The Mound Visit
Host, Jared Gaynor talks all things pitching development. Jared is a former minor league pitching coach for the Minnesota Twins and is now the owner of Pitching Coach "U".Â
Shutdown or De-load?
Episode #039: De-load or Shutdown?
In this episode Jared talks about:
Pros and cons of de-loads and shutdownsStarting from the opening day and working backwardsHow to know if you have enough time build back up properlyGeneral de-loading shutdown guidelines
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Jared's Stuff:
Free Throwing Program Builder
2-Day Pitching Camp in Phoenix
Pearl Player Development
Train with Pitching Coach "U"
What We’re Learning From Coaching Pitchers Every Day
Episode #038: What We’re Learning From Coaching Pitchers Every Day
In this episode Jared and Jackson talks about:
Obstacles training HS playersMultiple teamsConfidenceMotivating Jackson's transition from playing to coachingWhat we are learning and applying to our athletes
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Jared's Stuff:
2-Day Pitching Camp in Phoenix
Pearl Player Development
Train with Pitching Coach "U"
Command Data You're Probably Not Tracking
Episode #037: Command Data You're Probably Not Tracking
In this episode Jared talks about:
3 ways to use intended targets to improve performance:
Catcher Set UpPitch CallingTraining
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Jared's Stuff:
2-Day Pitching Camp in Phoenix
Pearl Player Development
Train with Pitching Coach "U"
Stop Wasting Your Bullpens
Episode #036: Stop Wasting Your Bullpens
In this episode Jared talks about:
3 steps to getting the most ot of your bullpens.
Define the goalBuild the planTrack progress
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Jared's Stuff:
2-Day Pitching Camp in Phoenix
Pearl Player Development
Train with Pitching Coach "U"
6 Metrics to Improve Lower Half Mechanics
Episode #035: 6 Metrics to Improve Lower Half Mechanics
In this episode Jared talks about:
Force plate metrics to improve lower halfDrills you can doHow to use information without force plates
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Jared's Stuff:
2-Day Pitching Camp in Phoenix
Pearl Player Development
Train with Pitching Coach "U"
Twitter (X)
InstagramÂ
YouTube
What to Do if You Aren't Getting Playing Time
Episode #034: What to Do if You Aren't Getting Playing Time
In this episode Jared talks about:
Playing time and how to stay readySample size for statsWho should play summer ball
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Jared's Stuff:
Pitch Design "U" Course
PCU Dashboard
Twitter (X) Instagram YouTube Newsletter Remote Training In-Person Training Pitch Grip Database
Should You De-load or Shutdown?
Episode #033: Navigating Winter Throwing
In this episode Jared talks about:
• Shutdowns
• Deloads
• Inning build ups
If you are unsure what to do for throwing between now and the season, this episode is for you.
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Jared's Stuff:
Pitch Design "U" Course
Twitter (X) Instagram YouTube Newsletter Remote Training In-Person Training Pitch Grip Database
How to Improve Your Catch Play
Episode #032: How to Improve your Catch Play
In this episode, Jared walks through some of the issues he sees with players while playing catch and how to fix it.
- Accerlate the arm into release
- Athletic throws
- Long Toss
- Mental cues
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Jared's Stuff:
Pitch Design "U" Course
Twitter (X) Instagram YouTube Newsletter Remote Training In-Person Training Pitch Grip Database
How to Improve Your Mobility and Performance on the Mound
Episode #031: Josh goes solo and breaks down how he regained his mobility. If you are looking for strategies to improve your own mobility, this is the episode for you!
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Josh's Stuff:
Twitter (X) YouTube Newsletter
Check Out Jared's Stuff:
Pitch Design "U" Course
Twitter (X) Instagram YouTube Newsletter Remote Training In-Person Training Pitch Grip Database
Jackson Hicks: From No College Offers to Professional Baseball
Episode #030: Jared sits down with pitcher, Jackson Hicks.
Jackson shares his unique story of not playing college baseball, but still ultimately playing in the Minnesota Twins organization.
He had no college offers out of high school, so he decided to go to University of North Carolina as a student. He ended up joining the club baseball team and pitched for the next 4 years.
