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"Every 10 balls a catcher turns into a strike = 1 run" | Dr. Adam Maloof
On this episode of the Patrick Jones Baseball podcast, we welcome back Dr. Adam Maloof, a Princeton University professor and passionate baseball researcher with a unique insider’s perspective on the college game. As a former college catcher and a current contributor to the Princeton baseball program, Dr. Maloof blends scientific rigor with firsthand baseball experience to dig into some of the sport’s most intriguing questions.
Today’s conversation centers on Dr. Maloof’s recent wave of impactful research articles, touching on the art and value of catcher framing, the intricacies of evaluating pitching and hitting at the college level, and why traditional metrics might not be telling the whole story. We dive deep into why receiving is an underrated part of catching, how advances in data collection can help teams gain the Moneyball-style edge, and what simple statistical models like JOPS+ are teaching us about what really wins games in college baseball.
Whether you’re a coach, recruiter, player, or just a diehard baseball fan, this episode offers actionable insights and candid reflections on how the world of college baseball is evolving—and how smarter, more targeted analysis can shape success on the field. Buckle up for an engaging blend of science, strategy, and the irreplaceable human element of the game.
Check Out Patrick's Stuff:
• Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit
• Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting
Adam's research articles mentioned in this episode:
Adam's contact information
Email: maloof@princeton.edu
03:53 Future of Automated Strike Zones
09:31 Catcher Recruitment Strategy Insights
12:56 "Evaluating Strike Count Impact"
16:13 Catcher Framing Outweighs OPS
17:13 Baseball Research Unbiased Perspective
21:58 Tracking and Improving Athletic Performance
26:12 Balancing Fit and Fitness in Science
28:51 Pitching Strategy: Efficiency Over Power
31:41 "Win Expectancy and Base Runners"
34:27 Simulated Player Performance Analysis
39:20 Evaluating Biases in Scouting Practices
41:21 Rethink Recruiting for College Success
44:41 Challenges of College Baseball Recruiting
47:43 Evaluating Athlete Intangibles and History
53:32 Overwhelmed Choices in College Recruiting
54:40 "JOPS. Simplifies Baseball Stats"
Check Out Patrick's Stuff:
• 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit
• ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting
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