In this week's episode of Serving It Up, Jim Hayes, Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, and Matt Holliday dive deep into the current state of Major League Baseball's umpiring and the ongoing debate about automated strike zones. The MLB recently shrank the buffer zone for umpires, which sparks a conversation about how this could push the game closer to full automation. The crew explores whether automated balls and strikes are the future and shares their thoughts on the human element of the game.

Plus, the guys weigh in on the importance of consistency in the strike zone and why a challenge system could level the playing field for hitters and pitchers alike. But it’s not all tech talk—Matt and Lance share stories about their most underrated former teammates, those who played key roles behind the scenes and didn’t always get the recognition they deserved.

Tune in for this fast-paced discussion filled with baseball insights, personal anecdotes, and plenty of laughs!

Key Topics:

-MLB's decision to shrink the umpire buffer zone and the push for automated strike zones

-The potential of a challenge system to ensure fair calls

-Most underrated former teammates and their contributions to winning teams

-The debate over what makes a great manager and the impact of generational wealth on coaching careers

Sponsored by Kovac Mechanical - https://kovacmechanical.com/

#MLB #BaseballTalk #AutomatedStrikeZone #Umpires #MLBDebate #UnderratedTeammates #ChallengeSystem #SportsPodcast #BaseballCommunity

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Full cast this week! Tune in with Jimmy "the cat" Hayes, Lance Lynn, Matt Holliday, and Kyle Gibson for another amazing episode of SERVING IT UP!

In Episode 6 of Serving It Up, Jim Hayes is joined by the full cast—Kyle Gibson, Matt Holliday, and Lance Lynn—for a real-deal conversation about what it means to be a Major Leaguer on and off the field.

🔥 Kyle Gibson opens up about his return to Major League Baseball after injury and what it felt like facing the Yankees in his first game back.

🎯 The crew dives into the art of calling your own game using PitchCom, catcher dynamics, rhythm, and how technology is changing the way pitchers operate.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Off the field, the guys get personal, discussing how they balance family life with the demands of a grueling baseball schedule—off days, FaceTime parenting, and staying connected from afar.

⚾ Plus: hilarious jabs, turkey hunting, trespassing laws, and Jim’s deeply questionable questions.

This episode is a must-watch for any baseball fan who wants more than just stats. It’s the real life behind the lights—with insight, honesty, and a lot of laughs.

👉 Subscribe to the channel for more episodes of Serving It Up with MLB vets who’ve been there, done that, and still have stories to tell.

🔑 4 Key Takeaways:

Kyle Gibson’s Honest Take on returning to the majors—and giving up five home runs to the Yankees.

The Strategy Behind PitchCom and why some pitchers prefer calling their own game.

How MLB Players Balance Fatherhood and Baseball, from long road trips to intentional parenting.

Unfiltered Clubhouse Chemistry—with turkey hunting detours, neighborhood feuds, and jabs at Jim.

#PitchCom #MLBVeterans #BaseballHumor #MLBStories

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Rehab Assignments, Baseball Strategies, and Turkey Hunting with Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn

In this episode of Serving It Up, host Jim Hayes welcomes MLB pitchers Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn. They discuss Kyle’s journey of getting back to Major League Baseball with the Orioles, detailing his starts in minor league rehab assignments, how he navigates pitching against young hitters, and the importance of in-game adjustments. Lance shares his hilarious Turkey hunting experiences while battling internet lag. The trio also delves into the dynamics of player-manager relationships, the role of analytics in baseball, and some memorable moments with teammates and rivals. Tune in for an engaging mix of baseball insights and entertaining anecdotes.

00:00 Welcome

00:50 Kyle Gibson's Journey Back to MLB

02:04 Minor League Experiences and Challenges

03:59 Rehab Assignments and Player Interactions

06:18 Turkey Hunting Adventures

10:12 Pitching Strategies and Player Dynamics

21:39 Adapting Game Plans in Baseball

22:29 The Importance of Catcher-Pitcher Synergy

23:51 Handling Pitch Selection Disagreements

26:02 Planning with Unfamiliar Catchers

28:13 Utilizing Technology and Analytics

31:30 Challenges of Minor League Rehab

35:22 Insights on Cardinals' Bullpen Struggles

41:48 Defending Manager Ollie Marmel

45:36 Conclusion

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