FPAZ25 CC: Breakout Session Descriptions
These descriptions are mainly for sessions that are taking place concurrently with other sessions and organized in chronological groups. Reference our main program schedule for specific breakout times and for solo Canyon Ballroom sessions.
THURSDAY BREAKOUTS #1
Rostering Relievers for Holds, Ratios and Ks
This presentation will talk about a variety of bullpen roles, such as stoppers, bulk relievers, high-leverage guys, and closers. Mike Carter (Rotoballer) and Rick Graham (PitcherList) will discuss how to find pitchers who could be in line for valuable holds. They make suggestions on which statistics to mine to find these pitchers who could take a big jump in 2026.
Stat Trends of the Past 30 Years
How have batting and pitching statistics changed over the 30 years of this event? Elias’ Matt Martingale will take a retrospective look at pitcher usage, defensive positional trends and MLB roster management, among other topics.
2025: Statistical Year in Review
What do the 2025 MLB seasonal trends point to in 2026? Join Ray Murphy from BaseballHQ and Frank Stampfl from CBS as they examine the league-winning developments in HR, SB, W and more that could give you an early edge for 2026.
First Time at First Pitch? A Weekend Q&A
Are you a “red-dot rookie”? Or just someone trying to get the most out of this jam-packed weekend? Join representatives from BaseballHQ as they provide some tips and tricks on planning what to take in, how to get around, and overall logistics to make FPAZ25 an awesome experience. Bring your questions!
THURSDAY EVENING HANGOUTS
Prospect Q&A
Eric Longenhagen (FanGraphs) and Jonathan Mayo (MLBPipeline) see tons of prospects throughout the season, and who they’ve not seen, they likely have scouting contacts who have. Bring your player inquires — on overall impressions or specific traits — to this open session Q&A. Whether your focus is 2026 or further down the road, this is your one-stop shop for getting that inside track on prospects to know.
Avoiding Starting Pitching Landmines
We all know pitchers get hurt, and we’ve all had disaster seasons having to recover from multiple injuries to pitchers. But is there a path to minimizing that risk? Join Justin Mason (FanGraphs), Joe Orrico (FanGraphs) and Dave McDonald (Friends with Fantasy Benefits) as they discuss the starting pitching landscape with an eye on avoiding that blowup staff in 2026.
FRIDAY BREAKOUTS #1
Only-Leagues Focus: AL
With participants from two established AL-only league experts competitions—LABR and Tout Wars—this panel discussion, led by USA TODAY’s Steve Gardner, dives into the successes and struggles of these unique leagues. Panelists will share how they chose to navigate the deep player pool and active owner list and will share tips relevant to both 2025 and for those in AL-only leagues going forward.
2025 NFBC Takeaways
The National Fantasy Baseball Championship stable of offerings is becoming more popular—and more difficult succeed in—seemingly every year. In this session, successful NFBCers Toby Guevin (BatflipCrazy) and Mike Mager (FTN Fantasy), aided by Stephen Goodwin’s visualizations, dive into some of the team-building characteristics of this year's overall winners. Plus, what might we see in 2026? Join them for an hour of all things NFBC.
What is a Projection?
It’s safe to say that we all use some sort of projections when constructing our fantasy teams. In this insightful session, projection vets Todd Zola (Mastersball) and Derek Carty (THE BAT) will let you take the lead in discussing topics that might include what’s the best way to use projections in a draft; the difference between a projection and a prediction; basics in construction your own projection, and what the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentile outcomes really mean. Or, whatever else you want to chat about! Bring your inquisitive mind.
Scoresheet Meetup/Q&A
Scoresheet is a popular simulation format where teams don’t just accumulate stats but actually play out a 162-game season where owners construct and tweak batting orders, pitching staffs and more. For those Scoresheet veterans as well as folks curious to hear more, Scoresheet head Jon Kracum will answer questions and discuss this unique game format. Note that a Scoresheet league is one of our Drafternoon offerings on Saturday, and there’s always room for first-timers!
FRIDAY AFTERNOON SESSION (OPPOSITE AFL GAME)
Excel and Fantasy Baseball Workshop
Always wanted to take some time to learn and apply Microsoft Excel to your fantasy baseball toolbox? Here’s your chance, as Ariel Cohen (FanGraphs) will dive into some long-form discussion and examples of getting the most out of Excel. Entire session will run from 1:30 to 3:45, two one-hour blocks with a break in between. Bring your laptop and put Excel to work for you!
