How much decision making goes into "putting on the shift?" Statcast host Mike Petriello and National Editor Matt Meyers caught up with Jerry Weinstein, Rockies Developmental Supervisor and baseball guru, who's changing the way the game is played. Weinstein explains the brains behind the shift and whether or not pitch framing can be taught. Plus, the guys gush over Melvin Upton Jr.'s monster home run and home run robbery and predict a few last minute All-Star predictions. To learn more about list...
Jun 29, 2016•29 min•Ep. 48
If Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers had their way, which players would make their All-Star roster? Find out who they'd like to see in San Diego as they sift through each league and each position to make their All-Star game rosters based off the numbers. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 23, 2016•27 min•Ep. 47
The entire FanGraphs crew stopped by MLB.com to join Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers to put their Statcast knowledge to the test. Find out if they passed, as Mike and Matt grill them with some hard-hitting trivia. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 17, 2016•35 min•Ep. 46
It's the one year anniversary of the MLB.com Statcast Podcast! Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers celebrate the milestone by introducing the newest member of the MLB.com team, sabermetrics guru, Tom Tango. Author of The Book: Playing the Percentages in Baseball, Tom is one of the leading sabermatricians in MLB with many accolades to his name, including developing the FIP stat. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/p...
Jun 08, 2016•22 min•Ep. 45
Nomar Mazara hit a home run 491 feet and leads all of baseball in distance, for now. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers examine the different elements that contribute to batted ball distance, how to quantify balls that can be caught in the outfield and which teams improved this statistic from last season. They also try to explain Jose Fernandez's bizarre stretch in which he's striking out hitters at a historic pace while also getting hit harder than anyone in baseball. ...
Jun 01, 2016•27 min•Ep. 44
Has Aroldis Chapman found a new way to make batters look foolish? Are Chris Sale and Jose Quintana the best 1-2 punch in the game right now? Could Yoenis Cespedes be one of the better position players to hit the free agency market this year? Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers take a closer look at the numbers to hash out these answers. Plus, Rockies pitcher Adam Ottavino joins Statcast to talk about his Tommy John rehab and what it's like pitching at altitude, one of St...
May 25, 2016•31 min•Ep. 43
Are the Mets pushing the panic button on Matt Harvey? Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers caught up with Mets reporter Anthony DiComo to hear how epic the series vs. the Nationals will be all season, why he thinks Harvey is struggling on the mound and to find out how the bullpen has stepped up when its team needed it most. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ht...
May 19, 2016•22 min•Ep. 42
Caleb Cotham's training regimen could be classified as out of the ordinary. Statcast host Mike Petriello caught up with the Reds pitcher to find out when he figured out data and analytics could improve his game, which training tricks give him an edge and who he models his curveball after. Plus, national editor Matt Meyers joins Statcast to debate whether or not now is the time to trade Mike Trout and to take a closer look at the AL Central by the numbers. To learn more about listener data and ou...
May 11, 2016•31 min•Ep. 41
What would happen if a Minor League team hired two guys to pick the roster, lineup and strategies with real players using the most advanced statistics? FiveThirtyEight's Ben Lindbergh joins Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers to explain how he and Sam Miller tried to break the barrier between the Sonoma Stomper's front office and stat heads. Plus, the guys take a look at how the rebuilding Phillies are still a part of the conversation, especially Aaron Nola, and why Nola...
May 04, 2016•32 min•Ep. 40
Cole Figueroa has decided to take the game of baseball into his own hands. Figueroa joins Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers to explain how he became Statcast forward, which statistics he values most and how he's consuming this data at the Major and Minor League levels. Plus, the guys spotlight the newest king for the longest home run in the Statcast era, how the Brewers turned their O-Swing% around 180 degrees and how the Astros landed at 6-15 to start the season. To l...
Apr 27, 2016•31 min•Ep. 39
There's a new sheriff in town after Aaron Hicks surpassed Carlos Gomez for the fastest thrown baseball in the Statcast era at 105.5 mph. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers marvel at Hicks' arm strength and try to demystify stabilization with their guest, Russell Carleton from Baseball Prospectus. They also debate whether Bryce Harper or Mike Trout is better, as well as compare Clayton Kershaw to Noah Syndergaard, To learn more about listener data and our privacy practic...
