Ballpark Dimensions

Baseball’s biggest news, trends, trades and highlights, all broken down from an analytical angle. Subscribe now to stay up-to-date on Majors' most important storylines using the same data as cutting-edge front offices. Enjoy two episodes per week, one with Matt Meyers and Mike Petriello, and another with Mandy Bell and Sarah Langs.

Sports
Baseball
276
Ryan Braun changing his swing - Season 5, Ep. 3
Brewers slugger Ryan Braun is attempting to change his swing for better results. Host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss Braun’s decision to make a switch and the type of results he could see in 2019. Plus, they look at the type of impact Bryce Harper could have on his future team’s postseason chase.
30 min
277
Yankees' bullpen gets better with Ottavino - Se...
The Yankees reportedly sign reliever Adam Ottavino to strengthen an already deep bullpen. Host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers talk about the signing that gives the Yankees’ ‘pen a serious upgrade. Plus, they react to Kevin Long’s comments (via MLBN Radio) that launch angle impacted Bryce Harper’s hitting mentality and how hit probability will change in 2019 and which players will benefit. They highlight Marcell Ozuna, who could have a breakout season this year.
42 min
278
Is Jackie Bradley Jr. in line for a big year? -...
The 2019 season will be here before you know it, so which player could be in line for a breakout year? Host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers highlight Jackie Bradley Jr. because of his glove and impressive hard-hit rate. Plus, could the Phillies’ defense be better than what the numbers show and if Nicholas Castellanos is traded, where is the best fit for him?
34 min
279
Free agent update and year in review - Season 4...
As 2018 comes to a close, Mike Petriello and Matt Meyers touch on the signings of Matt Harvey and Terrance Gore, try to guess where the remaining big-ticket free agents might end up and count down the 10 most interesting Statcast moments of the season.
34 min
280
Get to know statcast hero, Yandy Diaz - Season ...
Have you heard of Yandy Diaz? The Rays have, and made a trade to bring him to Tampa Bay. He’s big, he’s strong and hits the ball hard. He puts the ball in play with a high exit velocity. Host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss the move and see how Diaz fits in the lineup and if his numbers will translate into wins for the Rays. Plus, they break down the Dodgers signing Joe Kelly and if Bryce Harper doesn’t sign with the Yankees, they offer some trade candidates that would rake in Yankee Stadium.
37 min
281
A Conversation with Adam Ottavino - Season 4, E...
Free agent reliever Adam Ottavino is coming off a fantastic season, notably coming after an offseason spent training in a vacant Harlem storefront outfitted with the latest in pitching technology. In a special edition of the Statcast Podcast, Mike Petriello sits down for a wide-ranging 30-minute interview with Ottavino, touching on pitch design, the challenges of Coors Field, life as a free agent, and how he would have dominated Babe Ruth.
31 min
282
Manny Machado may still be getting better - Sea...
Somewhat lost in the discussion over Manny Machado's hustle comments is the fact that he just had his best-ever hitting year - and that he's one of the few hitters to improve each season in a key Statcast metric. Host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss Machado's free agency along with the impact of Paul Goldschmidt, Patrick Corbin, Nathan Eovaldi and Carlos Santana finding new homes. Additionally, they explain why Juan Nicasio's 6.00 ERA isn't what you think and offer opinions on both sides of the Mets-Mariners trade.
38 min
283
Braves and Josh Donaldson make a perfect match ...
The Braves make a splash and bring in Josh Donaldson. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss how the move seems to be a perfect match for both sides. They also talk about the impact it will have on the team's roster and how this could make Atlanta even better than last season. Plus, what would it take to trade Robinson Cano or Madison Bumgarner? Finally, the guys break down Bryce Harper's defense and if playing the outfield is the best fit for the free-agent slugger.
41 min
284
The Next Chapter for Seattle - Season 4, Ep. 45
Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto is always looking to make a deal and with the news coming out that James Paxton is reportedly on the trading block, could Edwin Diaz be dealt as well? Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss whether the Mariners trading away key players this offseason could be good for the club and which teams could make deals with Dipoto. Later in the podcast they talk about Carlos Santana reportedly being shopped by the Phillies, examining some Statcast speed numbers pertaining to veteran free agents over 30 and if Daniel Murphy is a potential fit for the Yankees. 
