The Pencil Talk Podcast

Battle of the Stache: Pick em' Extravaganza

In this episode of Battle of the Stache, host Jack DeLongchamps is joined by Bradley Smart for a rapid-fire, high-energy breakdown of 21 college baseball series across the country. The duo goes head-to-head making picks, debating matchups, dissecting pitching rotations, and spotlighting the biggest storylines shaping the national landscape. From under-the-radar mid-major battles, the conversation blends analytics, gut instinct, and pure college baseball chaos as both try to build the better weekend slate. Along the way, Jack and Bradley dive into postseason implications, and which programs are beginning to separate themselves heading toward May.

The 'DSR Dialogue'

OPENING SEGMENT (0:00–3:00) * Introduce Forrest Allen * Explain his role with 643 Charts * Tease the creation of DSR * Why college baseball analytics are evolving rapidly THE ORIGIN OF DSR (3:00–12:00) * What inspired Forrest to build DSR * Problems with existing ranking systems * How college baseball differs from other sports analytically * The challenge of balancing predictive metrics vs résumé metrics BREAKING DOWN THE METRICS (12:00–24:00) DSR * Core principles behind Diamond Sports Rankings * Inputs and weighting philosophy * Contextual data points included * Why DSR may better reflect true team quality TEAM EXAMPLES & CASE STUDIES (24:00–37:00) * LSU Tigers baseball résumé discussion * Clemson Tigers baseball comparison * Vanderbilts bubble discussion * Teams that DSR loves vs teams traditional metrics love * How scheduling impacts rankings * Mid-major evaluation challenges * Why two teams with similar records can grade out very differently BIGGER PICTURE DISCUSSION (37:00–43:00) * The future of analytics in college baseball * How coaching staffs use data internally * Potential influence on tournament discussions * The evolution of fan understanding around metrics CLOSING SEGMENT (43:00–45:00) * Final thoughts from Forrest * Where fans can follow DSR and 643 Charts * Biggest misconception about analytics in baseball * Outro / tease next episode

Pencil Talk x Chris Lemonis

Lemo walks us through the moment, the love and passion he has for the game of baseball. From his time as a player at the Citadel to his coaching journey, we break down all things college baseball.

Pencil Talk Takeover: Little Rock INF, Angel Cano

Beyond the highlights, Angel opens up about loyalty, belief, and why returning to Little Rock for the upcoming season meant more than chasing the next opportunity. From unfinished business to setting the standard for the program, this conversation dives into leadership, culture, and what’s driving Cano as he gears up for a big year ahead. A must-listen for college baseball fans and anyone who values staying true to where it all started.

Pencil Talk Takeover: Little Rock Head Coach, Chris Curry

Coach Curry evaluates talent, the importance of relationships and trust within a program, and how modern tools, data, and preparation play a role in competing year after year. Honest, thoughtful, and packed with insight, this episode is a must-listen for coaches, players, and fans who want a deeper understanding of college baseball and the leadership behind it.   Topics Covered • Building culture and accountability at Little Rock, plus their incredible run to the Regional Finals at LSU in 2025.  • Recruiting philosophy and player evaluation • Developing hitters and pitchers over the long haul • Leadership lessons learned as a head coach • What separates good programs from great ones