Apr 21, 2016•31 min•Ep. 38
MLB Network's Ken Rosenthal is officially on the Statcast train. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers caught up with Rosenthal to find out how he sees the game using statistics most effectively, whether or not he'll bring up analytics in locker room interviews and why defensive stats provide the best read on a player's ability. Plus, the guys break down the most impressive starters, the ones having the most trouble and whether or not it's time to push the panic button on ...
Apr 14, 2016•29 min•Ep. 37
Heavy hitters are making their way out of Puerto Rico and into the Major Leagues. Former big leaguer and current ESPN broadcaster Alex Cora joins Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers to explain why so many hot bats like Carlos Correa and Francisco Lindor come from the baseball-rich country and who he would choose to make up his infield based on today's advanced statistics. Plus, the guys take a look back at the first few days of Opening Week and spotlight a few guys who a...
Apr 06, 2016•29 min•Ep. 36
What do the numbers 88.2 mph, 327 feet, 94.4 mph and 3.85 seconds have to do with the 2015 season? Statcast host Mike Petriello and MLB.com national editor Matt Meyers take a look back at each team's most impressive statistic and go around the league to make their prediction for division winners and standouts for 2016. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adch...
Mar 30, 2016•33 min•Ep. 35
How can Drew Smyly and Alex Wood help your fantasy team? Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers spotlight seven bounceback pitchers worth keeping your eyes on. MLB.com Director of baseball research and development Daren Willman joins the Statcast podcast to highlight his work studying outfield range and where this data could be used in realtime broadcasts. Plus, hear how Padres pitching coach Darren Balsley focuses on "sneaky fast" pitches and how he's helping transform the...
Mar 24, 2016•31 min•Ep. 34
Charlie Blackmon was one of three players in 2015 to steal 40 bases. Statcast host Mike Petriello caught up with Blackmon at Spring Training to find out why he finds statistics so compelling and why fantasy owners should pay attention. Plus, MLB.com national editor Matt Meyers joins Petriello to spotlight the biggest, baddest, Statcast loving bats in the game and how they can affect your fantasy draft. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/p...
Mar 18, 2016•30 min•Ep. 33
In 1982, Dan Evans literally changed the playing field in baseball for the White Sox. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers take time to hear how Evans, current director of the Pacific Rim for the Blue Jays, came up with the idea to shorten the field, what it was like to be so far ahead of the analytics world and how he looks at foreign statistics and their translation to American baseball. Plus, Mike and Matt discuss just how instrumental Evans' forward thinking has prove...
Mar 09, 2016•28 min•Ep. 32
As the world of Statcast grows, so do the amazing accomplishments hitters, fielders, and pitchers achieve. MLB Network's Eric Byrnes joins Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers to explain why he still might be playing the game if he recognized spin rate and why Rafael Betancourt's four-seamer is so devastating. Plus, the guys take time breaking down a few players who shine brighter because of Statcast and reveal the Statcast stat of the week. To learn more about listener d...
Mar 03, 2016•27 min•Ep. 31
What's the difference between useful spin and total spin? Where does the donut hole exist? Dr. Alan Nathan, Professor of Physics at the University of Illinois, joins Statcast host Mike Petriello to explain why measuring useful spin is important, how to find the sweet spot in the field and earn a hit and what Dr. Nathan hopes to see for Statcast in the future. Plus, Matt Meyers, MLB.com national editor joins Statcast to dissect Dr. Nathan's ideas and spotlight how the Astros have some of the stro...
Feb 25, 2016•30 min•Ep. 30
Projections can't anticipate injuries or life events that occur throughout the baseball season but that doesn't stop anyone from trying to predict wins, losses, and player's performances. Jared Cross, creator of Steamer Projections, joins Statcast host Mike Petriello and MLB.com's national editor Matt Meyers to explain how Steamer creates projections, to discuss a few players with high and low projections and why you can't live and die by these numbers. Plus, the guys break down the future of pr...
Feb 18, 2016•31 min•Ep. 29
What's been the key to success for the No. 3 prospect in the Dodgers organization? Right-handed pitcher Jose De Leon joins Statcast host Mike Petriello and MLB.com's national editor Matt Meyers to give a better insight to how he's changed his approach, discuss his time spent in the Cal League and how the Dodgers organization has changed over the years. Plus, Mike and Matt explain FIP and why pitchers should care about this stat. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: ...
