EP 66: Breaking Down the 2025 Home Run Derby Hitters
Release Date: 07/15/2025
The Evolution of Pitch Design | Saberseminar 2025 | R&D Podcast EP 111
Driveline Baseball Podcast
In this episode, Jack, Josh, and Marek expand on their Pitch Design on Paper presentation from Saberseminar 2025. From the rise of the fastball and pitch shape fingerprints to RE288-driven decision-making, the conversation breaks down how modern analytics are shaping pitch design, arsenal construction, and in-game strategy. The crew explores efficiency, pitch manipulation, and what the future of pitch design could look like. This podcast offers a unique look into how Driveline combines research, analytics, and practical application under one roof to push baseball development forward. Whether...
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Understanding Batter Perception Through Analytics with Stephen Stutton Brown | R&D Podcast Ep 110
Driveline Baseball Podcast
In this episode, the R&D posse: Jack, Josh, and Marek are joined by special guest Stephen Sutton Brown for a deep dive into the intersection of engineering and baseball analytics. From modeling batter perception and pitch outcomes to the evolution of swing metrics and arsenal design, the conversation explores how new data is reshaping our understanding of the game. Stephen shares key insights from his work at Baseball Prospectus and General Motors, highlighting the challenges of modeling dynamic decisions, the promise of bat tracking, and what might be next in performance analysis. ...
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EP 66: Breaking Down the 2025 Home Run Derby Hitters
Driveline Baseball Podcast
In this episode of the Driveline Podcast, Hitting Trainers Brandon Dim and Jacob Hirsh preview the 2025 Home Run Derby — breaking down this year’s participants, what makes a great Derby swing, and why the event can actually make hitters better. They also dive into past examples like Julio Rodríguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Juan Soto to show how pulling the ball in the air can unlock second-half success.
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Solving Baserunning and Fielding with Katie Krall | R&D Podcast Ep 109
Driveline Baseball Podcast
In this episode Jack, Josh & Marek sit down with special guest Katie Krall for a deep dive into the evolving role of analytics in player development. From advance scouting and swing decisions to defensive training and the rise of tandem starters, the conversation unpacks how players and coaches can better leverage information for on-field success. Katie shares key insights on ownership, communication, and the tools shaping the future of baseball. This podcast offers a unique look into how Driveline combines research, analytics, and practical application under one roof to push baseball...
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The Future of Baseball: Stabilization, Optimization, and Model Dynamics | R&D Podcast Ep 108
Driveline Baseball Podcast
In this episode, Jack, Josh & Marek dive into how model-based approaches are transforming player evaluation and development across baseball. They unpack key ideas like model stabilization, predictive accuracy, and the nonlinear relationship between velocity and pitch effectiveness. The conversation also explores how to visualize complex pitch dynamics, communicate insights to athletes, and balance objective data with a player’s feel. With practical examples and strategic takeaways, they show why building and trusting the right model is more important than ever. This podcast offers a...
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AI in Baseball: Inherently Good or Inherently Bad? | The Desert Shift Podcast EP 09
Driveline Baseball Podcast
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...
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The Link Between Command and Hitting Handedness | The Desert Shift Podcast EP 08
Driveline Baseball Podcast
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...
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Optimizing Performance Through Swing Metrics | R&D Podcast Ep 107
Driveline Baseball Podcast
In this episode, Jack, Marek and guest Director of Hitting Tanner Stokey break down how new hitting metrics from Baseball Savant are reshaping the way we evaluate and train hitters. They explore key concepts like vertical and horizontal attack angles, depth of contact, and bat path—and explain why context is critical when interpreting these numbers. Using case studies of hitters like Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Ronald Acuña Jr., they highlight how swing decisions, biomechanics, and ball flight data can be used to optimize performance at the plate. This podcast offers a unique look...
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Maximizing Reliever Potential: Insights and Strategies | R&D Podcast Ep 106
Driveline Baseball Podcast
In this episode, Jack, Josh and Marek dive into the evolving landscape of bullpen strategy, breaking down how teams are using openers, managing pitcher familiarity, and creatively deploying relievers to gain an edge. They explore how back-to-back usage, arm slots, and chronic workload impact performance, and why spring training should prepare pitchers for postseason demands. The conversation also touches on the double hook proposal, the challenges of positionless pitching, and the need for more context-aware metrics to better evaluate reliever effectiveness—all through the lens of building...
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Is an Effective Pre-Pitch Routine the Key to Success? | The Desert Shift Podcast EP 07
Driveline Baseball Podcast
In this edition of The Desert Shift Podcast, Daulton Barry and Grayson Liebhardt discuss the importance of autonomy in player development, effective methods to get out of a pitching rut, and the mental preparation and pre-pitch routines necessary to have a successful outing. The concept of pitching on the offense is explored, as well as the necessity of training to perform well in-game, not in the gym. They share personal experiences throughout their careers, highlighting decisions made and lessons learned that ultimately led them down their current career paths. The episode comes to a close...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Driveline Podcast, Hitting Trainers Brandon Dim and Jacob Hirsh preview the 2025 Home Run Derby — breaking down this year’s participants, what makes a great Derby swing, and why the event can actually make hitters better. They also dive into past examples like Julio Rodríguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Juan Soto to show how pulling the ball in the air can unlock second-half success.