On this episode, we're joined by Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who ranks among the MLB leaders in Defensive Runs Saved due to standout pitch framing.

Cal talks about the different elements that go into catching this Mariners staff and the different looks and challenges their pitchers present. He also explains why he might not do as well as Julio Rodríguez in a Home Run Derby (0:42).

Our VP of Baseball, Bobby Scales, follows that interview by chatting with us about some of the best defensive catchers he's played with and against. Bobby also addresses the Chicago White Sox and how aggressively they should go for the AL Central title (15:04).

Thanks as always for listening. Please follow us on Twitter at @sis_baseball. You can e-mail us at [email protected]

On a special bonus episode, Mark Simon is joined by Astros rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña to review his impressive first half of the season, particularly in the field.

Jeremy tells us about his favorite defensive plays, why he's so good at fielding on the backhand, the value of being bilingual in a locker room, and much more (0:31)

We then run through the Defensive Runs Saved leaders by position for the first half of the season (11:33).

We also talk with SIS VP of Baseball Bobby Scales about the significance of the first 5 picks in the MLB Draft, the decline in high school players selected in the late rounds, and the fun in Tuesday's MLB All-Star Game. (14:09)

Thanks as always for listening. Looking forward to the rest of the 2022 season. You can e-mail us at [email protected]

On this episode, Mark Simon is joined by top minor league prospect Gunnar Henderson of the Orioles, as well as SIS VP of Baseball, Bobby Scales (a former MLB player and executive).

Gunnar, recently rated the No. 5 prospect in Minor League Baseball by MLB Pipeline, talked about playing both shortstop and third base and what’s gone into his success at each position (0:34).

Bobby talked a bout another standout rookie, Michael Harris II and his teammate, Matt Olson, and what’s impressed him with the recent strong play of the Orioles (13:13).

Please rate and review the show if you can. You can follow us on Twitter at SIS_Baseball

Links

Michael Harris’ impressive catch vs Josh Bell

SIS Baseball Podcast interview with Michael Harris

SIS Baseball Podcast interview with Matt Olson

Mark’s article on the Orioles’ defense

MLB Pipeline Top 100 prospects

On this episode, Mark Simon is joined by two of the premier defensive players in the upcoming MLB Draft: Coastal Carolina shortstop Eric Brown and Adonys Guzman. Both have been projected among the Top 100 draft prospects at different times this season.

Eric talks about the work that has gone into having what some say is the best range among college infielders and his unusual batting stance (0:23). Adonys, who plays high school baseball in Connecticut, talks about how he frames, blocks, and guides a pitching staff and discusses his throwing arm, which some scouts have given a 70 grade on the 20-80 scale (8:55).

Mark is then joined by SIS VP of Baseball Bobby Scales, who provides further explanation on Eric’s unusual stance and gives perspective on the challenges a high school catcher faces in hoping to go pro (16:35).

Thanks as always for listening. Please rate and review us if you can. You can follow us on Twitter at @SIS_Baseball. And send any feedback on the podcast to [email protected]

LINKS

Scouting report on Eric Brown - LINK

Eric's barehand play - LINK

Eric's stance - LINK

Adonys Guzman highlights - LINK

Adonys Guzman scouting report - LINK

On this episode, Mark Simon (@MarkASimonSays) is joined by a trio of guests.

Yankees SS Isiah Kiner-Falefa joins us to talk about all things related to defensive excellence, from favorite plays he’s made to drills he’s done, to lesson’s he’s learned. We were psyched to hear that Isiah follows his Defensive Runs Saved total closely (0:56).

SIS VP of Baseball Bobby Scales (@Bobby_Scales), a former executive in player development with the Pirates and Angels comes on for his regular spot to talk about Alex Cora and the work the Red Sox have done in improving defensively. He also shares thoughts on Hunter Greene, and the best baseball lesson he ever learned (20:34).

And writer Howard Bryant (@hbryant42) – author of a new book about Rickey Henderson, talks about Rickey’s legendary baseball playing career (33:26).

