Jake and Mark sit down with Kyle Sylvester, hitting coach and infield coordinator from Eastern Connecticut State University. Kyle also oversees player development and assists with recruiting and game day scouting. We dive into the way that data is used for hitters at the D-III level, with a particular emphasis on how coaches can and should effectively communicate complex data insights to their players. How important is load timing when facing different types of pitchers? Is it always a good thing to optimize for exit velocity?

(0:00) Intro

(2:10) Kyle's Background

(3:42) The Evolution of Analytics in Hitting

(6:26) Just Swing Harder?

(10:10) Making Adjustments: Load Timing

(18:07) Communicating Complex Data Insights

(29:19) Balancing Analytics with Traditional Coaching Methods

(32:09) A Return to Contact?

(36:11) Type 1, 2, and 3 Hitters

(42:00) The Mental Side of the Game

Jake and Mark go pitch by pitch to build the best possible arsenal in the game today. We also tackle questions about the sweet spot of combining advanced metrics with a results-oriented approach in determining which pitches are the most elite. Who throws the best heater, sinker, and sweeper? What is the Magnus Effect? And how many aces are on this list?

(0:00) Into

(1:59) 4-Seam Fastball

(12:12) 2-Seam Fastball/Sinker

(20:14) Slider

(28:16) Sweeper

(32:17) Cutter

(36:58) Curveball

(44:00) Splitter

(51:48) Changeup

(54:32) Retrospective Analysis

Jake and Mark are keeping it simple today: umps and elbows. Why are some people ready for robo-umps, and what's the case against them? What's behind the rising epidemic of elbow injuries for pitchers? On today's episode, we take a deep dive into these controversial topics, covering new MLB rule changes and how to make the game as enjoyable and exciting as ever going forward.

(0:00) Intro

(1:08) Umps

(7:24) Robo Umps

(8:59) Challenging Balls & Strikes

(13:20) Finding a Middle Ground

(20:24) Elbows - Velo, Pitch Clock, Sticky Stuff

(24:53) Glasnow Blames Sticky Stuff

(29:55) Verlander's Take on Elbows

(35:00) 100 MPH - Enough Bang For Buck?