After college he decided to go to a couple independent league tryouts and ultimatelly landed in the United Shore Professional Baseball League in Michigan.
It was out...
Getting to the Root Cause of Bobby Miller's Struggles
Episode #029: Jared breaks down his performance evaluation process and specifically walks through Bobby Miller's (Dodgers) struggles this season.
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Josh's Stuff:
Twitter (X) YouTube Newsletter
Check Out Jared's Stuff:
Pitch Design "U" Course
Twitter (X) Instagram YouTube Newsletter Remote Training In-Person Training Pitch Grip Database
Austin Merrill: Mental Performance Strategies
Episode #028: Josh sits down with mental performance coach, Austin Merrill.
Austin is the founder of Genesis Performance Consulting. He takes a unique approach to improving mental performance through mental models. This goes beyond traditional sports psychology frameworks.
Austin worked in the Atlanta Braves organization prior to starting his own company.
You can checkout Austin's website here.
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Josh's Stuff:
The Farm System
Twitter (X)Â YouTube Newsletter
How to Create a Pitcher Development Plan From Scratch
Episode #027: Jared walks through how to create a player development plan (from scratch) for pitchers.
Click here to watch on YouTube
Join Jared's pitching camp waitlist here.
Check Out Josh's Stuff:
Twitter (X) YouTube Newsletter
Check Out Jared's Stuff:
Pitch Design "U" Course
Twitter (X) Instagram YouTube Newsletter Remote Training In-Person Training Pitch Grip Database
Alan Jaeger: The Lost Art of Long Toss
Episode #026: Jared and Josh sit down with the one and only Alan Jaeger.
Alan has over 30 years of experience coaching baseball players.
He is well known for his long toss protocols and mental game strategies.Â
In this episode, we dive deeply into long toss. The benefits, the dangers of not doing it, what long toss actually is, and much more.
We also discuss the injury epidemic and velo chasing.
Alan dives into how he became interested in the mental game over 30 years ago. He talks through the importance o...
Brendan Miller: Arsenal Breakdown of 3 Chicago Cubs Pitchers
Episode #025: Jared sits down with his good friend, Brendan Miller.
Brendan is a neurscience researcher who does deep dives into pitching analytics as a hobby.
He is an obssessive Cubs fan, who also does a podcast with CHGO Cubs, weekly.
In this episode, Jared and Brendan discuss 3 Cubs pitchers:
Justin Steele
Porter Hodge
Javier Assad
They dive deep into their arsenals, what makes them unique, and areas they potentially could improve.
You can follow Brendan on Twitter (X) here.
<...
3-Steps to Getting Recruited by a D1
Episode #024: Josh breaks down the 3 steps he took to getting recruited by D1 schools.
Timestamps:
(3:30) Step 1: Training for Velocity
(12:30) Step 2: Self-Improvement
(17:50) Step 3: Distribution and Showcasing
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Josh's Stuff:
The Farm System
Twitter (X) YouTube Newsletter
Check Out Jared's Stuff:
Pitch Design "U" Course
Twitter (X) Instagram YouTube Newsletter Remote Training In-Person Training Pitch Grip D...
Albertus Barber: From 88 to 98 MPH
Episode #023: Josh sits down with RHP, Albertus Barber. Albertus walks through his journey from throwing upper 80 to the upper 90's with motivating stories along the way.
You can follow Albertus on Twitter here.
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Josh's Stuff:
The Farm System
Twitter (X)Â YouTube Newsletter
Check Out Jared's Stuff:
Pitch Design "U" Course
Twitter (X) Instagram YouTube Newsletter Remote Training In...
My Baseball Journey: Jared Gaynor (Full Story)
Episode #022: Jared tells his full story as a baseball player and a coach. From high school, all the way to where he is today.
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Josh's Stuff:
Twitter (X) YouTube Newsletter
Check Out Jared's Stuff:
Pitch Design "U" Course
Twitter (X) Instagram YouTube Newsletter Remote Training In-Person Training Pitch Grip Database
High Velocity Pitching Mechanics
Episode #021: Jared and Josh discuss high velocity pitching mechanics.
