Shows
The Sweet SpotS2:EP8 - The Road To 100 MPH w/ Conner GriffinJake sits down with current D1 RHP Conner Griffin from Binghamton University. Conner, a long time remote athlete of Jake's, has transformed himself as a pitcher and person over the past couple of years. From sitting 88 MPH, touching 90 MPH, as a young HS athlete... to now sitting 95 MPH, touching 100 MPH, as a college athlete... Conner has lots of insights on his journey to D1 Baseball. Topics covered in this episode include: how mechanical optimization & gaining strength, size, & power maximized performance, how to process "feel" vs "feedback" when integrating data, how pitch overlaying techniques improved his arsenal, the benefits & differences...2025-06-1631 minThe Sweet SpotS2:EP7 - Major League Level Insights w/ Joey GreanyJake sits down with former MLB, & current MiLB, strength & conditioning coach Joey Greany! Joey spent 9 seasons at the minor league level with the Kansas City Royals Organization & 8 season at the major league level with the Tampa Bay Rays Organization; before transitioning to his current role as an Arizona Complex League Performance Coordinator with the reigning WS Champs, the Los Angeles Dodgers Organization. Topics covered in this episode include: evolution of technology over the years, if players seeing their data could be a negative?, examples of in-season/pre-season training feedback loops, the reactive strength index, & much more... Tune in to...2025-05-1427 minThe Sweet SpotS2:EP6 - All Things Hitting: Pro Ball To Player Development - w/ Zach RacusinJake sits down with 8 year pro hitter & Owner of Rax Hax Pro Performance, Zach Racusin, to discuss all things hitting. Zach has been playing professional baseball in the highest independent baseball leagues for 8 years now. He's played against, & along side, tons of current & former MLB players while simultaneously running his player development company. Topics covered in this episode include: how hitting approaches have changed, striking a balance w/ data & feel, most valuable metrics, incorporating data into player development, how hitters can keep evolving, creating the right mindset, & future trends in hitting development. Tune in to this exciting & informative episode...2025-04-2238 minThe Sweet SpotS2:EP5 - The Evolution Of Pitching Development w/ Tim LevequeJake sits down with St. Louis Cardinals Pitching Analyst Tim Leveque to discuss the evolution of pitching development over the past couple of years. Tim has been a coach within the cardinals organization for over 19 years. Tim has had many roles throughout his years in the organization, some of which include: pitching coach, pitching coordinator, rehab coordinator, & pitching analyst. Topics covered include: shifts in development over the years, utilizing data in pitching development, possible over reliance of data, utilizing data in the draft process, injury prevention, the next frontier of pitching development, & his advice for young coaches. Tune in...2025-04-0725 minThe Sweet SpotS2:EP4 - Transitioning To The Big 10 w/ Ryan ButlerJake sits down with Ohio St. Buckeyes pitcher Ryan Butler to to discuss transitioning to a power 5 program in the Big Ten Conference. After playing at Liberty University, Ryan transferred to Ohio St. looking to build on his success & development he had previously. Topics covered include: the transition & competition level, development & coaching differences, different environment & expectations, & on-field adjustments. Tune in to this exciting & informative episode to learn more about transitioning & adjusting to power 5, Big Ten baseball! (0:00) Intro (0:38) Biggest Initial Differences(1:48) How Do Lineups Compare? (4:11) Personal Development Changes(9:37) Utilization of...2025-03-1130 minThe Sweet SpotS2:EP3 - 2025 In Aggie Land w/ Ryan PragerJake sits down with Texas A&M Baseball ace Ryan Prager to discuss all things Aggies. After a trip to the CWS, falling just short of winning a national championship in 2024, the Aggies are looking to repeat their success in 2025. The Aggies are currently ranked as the #1 team in college baseball & Ryan has been nominated as a Pre-Season All American & Pre-Season SEC Pitcher of the year. After a long off-season, we talk about 2024 vs. 2025 team comparisons, team goals, personal goals, & transition to a new coaching staff. Tune in to this episode of all things Aggies! (0:00) Intro 2025-02-2522 minThe Sweet SpotS2:EP2 - Transitioning To Pre-Season w/ Cam DietzJake sits down with Cam Dietz, Assistant Director of Sports Performance at The University of Cincinnati, to talk transitioning into pre-season training. Primarily working with baseball players & golfers, Cam is getting his athletes ready to compete for their spring sports. Topics include bridging the gap between incorporating sports science & human intuition, key metrics for optimizing player performance, individualization during pre-season programing, & blending into in-season training. Tune in and check out some awesome content from a true professional in the field!