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?

Jake and Mark sit down with Joseph Guzman from Empowerment Sports Group to discuss everything from the MLB Draft to international scouting and development to the way teams and agents use data for talent evaluation. Joseph has amassed a wealth of expertise on a variety of topics, and we dig into lots of exciting areas. What do different MLB teams look for in the draft process, and how does that differ for domestic vs. international talent? How does the simple availability of data affect decision making in the front office?

(0:00) Intro

(2:08) Joseph's Baseball Career

(6:21) International Development & Signing

(10:50) What Metrics Do MLB Teams Value?

(12:42) Data, Feel, and Sample Sizes

(15:47) MLB Draft Decisions

(23:49) Advanced Analytics, Raw Tools, and Intangibles

(30:00) Advice to Young Players

(32:33) A Return to Contact?

Jake and Mark sit down with Jose Ledesma, a 24-year-old RHP coming off the biggest workload of his career in Independent League Baseball. Jose transitioned to the mound late in his career, and we discuss how he has seen success mixing pitches in the vertical and horizontal planes to keep hitters off balance. What pitches did Jose add to his arsenal to stay ahead of the competition? How do Jose and other players/coaches utilize data in their decision processes in the off-season and in games?

(0:00) Intro

(1:36) Jose's Path to the Pros

(4:23) Building an Arsenal in Both Planes

(8:24) Feel & Eye Test vs. Technology & Analytics

(13:35) Release Point, Tunneling, & Break Plots

(19:38) Mixing Planes In Games

(22:01) How Players/Coaches Use Data

(23:52) Adapting the Philosophy to the Player

(29:23) Command vs. Stuff

(34:32) The Mental Game

Jake and Mark square off in a mock debate about the role of analytics in baseball. In this debate, Mark represents a data purist's approach, while Jake represents an anti-sabermetrics approach. What do different types of people in the industry — players, coaches, GMs, owners, trainers — think about the various topics discussed? While the opinions reflected in this episode do not represent Jake’s and Mark's own opinions (unless otherwise specified), these types of debates and discussions happen every day. Let's dive into the thought processes behind each approach, and you can decide for yourself what you think makes sense.

(0:00) Intro

(0:46) Mock Analytics Debate: Rules & Topics

(3:02) Player Evaluation & Performance Metrics

(18:09) In Game Strategy & Decision Making

(37:11) Future Episode Teasers

(38:06) Player Development & Training Techniques

(41:06) Financial Decisions & Salary Negotiations

(44:10) Back to The Sweet Spot

Jake and Mark look into the crystal ball and predict breakouts and busts for the 2024 MLB season. Who will exceed expectations, and who will fall short? What kind of data do Jake and Mark value when it comes to predicting this season's performances? On this episode, we create our Mt. Rushmore of breakouts and busts, giving our top 4 candidates for each category. Tune in for a look into the future!

(0:00) Intro

(2:19) Grayson Rodriguez

(6:08) Aaron Nola

(13:50) Cole Ragans

(17:07) Anthony Volpe

(21:54) Cody Bellinger

(24:36) Jordan Montgomery

(28:14) Blake Snell

(33:49) Nolan Jones

(37:28) Ending on a High Note

Jake and Mark sit down with Ryan Prager (@ryanprager10), an imposing southpaw for Texas A&M University. Ryan has recovered from Tommy John surgery and is ready to lead the Aggies back to Omaha. We discuss data-driven approaches to the rehab process and the importance of being a mature athlete to make a complete recovery.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:06) - Ryan's Background

(5:56) - TJ Surgery: Highs and Lows

(10:38) - The Mental Toll of Injuries

(13:26) - Using a Radar Gun to Monitor Workload

(18:57) - Advantages of Driveline Pulse

(23:39) - Introducing Trackman for Bullpens

(29:09) - Blending "Feel" with Data

(32:13) - Integrating Back Into Daily Practice

(36:50)- Injury Prevention with Biomechanics

(40:50) - Advice for Athletes in TJ Rehab

(43:22) - Aggies Prediction and Closing Remarks