Programming Note: Hurdle, International Signings

Yesterday I had a chance to talk to Clint Hurdle on my show on 970 ESPN. Here is a link to the podcast. Among other things we discussed the impact of the leadership council, defensive shifts, Cutch pulling the ball and Pedro's batting stroke.

I also had Ben Badler of Baseball America as a guest. Ben is BA's expert on international signings. Yesterday, July 2, was the first day teams could sign 16-year-olds. The Pirates have yet to announce any signings but Ben had a lot of interesting thoughts on the topic. Here is a link to the podcast.

As always you here hear podcasts of all the guests I have on from this page at 970ESPN.com. I'm on weekdays 4-7 pm.

After today I'll be following Charlie's footsteps, although not to Iceland, and be on vacation the next two weeks. Hopefully my absence brings success similar to Charlie's. See you after the All-Star Break.