33 min
285
The Mariners and Rays Are Making Moves - Season...
The Mariners and Rays have made the first major trade of the offseason, with Seattle sending Mike Zunino, Guillermo Heredia and Minor Leaguer Michael Plassmeyer in exchange for Mallex Smith and Jake Fraley. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers break the deal down from a stat perspective and if both teams got a fair deal. Later in the show they discuss what the Cleveland Indians might do about their outfield situation and if A.J. Pollock could be a fit, what the Astros might try to fix next and where Sonny Gray and Josh Donaldson could land this offseason. Finally, the Statcast crew talks about whether or not Harrison Bader should have won a fielding award for his 2018 campaign. 
39 min
286
The Offseason Begins - Season 4, Ep. 43
The Boston Red Sox wrapped up the World Series this past weekend meaning that the offseason has begun. While there might not be any MLB games played until 2019, Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers have plenty to discuss including whether or not Clayton Kershaw may opt out of his contract with the Dodgers, why J.T. Realmuto might be more valuable than you think and whether it’s better to build a team through trades or free agent signings. They also take a look a what the offseason could look like for free agent Nelson Cruz and if the Phillies could sign Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. 
36 min
287
2018 World Series Preview - Season 4, Ep. 42
The stage is set for a blockbuster World Series showdown featuring the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers, the first time these two franchises have faced off in the Fall Classic since 1916. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss some of the storylines we’ll see this World Series, including if the large win-differential gap between both teams matters, if the Red Sox will be able to hit the Dodgers' lefties and if Mookie Betts should be playing second base. Later, Mike and Matt round out this weeks podcast with their predictions for the World Series.
27 min
288
League Championship Series Fever - Season 4, Ep...
The American and National League championship series' have provided some of the most exciting games we've seen this postseason. With the Red Sox currently leading the ALCS and the NLCS tied at a game a piece, Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers take a look at both series to talk about some interesting stats. They discuss Manny Machado and his admitted lack of hustle, Cody Bellinger making the best catch of the postseason so far, Alex Bregman's breakout series and why J.D. Martinez is having a better ALCS despite what his numbers may say.
34 min
289
The Final Four - Season 4, Ep. 40
With the Boston Red Sox defeating the New York Yankees in the ALDS last night, the stage is officially set for the ALCS and the NLCS. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers break down some interesting tidbits we've seen so far in this postseason, including why pitchers are throwing less fastballs and if hitting home runs is better than playing small ball. They also discuss whether the Yankees might want a redo on the Giancarlo Stanton trade, how the Houston Astros took down the Cleveland Indians and their predictions for who we might see in the 114th edition of the World Series.
31 min
290
A Wild Start to the 2018 Postseason - Season 4,...
The 2018 Postseason officially kicked off this week with the Rockies and Yankees both winning their Wild Card games to finalize the LDS picture. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers talk about the Rockies wild 13th inning win over the Cubs in Wrigley Field and the Yankees victory over the A’s in the Bronx. Later in the podcast, they break down the upcoming divisional series match-ups including the Yankees and Red Sox facing off in the postseason for the first time since 2004, Clayton Kershaw going in game two for the Dodgers and Kyle Freeland pitching in front of his hometown crowd in Colorado.    
41 min
291
The Insane National League Pennant Race - Seaso...
There isn’t a lot of certainty in the National League, outside of the Braves clinching the NL East, as to which teams are going to be playing in the postseason. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss how the Cubs, Brewers, Cardinals, Dodgers and Rockies will be fighting it out in the remaining games this season to see who will get the final four playoff spots. They’ll also preview the powerhouse ALDS matchup between the Indians and Astros, along with trying to find out what’s going on with Jose Ramirez. Later in the podcast, they sit down with former pitcher turned broadcaster Ron Darling to talk about how the game has changed since his playing days, if Jacob deGrom can win the Cy Young despite his record and the hope for the Mets next season. 
53 min
292
An Interesting Season From The Braves - Season ...
With less than two weeks until the 2018 postseason, the Atlanta Braves seem to be the favorites to take the NL East crown, despite having the eighth best record in baseball since July 1. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers try to figure out how the Braves have been able to overcome a mediocre second half and why Ronald Acuña Jr. is integral to Atlanta's postseason plans. Later in the show, the Statcast guys discuss the best team in baseball that isn't the Red Sox and why the Dodgers' pitching staff is intriguing and they introduce the newest Statcast metric.
