Softball isn’t baseball — and coaching young female athletes requires a completely different approach. In this episode of the Sweet Spot Podcast, Coach JC Gutierrez, Head Softball Coach at St. Thomas University (STU), shares his journey from baseball to becoming a two-time Coach of the Year in college softball. We explore the challenges and opportunities in youth softball, why early access to the game matters, and how community involvement can transform the sport for young athletes.

From his roots in competitive baseball to leading one of the top softball programs in the country, JC opens up about the unique dynamics of coaching girls, building strong team culture, and the role of mentorship in player development. He discusses why youth softball participation lags behind baseball, the importance of practicing fundamentals, and how to create more opportunities for young female athletes to succeed.

💬 In This Episode:

• Why softball coaching requires a different mindset than baseball.
• The biggest youth softball challenges and how to fix them.
• How mentorship and leadership shaped JC’s coaching career.
• The power of relationships in building winning programs.
• Why fundamentals and teamwork beat chasing early wins.

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In the final part of our eye-opening conversation with former MLB executive Adrian Lorenzo, we unpack the deeper issues behind today’s game—from skyrocketing pitcher injuries and scouting pressure to player development pitfalls and broken team economics.

This isn’t just a conversation about WAR or fantasy stats—it’s a raw look at how baseball’s infrastructure is failing the very players it depends on. From overworked arms at the youth level to financial models that reward the wrong behaviors, this episode gets brutally honest about what’s working, what’s not, and what must change if baseball wants to evolve.

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This episode is BROUGHT to you by: *Grass: Reyes & Associates*

http://grassreyeslaw.com/

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Baseball is changing—and fast. In Part 2 of Episode 13 we continue our conversation with former MLB executive and scout Adrian Lorenzo, diving deep into the analytics-driven evolution of hitting and pitching in today’s game.

In this episode, we ask the tough question: Why is hitting so hard today?

From pitch design labs to data-informed hitting strategies, this conversation unpacks what every player, coach, and parent needs to understand in 2025.

🔎 You’ll Learn:

▪︎ How elite pitchers use analytics to dominate

▪︎ Why swing decisions and approach matter more than ever

▪︎ What stats like WAR and OPS reveal about real player value

▪︎ Why batting average is outdated—and what to track instead

▪︎ The importance of approach, pitch recognition, and hitting zones

Whether you’re a player, parent, coach, or just love baseball strategy—this one’s for you.

👉 Missed Part 1? We cover Adrian’s journey from Ivy League outfielder to MLB front office, and how collaboration and creativity shaped his player development mindset.

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This episode is BROUGHT to you by: Grass: Reyes & Associates

http://grassreyeslaw.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Adrian Lorenzo—former MLB executive, scout, and co-founder of @Seven8SixSports —to unpack the real evolution of baseball: from scouting instincts to data-driven decisions.

Part 1 explores Adrian’s powerful journey from Hialeah to the front offices of the Red Sox and Marlins, revealing how a deep love for the game, creativity, and Cuban-American roots shaped his career in modern baseball. The conversation highlights how art, analytics, and athlete development collide, especially in a city like Miami.

We unpack the differences between scouts and coaches, the hidden art behind interpreting player value, and the challenge of simplifying advanced metrics for real player growth—especially in youth sports. Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete trying to navigate recruiting or player development, this episode delivers real insight without the fluff.

We also dive into:

⚾How modern scouting uses data and creativity

📊 Why WAR and other metrics matter in today’s game

🧠 The key differences between instincts and analytics

🖌️ How creativity and collaboration shape player development

📉 Why many scouts still get hitting wrong (and what matters more today)

🌍 The lessons from traveling Latin America to find talent

⚾️ Adrian Lorenzo also opens up about his personal evolution—what he learned working with big-league stars like Yoenis Céspedes, and how his background in art and creativity continues to influence his work in sports today.

✅ Don’t miss part two of this conversation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we sat down with injury prevention and performance training expert Ron Yacoub to tackle the biggest misconceptions in youth sports today.

From Coral Gables to the MLB, Ron shares 26 years of experience in sports therapy and youth development—what he’s seen, what works, and what families must stop ignoring.

This episode pulls no punches: we break down how early specialization, lack of strength training, and overuse injuries are hurting young athletes. We also dive into recovery, growth spurts, proper training cycles, and when kids need to just be kids again.

🎯 In This Episode:

• The #1 mistake parents make with young athletes

• Why multi-sport participation builds better players

• How growth spurts, poor rest, and bad nutrition lead to injury

• When supplements help—and when they hurt

• Why recovery is not optional if you want longevity in sports

This is a must-watch for any parent, coach, or player who wants to do things the right way in youth sports.

