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
351
It Matters Where You Play - Season 3, Ep. 22
It's not a surprise to anyone that each ballpark has different features that may affect the outcome of certain plays. However, thanks to Statcast, we are now able to figure out park factors. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss how one can start to draw rough conclusions on these factors via expected weighted on-base versus actual weighted on-base, and how much it corresponds. The Statcast crew also talks about how Tommy Pham could be becoming one of baseball's breakout hitters, if Lance McCullers should be a little more highly regarded, as well as the induction of a five-star play with a nine percent catch probability into the Statcast Hall of Fame.
30 min
352
Hard hits and throwing it high in the zone - Se...
June is upon us and it's time to look back at the results of the month of May. The Tigers own the first three spots on the hard hits leaderboard but that has not added up to a lot of tallies in the win column. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers explain why having power hitters like J.D. Martinez and Miguel Cabrera in the lineup have not helped the Tigers attain a better record. Khris Davis of the Athletics is flat out crushing the ball this season but is he one of the unluckiest hitters in baseball? The guys also take a look at the Dodgers' successful strategy of throwing higher in the strike zone than other teams and induct Hunter Renfroe's 101.6 mph throw from right field against the Cubs into the Statcast Hall of Fame.
28 min
353
Change in catch probability - Season 3, Ep. 20
Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss adding direction to catch probability, how two Boston sluggers have managed to go all season without a barrel, shine a light on the underappreciated Jesse Hahn and induct a five-star Yasiel Puig catch into the Statcast Hall of Fame.
34 min
354
Crushin' It Like Judge & Stanton - Season 3, Ep...
Although guys like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton have made an impact on the Statcast era in terms of exit velocity, there's someone you might not think of who's crushing it just as hard, if not harder than them. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers reveal who exactly that is, as well as discussing Jon Lester's attempts at preventing stolen bases this season and the induction of an entire day of plays into the Statcast Hall of Fame. They also talk about Matt's favorite new pitcher from the San Diego Padres.
30 min
355
The Ideal Situation - Season 3, Ep. 18
Athletics infielder Yonder Alonso last week was named the AL Player of the Week and this happened to intrigue the Statcast crew. After speaking about wanting to hit more balls in the air during the offseason, Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss if Alonso has an ideal launch angle and if it is the reason for his early 2017 success. They also talk about if Francisco Rodriguez might be taken out of the closer role and if a familiar name could take over, as well as how the Cubs' outfield defense went from being ranked second highest in catch probability in 2016 to the second lowest in 2017.
28 min
356
One Month In - Season 3, Ep. 17
As the calendar turns to May, the first full month of the 2017 baseball season is in the books and the Statcast guys are ready to dissect what we've seen so far. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers talk about which hitters and pitchers out performed or under performed their Statcast measurements, and take a look back at some of the coolest catches in April. They also induct a new play into the Statcast Hall of Fame, a play that may be judged for a very long time.
41 min
357
It Feels Like The Season - Season 3, Ep. 16
It's starting to finally feel like baseball season and the Statcast crew couldn't be more pleased. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers break down one of their newest stats for this baseball season; sprint speed. With sprint speed, you're now able to find out how one can measure the speed of a runner on the base paths or in the outfield. They also discuss two interesting plays featuring Odubel Herrera and Adam Rosales, as well as seeing how the players who played through pain are faring so far this season.
30 min
358
The Most Interesting Man In Baseball - Season 3...
Aaron Judge is climbing the ranks of must-see at-bats in baseball and it's propelled him to be dubbed the most interesting man in baseball. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers talk Judge's impressive exit velocity and his most recent moonshot home run. They also discuss outfielder's positioning, the fastest runners and catch probability in the latest edition of the Statcast podcast.
24 min
359
What does a five-star catch look like? - Season...
Baseball is back and the Statcast crew couldn't be more ready to go. Only a handful of games have been played and we've already seen a couple five-star catches, and some early spin rate and wall ball data has come in. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers are ready to break down the early numbers of this very young baseball season.
25 min
360
Statcast prediction for every MLB team - Season...
With the 2017 regular season just days away, it's time for predictions. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers talk about who they have winning divisions and wild cards, as well as which teams we might see in the World Series. They also talk about specific stats that they have for each team going into the 2017 campaign.
48 min
361
How many outfielders would make that Adam Jones...
Fresh off their recent discussion about catch probability, the Statcast crew can't help but discuss the amazing catch made by Adam Jones against the Dominican Republic team in the World Baseball Classic. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers are joined by two former MLB outfielders, Ryan Spilborghs and Fernando Perez, to break down one of the more impressive plays in Classic history.
37 min
362
Introducing hit and catch probability - Season ...
