Paul Pleiss

Troy, thanks for the heads up. I'm not sure how these patent trolls could get down to us as a little independent podcasters, but it sure does look like a mess.

http://assets.podomatic.net/ts/19/ad/da/paulpleiss/1400x1400-273x273+51+0_9555661.jpg In our little part of the internet, the big news this week was MLB asking iTunes to remove several baseball themed podcasts because of what they believe was copyright infringement. We were one of the podcasts removed, we were fired up, and spent the first ten or so minutes discussing this entire situation. We also had the opportunity to purchase some free tickets through ScoreBig.com, an online ticket auction site. We detailed the purchase process and the pros and cons of using this ticket provider. Then we finally circled back around to Twins news. We talked about the phantom DL and Mike Pelfrey, Aaron Hicks' concussion, and the current Twins roster construction. Jay took a strong stand on Joe Mauer's toughness, and Eric strongly disagreed. Darren Wolfson joined us for almost thiry minutes to give us the scoops on the upcoming MLB draft, and all thing Twins. We closed out the podcast with our regular segments selecting hitters and pitchers of the week, talking beer, baseball and the news. 101 minutes of fun. Thanks for listening. Source

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wh1tXRcsku0/U2pPnJF29fI/AAAAAAAAFYg/GUm5RsbVN-s/s1600/No+Fun+MLB+with+Cross.png Major League Baseball, we've been told, has decided that there are too many people talking about baseball on the internet and sent a request to iTunes to have many baseball related podcasts removed. We're one of the many podcasts affected. So far, based on what he's been able to find so far, John Bonnes has found that in addition to Twins podcasts, the Cubs, Orioles and Mets. While this seems like a minor issue, MLB might just be getting started. Obviously if they make the move to remove all team specific podcasts from iTunes there will be additional pressure on them to reverse course, but they might just start asking the big name hosting sites to remove team specific blogs as well. Get in contact with Major League Baseball and let them know how you feel. We'll be doing the same. For now, you can continue to find our podacst right here at TalkToContact.com, and we'll be available on Stitcher Radio. For our Android users, there should not be any change right now. But maybe MLB will go after us there as well. Stay tuned, and there is more to come on Episode 82 about how we plan to handle this going forward. UPDATE 1: If you're curious about how to continue to listen, David Temple at FanGraphs has the scoop - http://www.fangraphs.com/not/advice-listening-to-baseball-podcasts-after-562014/ UPDATE 2: Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM) issued the following statement earlier this afternoon. As we have done in the past, yesterday we notified Apple about certain podcasts on the iTunes Store whose titles and/or thumbnails include infringing uses of trademarks of Major League Baseball and certain Clubs. And, as we have done in the past, we asked Apple to have these trademarks removed from the podcast titles and thumbnails. Although we did not ask for or seek to have any podcast removed from the Store, it has come to our attention that Apple removed them. Given our many years of experience in notifying Apple about trademark issues on the Store, we trust that removing the podcasts was an oversight, and ask that you please look into this matter as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation.I'm curious to see what the end resolution is for this, but I am happy to see so much turmoil directed at MLB as the news hit twitter/blogs across the internet.

Cody, if I had the chance to watch one minor league game in person tomorrow, would you recommend catching the Red Wings in Columbus or the Kernels in Wisconsin? (based soley on the baseball, not the weather, or hatred of all things Wisconsin)

EDDIE ROSARIO ONCE FARTED IN AN ELEVATOR WHILE STANDING NEXT TO A ONE-ARMED TEACHER NURSING AN ORPHANED AFRICAN BABY FROM ONE OF THOSE DOLLAR A DAY CHILD SAVING COMMERCIALS. RELEASE HIM IMMEDIATELY. WAAAAAAA!

Hicks concussion DL is a tough move on the organization. Fuld is a servicable back-up CF/4th outfielder, but I don't expect him to shine in the everyday roll. The Twins OF defense will be sketchy at best until Hicks can get back out there. Trading Revere/Span definitely put a gap in the CF plans, especially with Hicks not yet rising to the occasion.