(0:00) Intro (0:29) Cam's Background(1:55) Sports Science vs. Human Intuition (12:27) Individualization In Pre-Season...2025-02-1032 minThe Sweet SpotS2:EP1 - SEC vs. MiLB w/ Chris MartinJake and Mark sit down with Chris Martin, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for SEC powerhouse LSU Baseball. Chris, previously with the Houston Astros organization, shares his experiences with training elite level athletes at both the professional and collegiate levels. Topics include the differences in how data is leveraged at different levels of baseball, fi nding the sweet spot of data utilization in strength & conditioning, and fitting the coaching lens and approach to specific athletes. Tune in and check out some awesome content from a true professional in the field!(0:00) Intro(1:18) Chris’ Baseball Journey (5:55) Lev...2024-11-2541 minThe Sweet SpotS1:EP20 - 2024 Recap: Our Breakouts & BustsJake and Mark reflect on their 2024 preseason breakout and bust picks to see where they went right and where they went wrong (spoiler alert: not a lot went wrong). They take a deep dive into the analytics to evaluate how and why certain players over- or under-performed the way they did, discussing which outcomes were bound to come true and which may have even been too good to be true. Were certain metrics particularly predictive when it came to season-over-season performance? How important is it to evaluate a player's career holistically as opposed to maximizing the emphasis on the...2024-11-1027 minThe Sweet SpotS1:EP19 - Strength & Conditioning 101 w/ Brian WalkerJake sits down with Brian Walker, the Assistant Head of Strength & Conditioning for Baseball at IMG Academy and former Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Cleveland Guardians. Brian has been coaching elite athletes for years, and he shares his insights on how he views the industry, his favorite parts of coaching, and extensive advice for both players and coaches. What role do data and technology play in day-to-day programming? Why is it important to embrace failure as you get better? And how valuable is a good mentor?(0:45) Brian's Career Journey (7:13)Using Tech & Data as Feedback2024-10-2352 minThe Sweet SpotS1:EP18 - Best "Marriages" In BaseballJake and Mark discuss the most inseparable duos in baseball. Who (or what) made the cut, and what makes each duo so dynamic? On today's episode, we're taking a lighthearted look at a serious topic, and in a timely manner, too -- one of The Sweet Spot's co-hosts just got married! Tune in to see which pairing is your favorite marriage in the game. (0:00) Intro(2:35) Sunflower Seeds & Big League Chew(8:57) Derek Jeter & The New York Yankees(10:54) The New York Yankees & October(12:33) The Grounds Crew & The Field(14:54) Fastball...2024-10-0219 minThe Sweet SpotS1:EP17 - Command vs. Stuff w/ Ryan RicciJake and Mark sit down with Ryan Ricci, the pitching coach for the Single-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins (The Fort Meyers Mighty Mussels), and former pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for the George Mason baseball program. Ryan, who pitched in the Diamonbacks' organization and who is a George Mason Baseball alum himself, has overseen the development of several professional players. We hit on a topic that we've wanted to discuss for a long time: the command vs. stuff debate in pitchers' development and gameplay. Which is more important, and is one of them easier to coach? How do...2024-08-1430 minThe Sweet SpotS1:EP16 - The Game Within The Game w/ Ian MillerJake and Mark sit down with Ian Miller, former MLB outfielder and host of The 9-Hole Podcast. Ian is a professional in every sense of the word, on and off the field. We finally give the game within the game the podcast it deserves, covering topics such as facing adversity, staying level in high pressure scenarios, and the value of hard work over time. What does Ian do to prepare mentally and physically for professional baseball games? How does he apply the lessons he learned playing the game to his life beyond baseball?(0:00) Intro (3:40) Ian's B...2024-08-0152 minThe Sweet SpotS1:EP15 - MiLB To MLB: Similarities & Difference w/ Nate IrvingJake and Mark sit down with Nate Irving (@natebirving), hitting and game planning coach in the Reds' organization and former UVA catcher. Nate has put his data analytics knowledge to work in several capacities from Virginia to Chattanooga to Venezuela. We talk to Nate about personalization in player development and education, as well as the speed of the game at different levels. What skills help players thrive at every level of baseball? And what's it like being in the organization with budding stars like Elly De La Cruz and Christian Encarnacion-Strand?