35 min
293
Two Unlikely Powerhouse Offenses - Season 4, Ep...
Among the powerhouse offenses in baseball, over the last 30 days, the Oakland A’s and the Tampa Bay Rays have come to the forefront as being the best in the game. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers examine how these two unlikely teams are putting up big numbers, just in time for a weekend series in St. Petersburg. Later in the podcast they discuss how the Mets have become kind of good, what’s going on with Marcell Ozuna and if Eric Hosmer is finally trying to get the ball off the ground. 
41 min
294
The Shohei Ohtani Conundrum - Season 4, Ep. 35
The Angels and Shohei Ohtani received disappointing news on Wednesday when Tommy John Surgery was recommended for the star Japanese hitter and pitcher. The news didn't seem to slow Shohei down, as he went 4-for-4 with two home runs against the Texas Rangers following the diagnostic. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss how the Angels might proceed with Ohtani if he gets the surgery and why making him an opener could make sense. Also on the podcast this week they break down Trevor Story's epic three-home run night, why the Astros' bullpen is fascinating and the first MLB home run from Statcast podcast darling Yandy Diaz.
34 min
295
Discussing the Unofficial Team of the Statcast ...
On the latest edition of the Statcast podcast, host Mike Petriello is joined by White Sox play-by-play man Jason Benetti as they discuss a slew of ChiSox storylines, including the White Sox current rebuild, Michael Kopech’s impressive control and a few things you might not know about legendary broadcaster Hawk Harrelson. They also talk about where the White Sox rank in MLB with their stat knowledge and reminiscing about the 2018 Home Run Derby.
35 min
296
Alex Rodriguez Joins The Podcast - Season 4, Ep...
On a very special episode of the Statcast Podcast, 14-time All-Star Alex Rodriguez joins host Mike Petriello to discuss a multitude of topics including his opinion of the shift, if it's harder to be a hitter now compared to earlier in his career, how he prepares for broadcasts and much more. Also on the podcast, Mike and national editor Matt Meyers discuss an unexpected outcome of the Rays opener experiment, Michael Kopech making his debut with the White Sox and four players that are turning their seasons around. 
40 min
297
Baseball's most interesting team is close to a ...
The A's are winning games in the most 2018 way possible, and they're on track to set the weirdest possible record, weird enough that Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers actually start talking about bunts. Also, what's wrong with Luis Severino? Mike and Matt dig into the data, then check in on exit velocity metrics from young hitters Kyle Tucker and David Bote, then welcome in MLB Network host Brian Kenny to discuss Friday's Mets vs. Phillies "SABRcast."
29 min
298
The Unexpected MVP Caliber Season - Season 4, E...
Javier Baez has been a fixture in the Cubs lineup for the past three seasons and has earned a reputation for swinging and chasing pitches during his at-bats. However, this season, the usual heavy swinging Baez is swinging even more, and it just might be the reason he’s having an MVP caliber season. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers examine how Baez has dropped his strikeout rate and upped his slugging by swinging at more pitches than he’s done in the past. Later in the podcast they talk about Joc Pederson and Bryce Harper turning their seasons around, Harrison Bader becoming the most interesting outfielder you don’t know and what the Rockies are doing for their rotation that pretty much no other team is doing. 
36 min
299
2018 Non-Waiver Trade Deadline Fallout - Season...
As the 2018 non-waiver trade deadline came and went this past week, we saw a flurry of moves throughout baseball including some surprising deals and others that were inevitable. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers take a look at some of the deals that went down, including Chris Archer to the Pirates, Mike Moustakas and Jonathan Schoop to the Brewers and Tommy Pham to the Rays. They also discuss a little later on if a new team has risen to the top of the rankings for best defensive outfield in baseball. 
36 min
300
The Best Bullpen in Baseball Got Even Better - ...
The Yankees have arguably made the biggest trade of the season so far by acquiring Zach Britton from the Orioles in exchange for three minor leaguers prior to next weeks deadline. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers break down the deal that will make the Yankees already dominant bullpen that much stronger and how Aaron Boone will manage it. They also talk about what's going on with the surging Oakland A's and if Bryce Harper could be a trade target, a couple teams that don't necessarily need to make a move before the 31st and a few trade predictions.
38 min