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
301
The 2018 Statcast Season Preview - Season 4, Ep...
With the 2018 season just around the corner, it’s only appropriate to get a preview for what’s to be expected when things kick-off on Thursday. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers each provide 30 stats on 30 teams in this jam-packed episode. Later in the podcast, they discuss their predictions for who will win the World Series, the end of the year awards and much more. 
48 min
302
A New Home In Baltimore - Season 4, Ep. 11
It may have taken almost the entire offseason and spring training but starting pitcher Alex Cobb finally has a new home. After inking a four-year, $57 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss how Cobb fits into the Orioles 2018 plans and if playing his home games at Camden Yards could affect his numbers. Later, they talk about what kind of season Yasiel Puig might have based off of Statcast data from his 2017 campaign, some notable spring training exit velocity notes and which pitchers should be throwing more secondary pitches. 
33 min
303
A Record Extension - Season 4, Ep. 10
This past Monday, the St. Louis Cardinals and Paul DeJong agreed to a $26 million 6-year contract extension. The shortstop made history accepting the largest contract for a player with less than one year of playing time. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers examine the risks that may come with the extension and take a look at DeJong’s Statcast numbers to see if it was the right move by the club. Later, the Statcast guys continue to ponder why Neil Walker is still a free agent and if Billy Hamilton becoming a designated base runner makes sense. Finally, they’ll tease some new Statcast metrics that will be introduced at the SABR Analytics Conference later this week. 
29 min
304
Obvious Launch Angle Guy - Season 4, Ep. 9
The Minnesota Twins have reportedly signed Logan Morrison to a one-year, $6.5 million deal with a club option for 2019. Coming off of 2017 with a career high 38 home runs, Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss why Morrison’s success in 2017 was in big part to an enormous jump in his launch angle. They also talk about the Angels dropping the home run line on their right field wall and how that may factor into their offense this season, as well as examining why the Blue Jays might have a decent outlook for 2018.
27 min
305
The Stove is Hot - Season 4, Ep. 8
Eric Hosmer is a member of the San Diego Padres. J.D. Martinez is moving from the desert to Fenway Park. Jake Odorizzi was traded to Minnesota. Jarrod Dyson signs on to swipe bases in Arizona. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers take a closer look at these recent transactions and discuss how these moves will affect their teams from a Statcast perspective. They also explore why it doesn’t matter who your closer is on Opening Day.
28 min
306
Why Certain Pitchers May Still Be Free Agents -...
Lance Lynn, Alex Cobb and Greg Holland currently have a lot in common. All three pitchers had Tommy John Surgery in their careers, rejected qualifying offers this offseason and they’re still currently without a team as pitchers and catchers officially reported this week. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers do some digging to figure out where the market currently stands for these pitchers and why they might still be unsigned. Later in the podcast, the Statcast crew talks about the Diamondbacks installing a humidor at Chase Field for the 2018 season and why that might affect the D-Backs offensive heavy numbers at home for the future. 
29 min
307
Comerica Park, A Hitters Stadium Theory - Seaso...
Comerica Park, the home of the Detroit Tigers, has a reputation of being a nightmare for hitters due to the fields’ dimensions. However, that perception isn’t to be believed by all. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discusses how despite Comerica’s pitchers park reputation, the batters eye might be the reason for offensive success. They also discuss why Todd Frazier to the Mets makes all the world of sense, using Statcast data to hack your way to a 56 game hitting streak and why centerfielders get more batted balls. 
29 min
308
New To The Brew Crew - Season 4, Ep. 5
The Milwaukee Brewers struck quickly last week by re-tooling their outfield after trading for the Marlins' Christian Yelich and signing Lorenzo Cain to a five-year contract. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss how Miller Park will affect the numbers for the newest members of the Brew Crew. Later, they examine if the Houston Astros' lineup will be better than last season and why the Oakland Athletics are interesting from a Statcast perspective.
32 min
309
Not So Obvious Places For New Faces - Season 4,...
The MLB free agent market is still looking for someone to throw gasoline onto the fire but it's safe to assume that a few players will wind up with new teams. Even though there might be some obvious destinations, Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers take a look at some landing spots for big free agents that aren't so obvious. They also discuss how J.D. Martinez has aged and what that could mean for his future contract, Jose Martinez being the true breakout Cardinals star from 2017 and if the 2018 Yankees could break the single-season team home run record.
34 min
310
The Best Bullpen of All-Time? - Season 4, Ep. 3
The Yankees surprised most of baseball last season by coming within one game of reaching the World Series. One of the reasons was the bolstering of the bullpen by Brian Cashman before the trade deadline with the acquisitions of Tommy Kahnle and David Robertson. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers examine if the 2018 Yankees have the best bullpen we've ever seen in baseball. They also discuss the recent trades made by the Pirates, baseball players getting younger and what Statcast says about the decline of Todd Frazier's bat.
26 min
311
Taking Stock in Age - Season 4, Ep. 2
With Lorenzo Cain still on the market, the Statcast crew examines if teams really should be worried about signing arguably the best all-around free-agent outfielder due to his age. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers compare Cain to other outfielders who signed deals around their age-32 season and how those contracts played out for their teams. Later in the podcast, they talk about if a change of scenery could improve Gerrit Cole's numbers and Ozzie Albies' debut and answer a few listener questions.
37 min
312
What to Look Forward to in 2018 - Season 4, Ep. 1
The calendar has finally flipped to 2018, which means a new season of Major League Baseball isn't too far away. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers talk about the year to come, like what hitters and pitchers may break out during the 2018 season. They also discuss the Colorado Rockies' signing of reliever Wade Davis and which starting pitchers shouldn't go deep into games.
