Driveline Baseball Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Evolution of Pitch Design | Saberseminar 2025 | R&D Podcast EP 111 Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

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 you're a player, coach, or analytics enthusiast, you'll gain insights into the future of baseball training and performance. Saberseminar Presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeBvjYrU_vk

Understanding Batter Perception Through Analytics with Stephen Stutton Brown | R&D Podcast Ep 110 Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

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. 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.

EP 66: Breaking Down the 2025 Home Run Derby Hitters Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

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.

Solving Baserunning and Fielding with Katie Krall | R&D Podcast Ep 109 Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

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 development forward. Whether you're a player, coach, or analytics enthusiast, you'll gain insights into the future of baseball training and performance.

The Future of Baseball: Stabilization, Optimization, and Model Dynamics | R&D Podcast Ep 108 Jun 22, 2025

Show notes

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 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.

AI in Baseball: Inherently Good or Inherently Bad? | The Desert Shift Podcast EP 09 Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

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

The Link Between Command and Hitting Handedness | The Desert Shift Podcast EP 08 Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

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

Optimizing Performance Through Swing Metrics | R&D Podcast Ep 107 Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

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.

Maximizing Reliever Potential: Insights and Strategies | R&D Podcast Ep 106 Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

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 resilient, high-performing pitching staffs. 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.

Is an Effective Pre-Pitch Routine the Key to Success? | The Desert Shift Podcast EP 07 Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

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 with a light-hearted conversation about the importance of fostering growth as a human being while training. 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Athlete Autonomy & Self-Development 10:45 Getting Out of a Rut & Pre-Pitch Routines 22:00 The Importance of Journaling Your Outings 26:12 Personal Turning Points Throughout Careers 37:15 When Did An Athlete Teach You Something? 42:48 Building Relationships & Growing as Humans

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