The Show Before the Show: Episode 287

Chicago native Howard shares stories about start to Cubs career

Ed Howard played at Wrigley Field in the 2019 Under Armour All-American Game. (Stephen Green/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

By MiLB.com Staff

December 3, 2020

Check out the latest episode of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review "Minor League Baseball podcast" on iTunes. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Stitcher and Google Play. Send questions or feedback to [email protected], and follow hosts Tyler Maun (@TylerMaun) and Sam Dykstra (@SamDykstraMiLB) on Twitter.

Intro (0:00)

Tyler and Sam open by discussing two big items in this week's Minor League news. The Pioneer League will become an MLB Partner League starting in 2021, and at least six clubs (five of which have been named) will form the MLB Draft League next season. The cohosts get into what the changes will look like for the teams and fans involved.

Ed Howard interview (31:53)

Cubs No. 4 prospect Ed Howard joins the show this week. The young shortstop looks back on his 2020 Draft experience and shares what it's like to start his career with an organization in his native Chicago. Howard also talks about his new role as a potential face of the Cubs system.

Ben's Biz Banter (56:31)

MiLB.com's Benjamin Hill shares his own thoughts on the Pioneer and MLB Draft Leagues. He also revisits recent pieces on Charlotte's new work-from-home opportunities at the ballpark, the best promotions from the 2015 season and Jacksonville's quest to get a Jumbo Shrimp license plate in the state of Florida.

Wrapping up/Nationwide Prospect Fun Fact (1:17:21)