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Josh's Stuff:
Twitter (X) YouTube Newsletter
Check Out Jared's Stuff:
Pitch Design "U" Course
Twitter (X) Instagram YouTube Newsletter Remote Training In-Person Training Pitch Grip Database
5 Steps to Increasing Velocity
Episode #020: Josh breaks down 5 steps to increasing velocity.
Timestamps:
(1:50) Raise your benchmark
(4:45) Gain weight and muscle
(10:35) High intensity throwing
(18:15) Weight lifting
(26:40) Take time off from playingÂ
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Josh's Stuff:
Twitter (X) YouTube Newsletter
Check Out Jared's Stuff:
Pitch Design "U" Course
Twitter (X) Instagram YouTube Newsletter Remote Training In-Person Training Pitch Grip Da...
Pitch Grips: Zack Wheeler and Yu Darvish
Episode #019: Jared and Josh break down pitch grips for Zack Wheeler and Yu Darvish.
Timestamps:
(0:00) Intro
(2:10) Darvish fastball
(6:48) Wheeler fastball
(10:20) Darvish sinker
(15:00) Wheeler sinker
(17:15) Darvish cutter/slider
(20:50) Wheeler cutter
(26:00) Darvish sweeper
(29:10) Wheeler sweeper
(32:10) Darvish curveball
(35:05) Wheeler curveball
(37:50) Darvish splitter
(46:05) Wheeler splitter
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Josh's Stuff:
Twitter (X) YouTube Newsletter
Check...
How to Throw More Strikes in 2025
Episode #018: Jared and Josh dive into 6 strategies to improve command.
Timestamps:
(1:45) How your mindset impacts command
(19:40) Using differential balls
(28:55) Facing live hitters
(35:35) Adding athletic throws
(46:05) Maximize pitch usage to throw more strikes
(50:25) Throwing to small targets
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Josh's Stuff:
Twitter (X) YouTube Newsletter
Check Out Jared's Stuff:
Pitch Design "U" Course
<...
How Shota Imanaga and Tanner Houck are Dominating MLB
Episode #017: Jared and Josh do an in-depth breakdown of 2 MLB pitchers: Shota Imanaga and Tanner Houck.
Timestamps:
(1:15) Shota Imanaga intro
(3:55) Imanaga fastball cues and characteristics
(11:45) Tanner Houck pitch usage
(19:30) Why Imanaga's fastball is so good
(26:15) How Houck has improved the movement of his pitches
(38:55) Imanaga's splitter
(44:50) Houck mechanical changes
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Josh's Stuff:
Twitter (X) YouTube Newsletter
Check Out Jared's...
How to Improve Mental Performance
Episode #016: Jared and Josh talk about mental performance strategies.
Including:
Mental frameworksTraditional strategiesThings that work and don't workImportance of confidenceControlling anxiety
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Josh's Stuff:
Twitter (X) YouTube Newsletter
Check Out Jared's Stuff:
Pitch Design "U" Course
Twitter (X) YouTube Newsletter Remote Training In-Person Training Pitch Grip Database
6 Books and Resources to Become a Better Coach and Player
Episode #015: Jared and Josh breakdown 6 resources all coaches and players can use.
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Intro
(6:30) The Open
(20:05) Just Tell Me I Can't
(25:00) Can't Hurt Me
(38:30) ShapeShiftR
(44:15) Mindset
(50:20) Talk with People Ahead of You
Click here to watch on YouTube
Check Out Josh's Stuff:
Twitter (X) YouTube Newsletter
Check Out Jared's Stuff:
Pitch Design "U" Course
Twitter (X) YouTube Newsletter Remote Training...
How to Handle Injuries
Episode #014: Jared and Josh talk through how to handle injuries.