(0:00) Intro (1:35) Nate's Baseball Journey ...2024-07-1938 minThe Sweet SpotS1:EP14 - Data Insights for Hitters w/ Kyle SylvesterJake 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...2024-06-2647 minThe Sweet SpotS1:EP13 - The Best Pitches In Today's MLBJake 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 2024-06-061h 03The Sweet SpotS1:EP12 - Umps & ElbowsJake 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...2024-05-2244 minThe Sweet SpotS1:EP11 - MLB Draft & International Scouting w/ Joseph GuzmanJake 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 Career2024-05-0834 minThe Sweet SpotS1:EP10 - Analyzing Pitch Planes w/ Jose LedesmaJake 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...2024-04-2640 minThe Sweet SpotS1:EP9 - Debate: The Role of AnalyticsJake 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....2024-04-1046 minThe Sweet SpotS1:EP8 - 2024 Breakouts & BustsJake 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...2024-03-1341 minThe Sweet SpotS1:EP7 - Recovery From Tommy John w/ Ryan PragerJake 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...2024-02-2844 minThe Sweet SpotS1:EP6 - Turning Data Into Wins w/ R.J. MichaelsJake and Mark sit down with R.J. Michaels (@rj_michaels), former Director of Analytics and Assistant Coach for the University of Rochester Baseball Team. R.J. transitioned from a player to a coach after his freshman year, and helped lead the team for several years. We focus on the data that R.J collected and how he communicated his insights to coaches and players to create more wins. (0:00) Intro (2:27) R.J.'s Baseball Career (4:31) Navigating the End of One's Playing Career(6:38) R.J.'s Role as Director of Analytics2024-02-1435 minThe Sweet SpotS1:EP5 - EMERGENCY POD: Campbell's Bold Playoff CallsEMERGENCY POD! On this episode, Jake and Mark dive into the controversial 4th down decisions made by Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. While we're usually a baseball podcast, the opportunity to discuss the sweet spot between data analytics and human decision making in this year's NFC Championship Game was just too good to pass up. What do Jake and Mark think about the decision, and -- perhaps more importantly -- the rhetoric regarding the topic?(0:00) Intro(2:09) Initial Reactions(4:48) "The Analytics Say..."(7:26) All Models Are Wrong, But Some Are Useful2024-02-0224 minThe Sweet SpotS1:EP4 - Moneyball: Past, Present, & FutureJake and Mark discuss the history of the Moneyball era in baseball. How did it start? What was it all about? How did teams such as the Rays and Astros continue to find success after the "secret" of OBP and OPS was exposed? Where is the industry headed in the next decade with respect to analytics? In this episode, we focus on select sabermetrics as well as specific examples of how teams have had success by playing the numbers. (0:00) Intro(1:50) Bill James & the Origin of Sabermetrics(6:08) Jake's Gold, Silver, & Bronze of Advanced Metrics...2024-01-3152 minThe Sweet SpotS1:EP3 - Deciphering NCAA Data w/ Matt RiebesellJake and Mark sit down with Matt Riebesell (@riebs9), Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Franklin & Marshall. Matt has been a coach at the D1 to D3 levels during his coaching career. We discuss the utilization of data at the NCAA level and focus on key attributes that Matt looks for as a recruiter. (0:00) Intro(2:23) Matt’s Career Path(6:50) Evolution of Data in College Baseball(10:58) Making Decisions with Minimal Data (13:02) Recruiting Catchers (17:58) Offense vs. Defense (24:12) Velocity vs. Movement in Recruiting and Coaching (27:52) Discrepancies in...2024-01-1734 minThe Sweet SpotS1:EP2 - Pitch Design w/ Nick KuziaJake and Mark sit down with Nick Kuzia (@kuzpitching), professional pitcher and performance coach. Nick has played in the Rockies, Tigers, and Padres organizations.Topics include Nick's path to the pros, Tackman & Rapsodo and the pros and cons of each technology, the discrepancy in data gathering and utilization across teams within the minor leagues, the importance of velocity, the influence of biomechanics on pitch design, the trade-off between the eye test and technology, and exploiting vertical and horizontal axes to maximize deception. 2024-01-0336 minThe Sweet SpotS1:EP1 - Welcome to the Sweet Spot PodcastWe introduce the “sweet spot” - what is it, why does it exist, and why are we interested? We discuss specific examples where intuition should have played a larger role (Blake Snell, Jose Berrios), as well as some of the fundamental limitations of using any sort of data modeling when it comes to sports. We also touch on how recent studies have been able to quantify certain players’ intangibles that they bring to the table (David Ross, Carlos Beltran).2023-12-2020 min