pitching style (15:12) Should...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by Mariners outfielder Taylor Trammell to discuss the lack of diversity in MLB, the difficulties of being traded and the time he met his idol Ken Griffey Jr. Plus, who is the class of the AL West? (1:55) Trammell discusses his view of baseball’s personality (8:12) Trammell details his performance in the MLB Futures game (16:42) How hard...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by Barstool’s Jared Carrabis to discuss a number of different topics, including if Trevor Bauer could be a good fit with the Giants, how Matt Olson is underrated and how Bob Melvin has a big impact on the success of the Oakland Athletics. Plus, could Bryce Harper still end up in San Francisco? (3:32) Can Trevor Bauer change the MLB cultu...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by Giants catcher Chadwick Tromp to discuss a number of different topics, including what it's like playing alongside Buster Posey, the Giants' 2020 season and Gabe Kapler's managerial style. (2:02) Tromp relives his MLB debut (9:06) Tromp details the Giants' 2020 season (12:17) Tromp discusses learning from Posey (16:36) Tromp explains h...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by new Giant Jason Vosler to discuss signing with San Francisco, what he brings to the team and his excitement to play with his new teammates. Plus, they break down the challenge of hitting at Oracle Park and the oddity of the 2020 MLB season. (1:32) Vosler details signing with the Giants (8:21) Vosler discusses learning from new teammat...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Giants Insider Alex Pavlovic talks with Giants manager Gabe Kapler about a number of different things, including his thoughts on the 2020 MLB season, Buster Posey’s impact on the team and some players fans should keep an eye on headed into next season. (3:40) Kapler reflects on the 2020 MLB season (10:02) Kapler discusses the art of decision-making (16:50) Posey’s imp...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by A’s pitcher Grant Holmes to discuss a number of different topics, including the challenges of the 2020 MLB season, his goals for next year and Robbie Grossman’s breakout season. (2:35) Holmes details his takeaways from the 2020 MLB season (6:02) Holmes lists his goals for next season (10:20) Holmes reveals the value of learning from h...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by A’s prospect Daulton Jefferies to discuss a number of different topics, including his MLB debut, how Sonny Gray influenced his pitching style and Marcus Semien’s impact on the A’s. (2:40) Jefferies relives his MLB draft day (8:30) Semien’s legacy with the A’s (11:46) Jefferies details his first MLB start (20:22) Jefferies discusses pr...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by former MLB player and World Series champion Jerry Hairston Jr. to discuss a number of different topics, including the heated Giants=Dodgers rivalry and his battles with Tim Lincecum. Plus, Hairston shares a funny story about being heckled in the on-deck circle by 49ers legend Joe Montana. (4:16) Betts' impact on the Dodgers (8:30) Hai...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by former Giant and World Series champion Michael Morse to discuss the 2020 MLB season, his time with the Giants and his travels across the MLB landscape. Plus, Michael discuss his bond with former teammate and Giants legend Hunter Pence. (4:00) Should the 2020 season even count? (11:30) Morse reflects on his time with the Giants (15:11)...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by Bay Area natives and free agents Marcus Semien and Tyson Ross, as well as Washington Nationals pitcher Joe Ross, to discuss the start of MLB free agency. Plus, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson stops by to relive the major storylines from the 2020 MLB season and share some MLB things to be thankful for. (1:20) MLB young talent at s...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by MLB Network’s Cliff Floyd to discuss a number of different topics, including this year’s MLB free agency, the new youth movement in baseball and how important strong leadership is for an organization. Then, they discuss the A’s talent and Cliff shares why he thinks the key to the A’s success in Matt Chapman. (3:20) Floyd details how d...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by Giants outfielder Alex Dickerson to discuss a number of different topics, including the challenge of offseason workouts, his thoughts on the Dodgers’ World Series victory and the Giants’ expectations for next season. (1:20) Kim Ng hired as Marlins General Manager (6:30) Dickerson discusses offseason workouts (8:21) Dickerson shares hi...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by Blue Jays announcer Ben Wagner to discuss the 2020 MLB season, Joe Panik’s Giants departure and the value of Josh Donaldson. Plus, the duo discusses some current father-son MLB combos and detail the challenge of following in your parent’s footsteps. (4:10) How did COVID-19 affect the baseball season? (11:14) MLB father and son combos...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by former MLB pitcher Pat Light to discuss a number of different topics, including the life of an MLB player, if bullpen pitchers should get more respect and if analytics have changed the game forever. Plus, how does it feel to strike out Mike Trout? (2:10) Light shares his reaction to the MLB season (9:51) Light details Robbie Grossman’...

On this episode of Balk Talk, Jessica Kleinschmidt is joined by Braves play-by-play announcer Ben Ingram to discuss a number of different topics, including how the A’s can replicate the Braves’ success and if the MLB should give more access to their fanbase. Plus, they break down MLB player celebrations and debate if MLB should embrace them more. (5:45) Should MLB give more access to fans? (9:54)...