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Intro
(2:00) Josh's back injury
(8:30) Jared's back injury
(10:40) Josh's forearm strain
(12:50) When to say something to a coach
(15:40) Ways to monitor fatigueÂ
(20:30) Jared's elbow injury and rehab plan
(32:00) Overcoming the fear post injury
(33:00) MLB player comeback stories
(37:40) Having hobbies outside of baseball
Links:
Click here to watch on YouTube
Join the Pitch Design "U" Waitlist
Armored Heat
Arm Care App
5 Keys to Gaining Velocity
Episode #013: Jared walks through 5 keys to gaining velocity.
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Intro
(1:45) Key #1: Optimizing the weight room
(7:25) Key #2: High intent days
(14:55) Key #3: Recovery
(21:40) Key #4: Mechanical efficiency
(26:25) Key #5: Patience
Links:
Click here to watch on YouTube
Join the Pitch Design "U" Waitlist
My 3-day pitching camp
Precision Nutrition macro calculator
Armored Heat
Arm Care App
Check Out Josh's Stuff:
Twitter (X) YouTube Newsletter<...
6 Step Process to Developing a New Pitch
Episode #012: Jared goes solo to walk through his 6 step process to devleoping a new pitch.
Click here to watch on YouTube
Join the Pitch Design "U" Waitlist
How to Make Dot Balls
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Intro
(2:05) Step 1: What shape and velo do you want?
(6:00) Step 2: Experimenting with grips
(7:30) Step 3: Catch play progression
(12:40) Step 4: Pitch design bullpens
(17:00) Step 5: Commanding the pitch
(18:35) Step 6: Test against hitters
(22:50) Patience with learning new pitch and things to be aware of
<...
Should You Play Summer Ball or Train?
Episode #011: Jared and Josh discuss summer training for high school and college pitchers.
Including:
Should you player summer ballShould you just train Questions to ask yourself after the season
Click here to watch on YouTube
Join the Pitch Design "U" Waitlist
Throwing Build Up Plans
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Intro
(5:15) Next steps after season ends
(8:30) When do you need to be built up again?
(10:40) How do you feel physically and mentally?
(13:10) What are your long term goals and are y...
Orioles Pitcher Cade Povich: Pitching Development Insights
Episode #010: Jared and Josh sit down with Orioles LHP Cade Povich.
Cade dives into:
Why he went the JUCO routeHow he ended up at his dream schoolThe draft processHow he went from low 80's to 96How he focuses on one pitch at a time
Follow Cade on:
Instagram
Twitter (X)
Click here to watch on YouTube
Join the Pitch Design "U" Waitlist
-
Timestamps:
(0:00) Intro
(2:00) Being a fast learner
(5:00) Being coachable
(7:00) Going the JUCO route
(10:45) Transferring...
Evaluating the Big 3: Strikeouts, Walks, Home Runs
Episode #009: This week Jared goes solo and dives into performance evaluation.
Including:
The big 3 statsBreaking them down into a tree diagramAverage numbers for K's, BB's, and damage
Click here to watch on YouTube
Join the Pitch Design "U" Waitlist
-
Timestamps:
(0:30) Intro - The big 3
(2:40) Average numbers for K's, BB's, HR's
(5:00) Be good at 2/3
(6:30) Breaking down strike outs
(11:10) Breaking down walks
(18:55) Breaking down damage
(21:40) Conclusion
Check Out Josh's Stuff:
Twitter (X...
How to Overcome the Yips
Episode #008: Jared and Josh discuss all things involving the yips.
Including:
Josh's story of overcoming the yipsStep by step progressionMental strategiesResources to help with the process
Click here to watch on YouTube
-
Timestamps:
(0:35) Josh's game review
(8:15) Josh's story of getting the yips
(18:20) Coaches interaction during this process
(21:40) Mental progression - tackling fear
(26:50) There are no quick fixes
(31:15) Mental side and mechanics
(32:40) Prove to yourself you are in control
(34:50) Yips rehab throwing program
(47:40) Fresh start with the Rangers<...
How to Improve Your Command
Episode #007: Jared and Josh discuss methods to improve command.