Do you know who Kenny Wilson is? How about Brandon Waring? You can download the new Talk to Contact (@TalkToContact) episode via iTunes or by clicking here. http://puckettspond.com/files/2014/05/brian-dozier-mlb-los-angeles-dodgers-minnesota-twins-300x600.jpgApr 30, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) attempts to field a ground ball in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports With three off days in the last week, it's been a bit of a slow week for the Twins. Alex Meyer learned to throw a nasty change up and Eduardo Escobar seems to have taken over the SS duties from Pedro Florimon. No one in the starting rotation is very good at throwing baseballs lately. With so many off days instead of finding a hitter and pitcher of the week, we recap the first month of the season to look for a hitter and pitcher of the month. And a big thanks to the guys from Twins and Losses for joining us to talk a little bit of baseball. You can follow them on the twitter too (@twinsandlosses) Enjoy the show. Thanks for the download. You can follow Cody on Twitter (@NoDakTwinsFan) or read his writing at NoDakTwinsFan, and you can find Eric on Twitter (@ERolfPleiss) and read his writing at Knuckleballs, and you can find Jay Corn on twitter @Jay__Corn! If you enjoy our podcast, please take a couple extra minutes and rate and review us on iTunes. If you enjoy our podcast, please take a couple extra minutes and rate and review us on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are pretty cool, you guys. __________________ Follow me, @BaseballPirate, on Twitter. Check out the Talk to Contact Podcast (@TalkToContact) or email the show: talktocontact@gmail.com

http://assets.podomatic.net/ts/19/ad/da/paulpleiss/1400x1400-347x347+136+0_9532106.jpg With three off days in the last week, it's been a bit of a slow week for the Twins. The Twins added Kenny Wilson who was DFA'd by the Blue Jays, Alex Meyer learned to throw a nasty change up and Eduardo Escobar seems to have taken over the SS duties from Pedro Florimon. No one in the starting rotation is very good at throwing baseballs lately.With so many off days instead of finding a hitter and pitcher of the week, we recap the first month of the season to look for a hitter and pitcher of the month. And if you're not sure who Brandon Waring is, make sure to give us a download and find out. Source

All-Star ballots are a funny deal. I struggle every year to decide if it's completely useless, or a worthwhile endeavor to be excited/offended about the eventual All-Star selections. WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN!?! I like the mid-summer classic, but the fan voting, especially in the "internet age" is ridiculous. I'd be much happier if they limited the voting to fans at the games, punching out the little holes in the official all-star ballots and letting the coaches or player select the rest. So many words written, so much internet bandwidth used on the discussion. Cray cray. and yet here I am, I love it.

http://assets.podomatic.net/ts/19/ad/da/paulpleiss/1400x1400-317x317+0+0_9506639.jpg The Twins won a double header against the Jays, but other than that things have been less than stellar for the team in the pas week. We dive into some stories from the week that was, including the acquisition of Sam Fuld and what it means for Aaron Hicks, the retirement of Jason Bartlett, and what to make of Chris Colabello. It is an exciting time to be a podcast listener because this week Cody runs an interview for the first time in the history of the podcast as we chatted with the Cedar Rapids Kernels' Hitting Coach, Tommy Watkins. Watkins has coached several of the current Minnesota Twins and shares some of his baseballing knowledge with us. We also take some time to talk about the unhearlded pitcher Yohan Pino who has been pitching in Minors for 10 years without a MLB appearance. Of coure, the usual - beer, baseball and the news to round out the show. Source

Jarod "not a snowboard" Burton has looked terrible. Relievers sare fickle things, and while this is a small sample size, the numbers going back to last season don't paint a pretty picture. put him into some non-leverage situations and let someone else handle the pressure cooker situations. Let's see if he can fix himself, if not, see ya later, alligator!

http://assets.podomatic.net/ts/19/ad/da/paulpleiss/1400x1400_9483604.jpg Happy birthday to our very own Jay Corn! As a birthday present to Jay, Paul skipped the show! Without him Eric is free to heap all of the praise in the world on Brian Dozier, and he does. Jay Corn revisits his prediction that Josmil Pinto will hit 25 home runs (which is not looking so bad right now), and we wonder what might happen to Pinto's playing time when Josh Willingham and/or Oswaldo Arcia return from the DL and Chris Herrmann goes back to AAA. The jabbering continues with Logan Darnell, one of three AAA Left Handers in the Rochester starting rotation. Lots of beer talk this week, and Eric is a little over excited about his "bready beer" and then the gang goes Around the League. Enjoy the show! Source

