Driveline Baseball Podcast

In this episode, Jack, Josh & Marek explore the evolution of pitch modeling in baseball, covering key metrics like 'Stuff' and the shift to component-based approaches. They discuss how advanced models predict pitching success and how insights can be applied to both pitchers and hitters. The conversation also touches on the 'Big 3' of hitting analysis, the development of a matchup model tailored to hitters, and the limitations of current models, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement in player evaluation. This podcast offers a unique look into how Driveline combines research, analytics, and practical application under one roof to push baseball development forward. Whether you're a player, coach, or analytics enthusiast, you'll gain insights into the future of baseball training and performance. 0:00 Introduction to Pitch Modeling 3:33 Understanding Pitch Modeling Basics 6:00 Historical Context and Evolution of Pitch Modeling 6:58 The Value of Stuff and Quick Reliability 11:18 Component-Based Approach to Pitch Modeling 20:04 Philosophical Shift in Pitch Analysis 22:24 Optimization and Decision-Making in Pitching 24:04 Valuing Hitters and Pitchers Equally 28:00 The Big Three in Hitting Analysis 30:14 Understanding Swing Decisions and Run Values 33:55 Individualizing Swing Decisions for Hitters 37:00 The Matchup Model: Tailoring Pitch Values to Hitters 44:02 Pitch Physics and Its Impact on Modeling 52:45 Recognizing Model Limitations and Future Directions

Welcome to the Driveline R&D Podcast, where we explore the cutting-edge intersection of baseball analytics, player development, and on-field performance. In this milestone 100th episode, the new R&D crew takes over following the departure of the original hosts to MLB organizations. Join Jack Lambert (Baseball Operations Director), Josh Hejka (minor league player with the Phillies and Driveline's longest-running intern), and Marek Ramilo (part-time R&D analyst and quant trader) as they dive into how research and development is transforming training in Major League Baseball and at Driveline. Episode Highlights: •0:00 - Introduction to the new R&D podcast crew and team backgrounds •8:54 - Arsenal Models: How data predicted MLB's sweeper revolution and the chess theory of pitch combinations •19:45 - Component-Based Pitching Models: Breaking down pitch outcomes to better understand performance • 28:00 - Matchup Analysis: Adding batter context to pitching models • 33:24 - The Player Perspective: How analytics data gets translated to actionable information on game day • 38:08 - The "Apple Ecosystem" of Baseball Training: Why integration of all development tools matters • 41:40 - Pulse and Workload Management: Using data to prepare pitchers and prevent early-season injuries. This podcast offers a unique look into how Driveline combines research, analytics, and practical application under one roof to push baseball development forward. Whether you're a player, coach, or analytics enthusiast, you'll gain insights into the future of baseball training and performance. 

In this episode, Daulton Barry and Grayson Liebhardt discuss the growing influence of artificial intelligence in baseball, exploring its potential benefits and challenges. They emphasize the importance of using AI as a tool to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them, and they explore the future of AI in player development, scouting, and how the human element of the game fits into these boundaries. The conversation wraps up with them revealing their athlete spotlights for the week, highlighting the hard work and dedication of trainees in this most recent training block. 00:00 Introduction & Jersey Thursdays 02:11 The Rise of Artificial Intelligence 07:38 Practical Applications of AI in Training 16:12 Inherently Good or Inherently Bad? 23:44 The Future of AI in MLB 34:45 Automated Programming & The Human Element 40:57 Athlete Spotlights

In this edition of The Desert Shift Podcast, Daulton Barry chats with the most recent addition to the AZ Pitching Staff, Pitching Intern Brewer Hendrix, who shares a little about his journey from athlete to coach and dives into his key takeaways from his first few weeks in-gym. Daulton and Brewer go on to explore the challenges of imposter syndrome, the significance of fostering strong relationships, and the diversity of athletes that train at Driveline. The conversation highlights the struggles of converting from a player to a coach and how growth and development is an integral part of not only training at Driveline, but working here as well. The episode wraps up with a new addition to the podcast, where both trainers shoutout a trainee that has gone above and beyond recently. 00:00 Introduction 02:45 Brewer Hendrix Background & Journey 08:48 Imposter Syndrome 12:54 ULM Baseball Jerseys 15:30 The Range of In-Gym Athletes We Work With 23:16 Skeleton BioMech Viewer & Non-Repeatable Mechanics 29:43 The Challenges of Converting From Player to Coach 33:40 Growth & Development as a Coach at Driveline 40:00 Athlete Shoutouts

In this episode, Daulton Barry sits down with Mike Paesani, who shares his journey to Driveline as well as insights gained from working in high performance sports. The discussion highlights the importance of diversified work experience, the need for cohesion between high performance and skill training, and the significance of data-driven approaches in athlete development. They explore how to enhance coordination and movement patterns in athletes, the value of gamifying bullpen sessions, and the potential value in better understanding lead leg block and force plate data. 00:00 Introductions & Paesani's Path to Driveline 11:05 Collaborative Programming Between HP & Pitching Trainers 18:21 The Fine Line of "Sports Specific" Lifting 20:45 Balancing All the Fragments of Development 26:20 Willingness to Be Wrong & Doing the Hard Tasks 29:30 Plyometrics & Improving Coordination 36:05 Randomizing/Gamifying Bullpens 44:36 Investigating Force Plate & Lead Leg Block Data