All: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi8ZKuCbe5QMYmnVot0zY_8CtOTXypGZO

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*Who are we?*

📌Daylan Gil: https://www.instagram.com/coach_daylan/

📌Albert Carmenates: https://www.instagram.com/coach__albert/

📌Guest Ron Yacoub:

Pinecrest Performance: https://www.instagram.com/pinecrestperformance

Pinecrest Physical Therapy: https://www.instagram.com/pinecrestptclinics

Follow us on our Instagram

📌 Sweet Spot Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/the_sweetspot_pod/

Listen also to Sweet Spot Podcast on:

🎙️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0jrGEMjOcKJCWyJ0j6bvqC

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The Sweet Spot Podcast for Part 2 of Episode 11! We continue our unfiltered conversation with two legendary college baseball coaches: Coach Jorge Pérez (St. Thomas University) and Coach Rudy Garbalosa (Lynn University). This time, we dive deep into the tough realities players and parents aren't always hearing: the truth about patience, adversity, and genuine preparation for the college baseball landscape.

The coaches don't sugarcoat it. They explain why most players aren't truly ready for the next level because they're not putting in the real work behind the scenes. We explore why college baseball is older and tougher than ever, and why physical development and strength training are absolute non-negotiables.

🎯 In this episode, coaches reveal:

• Why college baseball demands more maturity and resilience today.
• The critical importance of strength training and physical development beyond just skill.
• How patience and resilience become essential tools for every aspiring player.
• The unvarnished truth behind chasing quick fixes or jumping between schools.
• Why watching full games—not just highlight reels—builds crucial baseball IQ.
• Realistic expectations players and parents must have for the college recruiting process.

*Who are we?*

📌Daylan Gil: https://www.instagram.com/coach_daylan/

📌Albert Carmenates: https://www.instagram.com/coach__albert/

⚾️Guest Coach Jorge Pérez - St. Thomas University

STU Baseball: https://www.instagram.com/stubaseball_/

⚾️Guest Coach Rudy Garbalosa - Lynn University

https://www.instagram.com/lynnuniversitybaseball/

X: https://x.com/LynnGarbs

Follow us on our Instagram

📌 Sweet Spot Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/the_sweetspot_pod/

This episode is packed with real talk and hard truths that will reshape a young athlete's mindset and future. Get ready for the insights that truly prepare you for college baseball!

Engage with us: What's the toughest truth you've faced in your baseball journey? Share your experiences or questions below! 👇

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Recruiting in 2025 isn’t what it used to be. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, we sit down with Coach Jorge Pérez (St. Thomas University) and Coach Rudy Garbalosa (Lynn University) to break down the truth behind today’s college baseball recruiting process.

We explore how the game has evolved, from the impact of technology, the transfer portal, and social media, to how academics, strength training, and patience play a bigger role than ever before. Coaches now rely on data, platforms, and performance, not just potential.

🎯 In this episode, we:

• Break down how coaches evaluate talent today,
• Talk about what stats, video, and platforms matter,
• Explain the importance of academics for scholarships,
• Discuss why strength training gives players a competitive edge,
• Offer real advice for families investing in recruiting opportunities,
• Emphasize what players must do to truly stand out.

Whether you're a parent, player, or coach, this is the clarity you’ve been looking for.

🎧 Part 2 drops soon. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss it.

#SweetSpotPodcast #BaseballRecruiting #CollegeBaseball #YouthBaseball #PlayerDevelopment #StrengthTraining #Scholarships #CollegeRecruiting

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What makes a great coach? And how do you build a legacy that lasts beyond the scoreboard?

In this episode, Coach Jorge Perez—Assistant Athletic Director and longtime Head Baseball Coach at St. Thomas University—shares the mindset, mistakes, and milestones that have shaped his 17+ year journey at STU.

From taking over a struggling team to building a nationally respected program, Coach Perez opens up about the power of culture, the lessons learned from mentors like Paul Mainieri, and what it takes to grow young players into great men—on and off the field.

🎯 What we talk about:

• How to build a real program—not just a team

• Team chemistry and player-led leadership

• Lessons from 17 seasons, two World Series runs, and near-misses

• The impact of mentors like Manny Mantrana and Paul Mainieri

• Why structure, patience, and resilience are more important than stats

• The role of family, faith, and fit in building lasting success

Whether you're a coach, parent, athlete, or anyone who believes in youth development through sports, this episode will resonate with your heart.

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*Who are we?*

📌Daylan Gil: https://www.instagram.com/coach_daylan/

📌Albert Carmenates: https://www.instagram.com/coach__albert/

Guest:

STU Baseball: https://www.instagram.com/stubaseball_/

Follow us on our Instagram

📌 Sweet Spot Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/the_sweetspot_pod/

#sweetspotpodcast #BaseballPodcast #YouthBaseball #CoachingTips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.