Elite Baseball Development Podcast

Starting pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals Miles Mikolas sheds light on why he chose to attend powerhouse Division 2 school Nova Southeastern, how his work in college propelled him to be an MLB draft pick, how he smoothly transitioned from a reliever to a starter in pro ball, why he chose to leave Major League Baseball in 2014 to play ball overseas in Japan, how he has developed to be a more consistent and efficient pitcher throughout his career, and what it is liking pitching to MLB legend Yadier Molina.

LA Dodgers outfielder AJ Pollock discusses how he was recruited as a talented hitter from Connecticut, how he seamlessly has transitioned from high school to college to pro ball and found success at each level, how the game of baseball has changed since being drafted a decade ago, how he balances the use of data analytics and sticking to his strengths to formulate a hitting approach that works for him, and why hard work and consistency trump any secret recipe to success in the game of baseball.

Relief pitcher with the Baltimore Orioles Richard Bleier discusses how he remained patient and persevered through 9 seasons in the minor leagues, how he transformed from a career minor leaguer to one of the best statistical pitchers to ever toe a big league rubber, how the implementation of more change ups and the development of a cutter transformed Richard from a solely sinker away pitcher to a more consistent hurler, and what Richard's experience was battling a lat strain last season.

Pitching Coach for the Arkansas Razorbacks Matt Hobbs discusses how aspiring college players can take ownership of their recruiting process, how players and parents can communicate more effectively with college coaches, what parents and players should be investing in to maximize their recruiting process, and what lessons he has learned through his experience as a player and coach.

Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Scott Oberg talks about what his college recruiting process was like, why he chose to attend to UConn and compete in the talented Big East, how he has battled through multiple medical setbacks in his career, how becoming more self-aware has allowed him to command his pitches and become a mainstay in an MLB bullpen, and how he has become a mentor to Texas Rangers minor league pitcher Tyler Phillips.

Starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels Tyler Skaggs discusses his journey to the big leagues after being drafted out of high school in 2009, the refinement of his elite curveball as he progressed through pro ball, how the game of baseball has evolved since being drafted a decade ago, and what the characteristics are of coaches who have helped and hindered his development.

Eric Cressey and Christian Wonders sit down to discuss what scientific research says about throwing curveballs in youth populations, how and when curveballs should be integrated into a youth pitcher's development, and how pitchers can learn to develop a successful breaking ball starting at a young age.

Reliever for the NY Yankees Adam Ottavino sheds light on why he chose to attend Northeastern University, how he has developed his nasty pitching arsenal, how the tribulations of his 2017 season led to the creation of his lab in Manhattan and propelled him to a successful 2018, what his throwing routine is and how throwing with conviction transformed his catch play, and what his mental approach is to remain level headed through a big league season.

Former MLB pitcher and current Mental Skills Coordinator for the Chicago Cubs, Bob Tewksbury, talks about his professional baseball career, what led him to become a mental skills coach, ending the stigma around mental skills coaching and overcoming the reluctance players have towards discussing mental skills, the importance of self awareness and building a system to govern your mentality, and how parents and coaches can be more cognizant of the psychological environment they are fostering for their kids.

Utility man with the Cleveland Indians, Ryan Flaherty, talks about his decision to attend Vanderbilt, his early college struggles and how he became a utility player, the versatility a utility player adds to a MLB lineup, the details of his preparation in order to be ready to play any position on any given night, and his thoughts on being a manager after his playing days.