Ahead In The Count Ep. 111 - CIO Eric Cramer's Unique QMR
Ahead In The Count
Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. In this episode, BIP Wealth Chief Investment Officer Eric Cramer gives an overview and insight into his...
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Ahead In The Count Ep. 110 - Welcome Danny Hall
Ahead In The Count
Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. In this episode, get to know the newest member of BIP Wealth! Danny Hall joined as Vice President of...
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Ahead In The Count Ep. 109 - Arizona Fall League: Inside Baseball's Prospect Showcase
Ahead In The Count
Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. In this episode, discover what makes the AFL a premier opportunity for baseball's rising stars. Learn how...
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Ahead In The Count Ep. 108 - Private Investment News with Mark Flickinger
Ahead In The Count
Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. In this episode, Mark Flickinger returns to discuss why the fall of 2025 presents a unique opportunity...
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Ahead In The Count Ep. 107 - Depths of MLB Realignment
Ahead In The Count
Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. This episode features a comprehensive discussion about Major League Baseball's potential realignment and...
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Ahead In The Count Ep. 106 - Overcoming Angry August
Ahead In The Count
Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. Episode Description Former MLB pros Chase Murray and Jeremy Hermida share their firsthand...
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Ahead In The Count Ep. 105 - CIO Eric Cramer's QMR
Ahead In The Count
Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. Key Topics Covered with Chief Investment Officer Eric Cramer: Economic Update & Market Analysis ...
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Ahead In The Count Ep. 104 - Consumer Sentiment in Summer 2025
Ahead In The Count
Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. Kyle Schmidt and Chase Murray discuss consumer sentiment and its impact on the markets during July and...
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Ahead In The Count Ep. 103 - Investing in Sports Teams
Ahead In The Count
Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. John Hester and Chase Murray dive into a popular topic amongst clients and pro ballplayers - investing in...
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2025 MLB Draft Series: Ep. 4 - What Makes Your MLB Draft Successful
Ahead In The Count
Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. We finish our annual MLB Draft series with the former MLB Draft picks John Hester and Chase Murray...
info_outlineWelcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth.
This episode features a comprehensive discussion about Major League Baseball's potential realignment and expansion plans, featuring insights from former professional players Kyle Schmidt and Jeremy Hermida.
Key Topics Discussed
MLB Realignment Plans
- Commissioner Rob Manfred has been discussing realignment for approximately a decade
- Plans potentially tied to the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expiration in December 2026
- Balancing tradition and history with modernization needs
- Recent rule changes (pitch clock, bigger bases) have been well-received, suggesting fans can adapt to changes
Expansion Possibilities
- Potential new cities mentioned:
- Nashville (most frequently discussed)
- Salt Lake City
- Raleigh
- Montreal (return)
- Two additional teams would create 50 new roster spots
- New teams would require complete farm system development
Player Perspective on Travel & Schedule
- Current 162-game schedule creates significant wear and tear
- Cross-country flights after late games (finishing at 10:30-11:00 PM) followed by 2:00 AM departures
- Potential schedule reduction to 156 games being considered
- Geographic realignment could reduce travel burdens
Collective Bargaining Implications
- Realignment may be a negotiating tool for owners ahead of 2026 CBA talks
- Salary cap discussions:
- Players' opinions
- Would potentially hurt middle-tier players most
- Baseball's historically strong players union
- Revenue sharing and competitive balance
Tax Implications for Players
- Players taxed based on where games are played (prorated basis)
- Realignment could significantly impact players' take-home pay
Financial Considerations
- Franchise valuations at all-time highs
- Revenue sharing already addresses some competitive imbalance
- Tax implications could influence free agent decisions
- Middle-tier players most vulnerable under potential salary cap
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To contact the hosts, send an email to jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, or jhermida@bipwealth.com