Thank you for listening. Feel free to tweet us at @SIS_Baseball or e-mail [email protected].

On this episode, Mark Simon was joined by Diamondbacks catcher-centerfielder Daulton Varsho, ESPN’s Paul “Hembo” Hembekides, and Sports Info Solutions VP of Baseball Bobby Scales.

Daulton Varsho talked about the origin of his unusual position combination, what a day in the life is like for a catcher, and what his experience has been like with the new Pitchcom communication system.

Bobby Scales shared his relationship with Daulton’s father, Gary, explained what impressed him most about how Varsho plays the outfield, and provided a Hawaiian baseball history lesson on former player/coach Mike Lum.

Mark and Paul Hembekides then ran through the most interesting hitter, pitcher, fielder, and team through the first two months of the season, and discussed the Mets’ new approach to scoring runs.

Thank you for listening as always. Please follow us on Twitter at @SIS_Baseball. If you have any feedback on the show or suggestions for guests, e-mail [email protected].

On this episode, we're joined by Padres broadcaster and Big Time Baseball podcast co-host Tony Gwynn Jr. and SIS VP of Baseball Bobby Scales.

We talk with Tony about the role the Padres defense has played in their success this season, how Eric Hosmer and Manny Machado have figured out how to hit in the 2022 baseball environs, why Harrison Bader is his favorite defensive player to watch, and why Tony had considerable success vs Max Scherzer. (0:45)

Bobby discusses Hunter Greene's electric stuff, early struggles, and no-hit bid, why custom-fitted bats are so important for a hitter, and his relationship with the MLB leader in Defensive Runs Saved. (16:00)

You'll also learn about some shortstops whose names you may not know- but you should.

Thanks for tuning in. You can send feedback to [email protected]. Please rate and review us if you can.

This episode has a little bit of everything!

We talk to our April Defensive Player of the Month Brett Phillips (@Brett_Phillips8) of the Rays about everything that makes playing defense fun - and what makes him so good at it. He walked us through plays (both good and bad), talked about his glove, and gave the answer to what he'd tell a kid who wanted to play defense (and dance) like he does. (0:36)

We then went around the majors with Ryan Spilborghs (@spillygoat19) of Root Sports Colorado and MLB Network radio. Ryan talked about the challenge of trying to hit in 2022, players and teams that intrigued him the most through a month and picked a "smartest player in baseball." (25:54).

And then we dug a little deeper with SIS VP of Baseball Bobby Scales (@bobby_scales), discussing how infield shifts change how you coach baserunning, what we might see in a post-shifting world, and why Jason Krizan and Chris Coste are some of his favorite baseball stories. (41:52)

Thank you for listening as always. Feel free to share your thoughts on the show by e-mailing [email protected].

On this episode, Mark Simon is joined by new SIS VP of Baseball Bobby Scales. If the name sounds familiar, it should. Bobby played 2 seasons with the Cubs and worked in the front offices of the Pirates and the Angels.

Bobby reminisces about his long pro career, which included 10 years in Triple-A and 2 years in Japan, telling stories of memorable moments and people (he thought he was being pranked after hitting his first home run … but a surprise awaited) (2:37). He also breaks down the duties and skills needed in the different front office jobs in which he worked – which include Director of Player Development, Special Assistant to the General Manager, and Field Coordinator (15:15). And he talks about something he’s passionate about – getting more Black men and women working in baseball front offices (30:45).

Thank you for listening. Please send any feedback on the podcast to [email protected]

On our 2022 MLB season debut we welcome Ken Rosenthal from FOX Sports and The Athletic and Braves 1B coach Eric Young Sr.

Mark poses 10 questions to Ken, ranging from which team has the greatest potential variance in performance, sleeper Cy Young and MVP picks (people who never got a vote for that award) to the best defensive teams, to how rule changes are going to impact the game, and much more (0:48).

Eric Young explains what goes into coaching the Braves outfield and baserunners, how he uses data in his job, and the most important thing to know about being a first base coach is (14:34).

Thank you for listening. Please rate and review and send any feedback to [email protected]