For the first time in a long time we have a full week of Twins baseball to talk about on the podcast. We talk about Ron Gardenhire's 1000th managerial win, a couple of disabled list moves that brought both Chris Herrmann and Darin Mastroianni back to the Twins, and pontificate on what early season attendance numbers mean for the club going forward. You can download the new Talk to Contact (@TalkToContact) episode via iTunes or by clicking here. http://puckettspond.com/files/2014/04/glen-perkins-ron-gardenhire-joe-mauer-mlb-oakland-athletics-minnesota-twins-300x600.jpg We're running a promotional giveaway. Make sure to listen to the end for the details and your chance to win a 1991 World Series box set (#TwinsNickname). We are joined by Jeremy Nygaard (@jeremynygaard) of Twins Daily's Hang out and Talk Twins video/podcast (@TwinsHangouts) to discuss the roster moves, the Twins payroll in 2014 and what it means for the future of the franchise and if bringing in Stephen Drew is still a valid discussion point. You'll also hear the weekly standby's hitter/pitcher of the week, and around the league. We had to put the Down on the Pond segment on hold this week, but next week we'll be taking a closer look at Twins AAA pitcher, Logan Darnell. Thanks for the download. You can follow Cody on Twitter (@NoDakTwinsFan) or read his writing at NoDakTwinsFan, and you can find Eric on Twitter (@ERolfPleiss) and read his writing at Knuckleballs, and you can find Jay Corn on twitter @Jay__Corn! If you enjoy our podcast, please take a couple extra minutes and rate and review us on iTunes. Ratings and reviews have magical iTunes powers that will help the bullpen remember how to record outs. __________________ Follow me, @BaseballPirate, on Twitter. Check out the Talk to Contact Podcast (@TalkToContact) or email the show: talktocontact@gmail.com

http://assets.podomatic.net/ts/19/ad/da/paulpleiss/1400x1400-431x431+0+39_9460241.jpg For the first time in a long time we have a full week of Twins baseball to talk about on the podcast. We talk about Ron Gardenhire's 1000th managerial win, a couple of disabled list moves that brought both Chris Herrmann and Darin Mastroianni back to the Twins, and we pontificate on what early season attendance numbers mean for the club going forward.We're running a promotional giveaway. Make sure to listen to the end for the details and your chance to win a 1991 World Series box set (#TwinsNickname).We are joined by Jeremy Nygaard (@jeremynygaard) of Twins Daily's Hang out and Talk Twins video/podcast (@TwinsHangouts) to discuss the roster moves, the Twins payroll in 2014 and what it means for the future of the franchise and if bringing in Stephen Drew is still a valid discussion point.You'll also hear the weekly standby's hitter/pitcher of the week, and around the league. We had to put the Down on the Pond segment on hold this week, but next week we'll be taking a closer look at Twins AAA pitcher, Logan Darnell.Thanks for the download. Source

The highlight of this week's episode is an interview conducted with the Twins relief pitcher Casey Fien. We discuss the path his career took as he made his way from a 20th round draft pick to an Opening Day roster and what his strategy is when he's out there on the mound. You can follow Casey on Twitter, @CaseyFien. You can download the new Talk to Contact (@TalkToContact) episode via iTunes or by clicking here. Besides talking to notable relief pitchers, we also spend some time "Down on the Pond" looking at the Opening Day starters for each of the Twins full-season minor league affiliates, and a hitter from each squad as well in preparation for minor league Opening Day.http://puckettspond.com/files/2014/04/casey-fien-mlb-minnesota-twins-photo-day.jpg To find out who took home the first regular season honors for Twins hitter and pitcher of the week you'll have to give us a listen, and there were actually a surprising number of candidates who've gotten the lumber out early this season despite what we've been saying all winter. Oh, and the trees are coming back to Target Field. Heck yeah! Thanks for the download. You can follow Cody on Twitter (@NoDakTwinsFan) or read his writing at NoDakTwinsFan, and you can find Eric on Twitter (@ERolfPleiss) and read his writing at Knuckleballs, and you can find Jay Corn on twitter @Jay__Corn! If you enjoy our podcast, please take a couple extra minutes and rate and review us on iTunes. Ratings and reviews have magical iTunes powers that will help Jason Kubel remember how to hit a baseball. __________________ Follow me, @BaseballPirate, on Twitter. Check out the Talk to Contact Podcast (@TalkToContact) or email the show: talktocontact@gmail.com

http://assets.podomatic.net/ts/19/ad/da/paulpleiss/1400x1400_9433629.jpg The highlight of this week's episode is an interview conducted with the Twins relief pitcher Casey Fien. We discuss the path his career took as he made his way from a 20th round draft pick to an Opening Day roster and what his strategy is when he's out there on the mound. You can follow Casey on Twitter, @CaseyFien.Besides talking to notable relief pitchers, we also spend some time "Down on the Pond" looking at the Opening Day starters for each of the Twins full-season minor league affiliates, and a hitter from each squad as well in preparation for minor league Opening Day. To find out who took home the first regular season honors for Twins hitter and pitcher of the week you'll have to give us a listen, and there were actually a surprising number of candidates who've gotten the lumber out early this season despite what we've been saying all winter.Oh, and the trees are coming back to Target Field. Heck yeah! Source