Including:
Defining commandAverage walk rates at every levelCommand development processCommand training ideasMental game strategies
Click here to watch on YouTube
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Timestamps:
(1:00) Intro - Josh's 1st game, MLB events
(15:00) Defining command
(17:00) Catcher setting up middle middle
(21:45) Average walk rates by level
(25:00) Correlation to swing and miss and BABIP
(27:40) Command training ideas
(35:45) Command development process
(39:10) How to throw better bullpens
(47:00) How to use differential balls
(51:20) Mental game strategies and...
How to Get Recruited by Your Dream School
Episode #006: Jared and Josh discuss the the injury chaos in MLB and walk through the recruiting process for high school players.
Including:
Jared and Josh's recruiting storyHow to write an emailHow to contact college coaches What to put on social mediaThe importance of getting good, firstHow to choose a collegeImportance of areas outside of playing
Click here to watch on YouTube
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Timestamps:
(1:00) Intro
(3:10) Injuries in MLB
(12:30) When Josh started trying to get recruited
(14:45) Josh emailed 100 coaches
(17:45) Jared's path to JUCO
(20:45) G...
Mental Game Strategies You Should Try
Episode #005: Jared and Josh discuss the importance of the mental game.
Including:
How Roy Halladay and Corbin Burnes went from the worst to the bestNot making baseball your identityMeditationVisualizationSelf-talkHobbies outside of baseballIn-game mental strategies Mental game resources
Click here to watch on YouTube
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Timestamps:
(1:00) Intro
(1:48) Roy Halliday story
(6:30) Corbin Burnes story
(8:45) Overcoming the yips and knowing yourself
(11:30) Placing identity in baseball
(17:45) Find hobbies outside of baseball
(22:00) Understanding confidence
(25:00) What mental toughness actually is
(32:00) Benefit of ice baths
Velo is King
Episode #004: Jared and Josh discuss the importance of velocity and how to train it.
Including:
wOBA breakdown by veloWeight room/nutrition fundamentalsAppropriate age for velo trainingVelocity training block examples
Click here to watch on YouTube
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Timestamps:
(1:00) Intro
(0:58) Why Jared didn't get drafted
(4:00) wOBA graphic by velo
(9:30) Why you aren't an outlier
(14:20) Velocity gains aren't linear
(19:30) Fundamentals in the weight room
(22:30) Importance of weight and nutrition
(27:30) Appropriate age for velocity training
(33:40) Be athletic, don't focus on mechanics
(40:15...
In-Season Throwing Masterclass
Episode #003: Jared and Josh discuss how to manage your throwing in-season.
Including:
6 and 7 day rotationReliever throwing scheduleWhat your lifting should look like
Click here to watch on YouTube
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Timestamps:
(1:00) Intro
(1:30) Josh's journey from 78 to 95 mph
(7:00) Pros and cons of playing year round
(10:30) Showcasing vs. competing
(12:30) Importance of in-season training
(13:15) Josh's in-season throwing schedule
(15:50) Importance of touching the mound frequently
(17:20) Flatground vs. mound reps
(20:50) Yu Darvish throwing mechanics
(24:00) Variability Training
(26:15) Being athletic in catch play
(31:50) 6...
Pitch Design Crash Course
Episode #002: Jared and Josh discuss how to throw every pitch type.
Including:
Grips and cuesJosh's personal gripsHow to decide what pitches are best for you
Click here to watch on YouTube
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Intro
(4:20) Four Seam Fastballs
(14:25) Sinkers
(21:35) CuttersÂ
(29:50)Â Sweepers
(41:20)Â Curveballs
(46:35)Â Changeups/Splitters
(59:00) Determining Your Arsenal
Click here to learn how to make dot balls.
Check Out Josh's Stuff:
Twitter (X) YouTube
Check Out Jare...
Overcoming Early Season Struggles
Episode #001: Jared and Josh give a brief rundown on their background as a player and coach.
They also dive into:
Early season strugglesFinding the root cause of performance issuesDeveloping a pre-pitch routineThe importance of first pitch strikes
Click here to watch on YouTube
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Intro
(1:20) Josh's background
(6:50) Jared's background
(14:20) JUCO vs 4 year path
(17:30) Velocity and being unique
(23:25) Early season struggles
(30:25) When to tell a coach if something hurts
(36:50) Finding the cause...