Feb 10, 2016•22 min•Ep. 28
Can the Coors Field altitude be the Rockies' greatest weapon? Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich joins Statcast host Mike Petriello and MLB.com's national editor Matt Meyers to explain why the sooner the Rockies play to their home-field advantage, the more successful they'll be. They also discuss how the game has changed since Bridich joined in 2005 and how their fastball pitchers can thrive in Colorado. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.c...
Feb 04, 2016•33 min•Ep. 27
What fueled Cubs' outfielder Chris Coghlan to use statistics to help turn his career around? Coghlan joins Statcast's Mike Petriello to explain how talking to the right people and understanding why statistics like slugging, on base percentage and route efficiency could turn him into a more complete, above average player. Plus, the guys discuss how manager Joe Maddon's decision making and confidence helped the Cubs earn 24 more wins in 2015. To learn more about listener data and our privacy pract...
Jan 28, 2016•21 min•Ep. 26
How is it possible that RHP Tyson Ross hits the ball harder than he throws it? Statcast host Mike Petriello and MLB.com's national editor Matt Meyers uncover this mysterious fact, explain how exit velocity correlates to production and remind Mets fans why everything will be alright without Yoenis Cespedes. Plus, MLBPipeline.com's Jonathan Mayo joins Statcast to highlight the Top 100 list coming out January 29 and Cuban prospects coming. through the Major League system To learn more about listene...
Jan 21, 2016•35 min•Ep. 25
Are the Dodgers still the team to beat in the NL West? MLB.com's national reporter AJ Cassavell joins Statcast host Mike Petriello to explain, despite "winning" the offseason, why the D-backs are still the third best team in the division and how some of the hardest hit balls in baseball are not home runs. (12:00) Plus, newest Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis joins Statcast to detail his new gig and how he will utilize stats in his broadcast to help viewers see the old-school game in a new way. To l...
Jan 15, 2016•27 min•Ep. 24
How big of a role do statistics play in a pro scout's job? Statcast host Mike Petriello checks in with Astros Director of Pro Scouting Kevin Goldstein to take a look into his day-to-day operations and why statistics play a role in his decisions. Plus, MLB.com's Pirates reporter Adam Berry joins Statcast to forecast Andrew McCutchen's production in 2016 and why Arquimedes Caminero's statistics are a team's dream. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audac...
Jan 07, 2016•28 min•Ep. 23
Statcast's reach is growing wider and higher heading into its second season. MLB.com's Daren Willman joins Statcast host Mike Petriello to discuss how he got his start in Statcast and where the future lies for data-driven information. (10:30) Plus, former big league pitcher Brian Bannister talks shop with Petriello about his new gig as the director of pitching analysis and development for the Boston Red Sox, Dave Dombrowski's view of statistics and how he'll help his pitchers grow through number...
Dec 17, 2015•26 min•Ep. 22
Plenty of questions surround two AL Central teams looking to contend in 2016. Statcast host Mike Petriello chats with Aaron Gleeman, author at HardballTalk, to learn how the Twins' offense gets a major boost with recently acquired Byung Ho Park and how Miguel Sano is so successful at the dish. (16:30) Plus, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian joins Statcast to demystify why Carlos Carrasco is one of the most underrated pitchers in the game. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit:...
Dec 09, 2015•33 min•Ep. 21
Can spin rate revive a pitcher's career? Statcast host Mike Petriello dives into this idea with Tigers reporter Jason Beck as they explore how Justin Verlander finished 2015 stronger than he started. (19:32) Plus, Angels reporter Alden Gonzalez joins Statcast to evaluate how Garrett Richards' out of this world spin rate could help him be the ace he's meant to be on the mound. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more ab...
Dec 03, 2015•40 min•Ep. 20
Does high spin rate correlate with a higher number of injuries? How does Driveline Baseball find success in their slogan, "throw harder and reduce your injury risk"? Kyle Boddy, President and Founder of Driveline Baseball, joins Statcast host Mike Petriello to answer these questions and more. (15:35) Plus, Padres beat reporter Corey Brock joins Statcast to discuss San Diego's offseason plan and how the Friars front office is utilizing statistics like spin rate to find success in their starting r...
Nov 19, 2015•36 min•Ep. 19