On this week's show there is a lot of discussion about recent subtractions (and an addition) to the Twins roster as they continue to trim down to their 25-man roster. Jason Kubel will make the team and both Scott Diamond and Vance Worley will be pitching elsewhere in 2014. We discuss who is the last man in/out as the Twins trim the roster to 25 and then we take a look ahead at who will be the division winners and playoff contenders for 2014. You can download the new Talk to Contact (@TalkToContact) episode via iTunes or by clicking here. We take a closer look at Twins pitching prospect and Eden Prairie native, Madison Boer before wondering aloud how Max Scherzer could possibly turn down $144 million. This week's show is brought to you by Hangout and Talk Twins with Seth Stohs and Jeremy Nygaard. Make sure to check out their show! http://puckettspond.com/files/2014/03/8310376-300x600.jpgMike Pelfrey is all smiles after Gardy and Glen Perkins prank him in the clubshouse. Photo Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports Thanks for the download. You can follow Cody on Twitter (@NoDakTwinsFan) or read his writing at NoDakTwinsFan, and you can find Eric on Twitter (@ERolfPleiss) and read his writing at Knuckleballs, and you can find Jay Corn on twitter @Jay__Corn! If you enjoy our podcast, please take a couple extra minutes and rate and review us on iTunes. Ratings and reviews have magical iTunes powers that will help Jason Kubel remember how to hit a baseball. __________________ Follow me, @BaseballPirate, on Twitter. Check out the Talk to Contact Podcast (@TalkToContact) or email the show: talktocontact@gmail.com

http://assets.podomatic.net/ts/19/ad/da/paulpleiss/1400x1400-392x392+0+40_9407575.jpg On this week's show there is a lot of discussion about recent subtractions (and an addition) to the Twins roster as they continue to trim down to their 25-man roster. Jason Kubel will make the team and both Scott Diamond and Vance Worley will be pitching elsewhere in 2014. We discuss who is the last man in/out as the Twins trim the roster to 25 and then we take a look ahead at who will be the division winners and playoff contenders for 2014. We take a closer look at Twins pitching prospect and Eden Prairie native, Madison Boer before wondering aloud how Max Scherzer could possibly turn down $144 million.This week's show is brought to you by Hangout and Talk Twins with Seth Stohs and Jeremy Nygaard. Make sure to check out their show! Source

http://assets.podomatic.net/ts/19/ad/da/paulpleiss/1400x1400-213x213+0+66_9383836.jpg On Episode 75 the gang talks about Cody's basketball coaching prowess, the recent rounds of Twins Spring Training cuts that have more solidified the roster, and try and break down any remaining position battles. Eddie Rosario is still absent from Minor League Spring Training, and Eric is a little worried about what this means about Rosario as a person. Cody tries to find a downside to Glen Perkin's contract extension, and then we bring back the long defunct Hitter/Pitcher of the Week segment. Down on the Pond we take a look at Dan Rohlfing (TEAM ROLF!) and then we talk beer and general baseball news. Almost 100 minutes of fun. Source

The Detroit Tigers look to be the best team in the division, and it's not close. They're offense will beat you into submission and their pitching will have you doing all you can to scratch and claw a measly run or two across the plate. They are the team the Twins wish they were. This week on the podcast we are joined by Bryan Craves (@DisplacedTgrFan) to recap what's been happening in Motown since the Tigers were bounced out of the playoffs last season. You can download the new Talk to Contact (@TalkToContact) episode via iTunes or by clicking here. http://puckettspond.com/files/2014/03/8368648-300x600.jpg (Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports) In Twins news, the Talk to Contact gang discusses some prop bets for the upcoming season, review the first round of cuts coming out of Twins camp and somehow get sidetracked into a lengthy discussion of the Houston Astros. Come for the banter, stay for the beer. Thanks for the download. You can follow Cody on Twitter (@NoDakTwinsFan) or read his writing at NoDakTwinsFan, and you can find Eric on Twitter (@ERolfPleiss) and read his writing at Knuckleballs, and you can find Jay Corn on twitter @Jay__Corn! If you enjoy our podcast, please take a couple extra minutes and rate and review us on iTunes. Ratings and reviews have magical iTunes powers that will help Jason Kubel remember how to hit a baseball. __________________ Follow me, @BaseballPirate, on Twitter. Check out the Talk to Contact Podcast (@TalkToContact) or email the show: talktocontact@gmail.com