As Statcast continues to revolutionize the way baseball is viewed, new ways to break down and scrutinize plays are continued to be brought to the forefront. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers bring hit probability and catch probability to light in their latest podcast, showing how just because a catch might look impressive, doesn't necessarily mean it was a hard play to make.
38 min
363
Inside the Numbers - Season 3, Ep. 10
The annual SABR Analytics Conference was held over the weekend in Phoenix, Ariz. The MLB Advanced Media Statcast panel, made up of host Mike Ferrin, MLB.com stats analyst Mike Petriello, senior data architect, stats Tom Tango and director of baseball research and development Daren Willman, explain what the Statcast terms, like launch angle, exit velocity, and route efficiency, mean as it relates to the action that happens inside a game. The panel also talks about the future of Statcast and how it will continue to change the game of baseball.
59 min
364
Expecting The Unexpected - Season 3, Ep. 9
Baseball is a fairly unpredictable sport with there being multiple outcomes when a ball is put into play. On the latest episode of the Statcast podcast, host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss the expected outcomes of a batted ball and all that goes into a player making what can be an extremely difficult play look easy. The Statcast crew also discusses catch rate and the new star rating system that will help define extraordinary plays.
31 min
365
Change Your Way of Thinking - Season 3, Ep. 8
Baseball is back as Spring Training 2017 has officially begun. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers break down what part the numbers play in the arbitration process. They also discuss the market value of Eric Hosmer and if he is worth the 10-year contract that he is asking for as well as if teams should reconsider the way they use starting pitchers.
27 min
366
The Start of Something New - Season 3, Ep. 7
With pitchers and catchers officially reporting to their respective camps, the Statcast crew is back to talk about some of the pitchers and catchers they're excited to see in 2017. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers also talk about which teams have the best pop time, as well as the latest news on Alex Reyes having to undergo Tommy John Surgery and if Noah Syndergaard throwing harder is a good idea.
29 min
367
A Cannon Of An Arm - Season 3, Ep. 6
Everyone loves to be dazzled by an outfielder throwing a laser to a base and getting a runner out who's trying to take that extra bag on them. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers talk about which outfielders have the strongest throwing arms in baseball. They also discuss who they think are some of the more underrated players going into the 2017 season as well as the Pirates' move of Andrew McCutchen to right field and where Matt Wieters may end up.
31 min
368
Digging Into The Long Ball - Season 3, Ep. 5
Over the past few seasons, there has been a rather large uptick in the amount of home runs hit. What's up with that? Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers will try to break down why the long ball has made such a big return. They also talk about a few remaining free agents still on the market and if their contract demands will come down with Spring Training only weeks away.
22 min
369
Barrels and Burners - Season 3, Ep. 4
MLB.com's Mike Petriello and Tom Tango break down the six different kinds of batted ball types, expanding from "Barrels" into "Flares and Burners," "Weak Contact," and more, and discuss how to include the difficulty of account for batted balls at the warning track into defensive metrics.
20 min
370
Hall of Fame Worthy - Season 3, Ep. 3
The Hall of Fame results are in and the Statcast podcast crew is locked and loaded to break down the newest members elected to the hall. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers talk about who they think might wind-up in Cooperstown one day along with discussing the Marlins newest acquisitions and how teams play big time sluggers defensively.
22 min
371
The Best Offense is a Good Defense - Season 3, ...
Will the Mariners' mountain of moves pay off? Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss Jerry Dipoto's acquisitions and how they'll contribute as well as take a closer look at the game's top outfielders and why their defense can be a difference maker. Plus, the guys break down the Hall of Fame ballot and what Statcast metrics they wish they knew about the legends of the game.
26 min
372
Twitter Questions - Season 3, Ep. 1
As the Statcast crew celebrates their first podcast of 2017, Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers answer questions asked by fans on Twitter. Find out what could be the next hot stat, who's the fastest running pitcher and can one track the arm speed of a fielder. Get some of the answers on the latest edition of the Statcast podcast.
22 min
373
2016 - A Numbers Game - Season 2, Ep. 44
Which plays and players made 2016 the best yet? Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers share their top plays, including one from Opening Day and the who's numbers stood out the most.
26 min
374
Hot Stove Season - Season 2, Ep. 43
The weather outside might be getting colder but things are really heating up within the Hot Stove season. Fresh off last week's Winter Meetings, MLB.com's Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Myers break down the numbers on the players that changed teams and the remaining free agents still available.
27 min
375
Inside the Outfielders - Season 2, Ep. 42
With Yoenis Cespedes off the market, where will other free agent outfielders land? Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers break down the numbers and explain the value of the rest of the pack.
23 min