35 min
313
Statcast New Year's Resolutions - Season 3, Ep. 44
On the final episode of the Statcast podcast for 2017, host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers are joined in studio by the proprietor of the website Baseball Savant, Daren Willman. They discuss how important the site has been to advanced analytics, as well as the new live game feed for the 2017 season. Later in the show, Mike and Matt discuss the big free agents that are still on the market, including Eric Hosmer and Lorenzo Cain, as well as who should play right field for the Yankees after the Giancarlo Stanton acquisition. They also make some Statcast New Years resolutions to end the show.
77 min
314
The Hot Stove is starting to percolate - Season...
There's less than a week away until the MLB Winter Meetings kick off and it finally appears the Hot Stove is starting to get going. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers talk about the reported multi-year deal that will send Mike Minor to the Rangers and why he's an interesting signing when you look at his Statcast numbers. They'll also discuss the latest on the Shohei Otani sweepstakes with never before seen Statcast data and some of the pros and cons of managing a two-way player.
37 min
315
The Impact of a Change in Scenery - Season 3, E...
Giancarlo Stanton is the biggest name on the trade market this slow offseason due to his 2017 NL MVP campaign, but how much would a new ballpark possibly affect his home-run production? Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss if there will be a change in home-run totals for Stanton, as well as for other big sluggers on the free-agent market. The guys also talk about an interesting Statcast note in regards to first-year pitchers.
30 min
316
The 2017 All Statcast Team - Season 3, Ep. 41
This weekend, the third annual All-Statcast Team will be revealed. The team highlights one player at every position that's done something extremely interesting Statcast-wise at each position during the 2017 season. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss who made the cut and why. They also talk about the winners of the annual MLB Awards, a few pitchers who deserved better results this season and the latest Jerry Dipoto trade.
39 min
317
Awards Season and Arizona Fall League Fall Star...
This past week, the nominees for the annual baseball awards were announced. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss who they think has the best chance to win their respective awards and if they think any players got snubbed. They also discuss the recent Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game with a Statcast twist, as well as some of the players who received qualifying offers this offseason.
33 min
318
Quantifying The 2017 Fall Classic - Season 3, E...
With the World Series going the distance, the Dodgers and Astros delivered one of the most exciting World Series in recent baseball history. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers recap the thrilling seven-game series that saw the Houston Astros capture their first title in franchise history. They also breakdown the historic and impressive series from George Springer, which helped him snag World Series MVP honors.
38 min
319
2017 World Series Preview - Season 3, Ep. 38
The 2017 Major League Baseball season has come down to two teams, as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros will battle to be named World Series champion. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss how both teams have gotten to the World Series and how they match up in the Fall Classic. They also talk about how the potential record-breaking heat in Los Angeles will affect the game and who they're predicting to win it all.
30 min
320
On The Brink Of The Pennant - Season 3, Ep. 37
The Houston Astros have found themselves down 3 games to 2 in the ALCS after leading the series 2-0. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss what's happened to the Astros offense following their success in the ALDS, as well as breaking down the winning play in Game 2 which saw Jose Altuve score the winning run from first base. They also talk about the Dodgers' 3-1 NLCS lead over the Cubs and the impressive 2017 campaign from Kenley Jansen.
33 min
321
Examining the League Championship Series - Seas...
As the postseason marches on, it is time to start looking ahead to the League Championship Series. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers break down some of the home and away splits for the Astros and Yankees pitching staffs, discuss why the 2017 Astros have one of the best offenses ever and explain why Clayton Kershaw should not pitch in the 7th inning of postseason games.
33 min
322
Wild And Crazy Start To The Postseason - Season...
After two Wild Card Games that featured unpredictable moments, the field is finally set for the Divisional Series match-ups. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss a few Statcast moments from both Wild Card Games, including Aroldis Chapman's final pitch and Archie Bradley's triple. They also take a look at the ALDS and NLDS matchups, along with picking which teams they think will advance to the next round.
39 min
323
The Calm Before The Postseason - Season 3, Ep. 34
The postseason is merely days away and it's time to rethink the way you look at your standard pitcher versus batter matchups. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers go into detail about why you shouldn't look too into those kind of stats when you watch the postseason. They also discuss some of the best "bad games" of the 2017 regular season, as well as how postseason pitching strategies change and the induction of Jose Altuve into the Statcast Hall of Fame after setting two Statcast records in just three innings.
34 min
324
The Final Stretch - Season 3, Ep. 33
Statcast records continue to be broken by Aaron Judge, but is he worthy of the AL MVP? Will Jose Altuve's consistency earn him the award? Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers break it all down. They also discuss the Dodgers recent skid, as well as the Brewers' final push for the playoffs. Plus, Jackie Bradley Jr.'s throw is inducted into the Statcast Hall of Fame.
30 min
325
A New Statcast Metric - Season 3, Ep. 32
Statcast continues to be leading the charge with new and innovative ways to break down some of the more spectacular plays in baseball, but now, a new metric has come into the fold. Outs Above Average is an outfield metric to determine how good an outfielder is at collecting fly balls as well as the difficulty of the fly ball. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers talk about the Outs Above Average metric and how useful it will be in the future when looking at outfielders. They also discuss the historical win streak by the Cleveland Indians, as well as inducting a play that Brett Phillips made into the Statcast Hall of Fame.
24 min