http://assets.podomatic.net/ts/19/ad/da/paulpleiss/1400x1400_9354951.jpg The Detroit Tigers look to be the best team in the division, and it's not close. They're offense will beat you into submission and their pitching will have you doing all you can to scratch and claw a measly run or two across the plate. They are the team the Twins wish they were. This week on the podcast we are joined by Bryan Craves (@DisplacedTgrFan) to recap what's been happening in Motown since the Tigers were bounced out of the playoffs last season.In Twins news, the Talk to Contact gang discusses some prop bets for the upcoming season, review the first round of cuts coming out of Twins camp and somehow get sidetracked into a lengthy discussion of the Houston Astros. Come for the banter, stay for the beer. Source

This week on the podcast we struggle through a couple of technical difficulties, and lament the loss of Miguel Sano for the season. This week we take a look in on the Cleveland Indians. We are joined on the podcast by Jason Lukehart (@JasonLukehart) of Let's Go Tribe to discuss comings and goings for the Indians and what Twins fans can expect from the Tribe in 2014. You can download the new Talk to Contact (@TalkToContact) episode via iTunes or by clicking here. http://puckettspond.com/files/2014/03/gal_major_league_group_shot-300x600.jpg In this week's Down on the Pond segment we take a closer look at Twins minor league pitcher David Hurlbut who pitched in Cedar Rapids and Ft Myers last season. Paul commits a beer drinking sin and admits to in on air and is mocked by all. The Twins say goodbye to any hope of signing Johan Santana and there are several jokes made at Delmon Young's expense. Thanks for the download. You can follow Cody on Twitter (@NoDakTwinsFan) or read his writing at NoDakTwinsFan, and you can find Eric on Twitter (@ERolfPleiss) and read his writing at Knuckleballs, and you can find Jay Corn on twitter @Jay__Corn! If you enjoy our podcast, please take a couple extra minutes and rate and review us on iTunes. Ratings and reviews have magical iTunes powers that will help Jason Kubel remember how to hit a baseball. __________________ Follow me, @BaseballPirate, on Twitter. Check out the Talk to Contact Podcast (@TalkToContact) or email the show: talktocontact@gmail.com

http://assets.podomatic.net/ts/19/ad/da/paulpleiss/1400x1400_9333337.jpg This week on the podcast we struggle through a couple of technical difficulties, and lament the loss of Miguel Sano for the season. This week we take a look in on the Cleveland Indians. We are joined on the podcast by Jason Lukehart (@JasonLukehart) of Let's Go Tribe to discuss comings and goings for the Indians and what Twins fans can expect from the Tribe in 2014. In this week's Down on the Pond segment we take a closer look at Twins minor league pitcher David Hurlbut who pitched in Cedar Rapids and Ft Myers last season. Paul commits a beer drinking sin and admits to in on air and is mocked by all. The Twins say goodbye to any hope of signing Johan Santana and there are several jokes made at Delmon Young's expense. Source

You can put it on the board... YES! This week we are joined by lifelong Chicago White Sox fan Tom Flynn (@Mighty_Flynn) to check in on what's been happening on the South Side of Chicago since the season came to a close. You can download the new Talk to Contact (@TalkToContact) episode via iTunes or by clicking here. http://puckettspond.com/files/2014/02/the-hawk-wants-you-300x600.jpg We check in on just about every relevant ex-Twin, including Johan Santana, who threw off a mound for several teams and Matt Garza, who signed with the Brewers. Eric takes the gang through a quick round of pepper and eventually we get around to discussing other happenings in baseball, including the new rule concerning collisions at home plate. Strangely enough, Drew Butera is mentioned a handful of times throughout the podcast and there is even talk of a dog running a sausage race. Thanks for the download. You can follow Cody on Twitter (@NoDakTwinsFan) or read his writing at NoDakTwinsFan, and you can find Eric on Twitter (@ERolfPleiss) and read his writing at Knuckleballs, and you can find Jay Corn on twitter @Jay__Corn! If you enjoy our podcast, please take a couple extra minutes and rate and review us on iTunes. Ratings and reviews have magical iTunes powers that will help Johan regain some of his Cy Young prowess. __________________ Follow me, @BaseballPirate, on Twitter. Check out the Talk to Contact Podcast (@TalkToContact) or email the show: talktocontact@gmail.com