FRIDAY BREAKOUTS #2
Tips for Taking Over: A Dynasty Discussion
You’ve taken the dive and accepted the challenge of taking over first (or yet another?) existing team in a dynasty league. But how do you get started; and what are the best approaches? Dynasty expert James Anderson from RotoWire will provide some tips, strategies, and new approaches for this growing format. And of course, there will be some specific player talk, too.
Only-Leagues Focus: NL
With participants from two established NL-only league experts competitions—LABR and Tout Wars—this panel discussion, led by USA TODAY’s Steve Gardner, dives into the successes and struggles of these unique leagues. Panelists will share how they chose to navigate the deep player pool and active owner list and will share tips relevant to both 2025 and for those in NL-only leagues going forward.
What Makes a Top-25 Starting Pitcher?
Join Eric Samulski from Rotoworld as he examines characteristics from the Top 25 starting pitchers from 2025. Are there shared traits or common themes in what put these players at the top? And if so, what role should that play as we aim to identify top risers for 2026? If you can’t get enough info and perspectives on starting pitching, this session is for you.
Bring-your-own Roster Analysis
A small group of BaseballHQ and industry voices will be on hand to give you a second (or third) opinion on your roster questions. Keepers, potential trades, long-term contracts—all can be on the table; just bring your roster to discuss. Yes, WE CARE about your fantasy team! (Note this session runs twice: Friday at 5p and Saturday at 1p.)
Strat-O-Matic Meetup/Q&A
It’s one of the most historic games in our community, and this is your chance to find a few like-minded folks to chat it up! Veteran Strat player Dean Peterson will facilitate and answer questions on strategy, players, 2026 outlooks, and more!
FRIDAY EVENING HANGOUTS
The Arizona Challenge
The Arizona Challenge is a Rotisserie-style fantasy retro-auction that tests each participant's ability to assemble a roster of the best players within budgetary and time limitations. This will be a one-hour auction draft with no limit on the number of participants. "Supply and demand" is all that matters in this unique competition. It's fast-paced, raucous and wildly fun — and the winner (announced on Saturday) will win a one-year subscription/extension to BaseballHQ. For details/ full rules, see the link in the Command Center.
Introduction to Bat Tracking Data
One of the most impactful Statcast drops in 2025 was detailed bat-tracking data. Things like attack angle, bat speed, tilt, swing length and more are now accessible via BaseballSavant. But how do we sift through all the data and identify actionable items for our fantasy teams? Eno Sarris of the Athletic is here to break down what it means, how to apply, and who he’s got an eye on for 2026 now that this data is public.
AI Office Hours
This workshop session (bring your laptop!) will expand upon the AI session from earlier Friday and will give folks the chance to try out various AI prompts. If you’ve dipped your toe into the water, would like to, or are just curious about how your potential leaguemates MIGHT be using AI, drop in for a bit or a while. BaseballHQ’s Ray Murphy will help orient and get you started on this emerging trend.
XFL Draft
The industry’s first experts keeper league, the XFL conducts its auction each fall here at First Pitch Arizona. Check out how 15 industryfolk draft and construct their teams within this unique keeper/dynasty format.
Post-Pick 300 Starting Pitchers
We’re all looking for the late hits for our starting staff. In this session, two well-known analysts give their take on who to take that shot on once you get deep into your drafts. Join Nick Pollack (PitcherList) and Jeff Zimmerman (FanGraphs) for their faves and fades this year in the end game.
SATURDAY BREAKOUTS
Bullpen Hour
Join longtime BaseballHQ bullpen writer Doug Dennis and Reliever Recon founder Greg Jewett as they look back to 2025 and ahead to 2026 for all things relievers. With a skills-based approach, identify hidden gems among the ever-changing closer landscape that takes players, managers, and MLB team philosophies into account when looking for that next reliable source of saves (and holds, too!)
Bring-your-own Roster Analysis
A small group of BaseballHQ and industry voices will be on hand to give you a second (or third) opinion on your roster questions. Keepers, potential trades, long-term contracts—all can be on the table; just bring your roster to discuss. Yes, WE CARE about your fantasy team! (Note this session runs twice: Friday at 5p and Saturday at 1p.)
SATURDAY EVENING BREAKOUTS
Applied Stats for Fantasy Managers
Join this one-hour session with a view towards understanding how Statcast and other advanced stats correlate with fantasy dollar values. Patrick Davitt, the host of the BaseballHQ Radio podcast and a longtime writer and researcher at BaseballHQ.com will
briefly explain correlation, and then look at the hitters and pitchers, level-setting general and advanced stats how these help set dollar values.
Baseball Franchise Demo
Baseball Franchise is a tabletop game in which you draft, sign, and build your roster from a deck of over 600 statistically-accurate big league player baseball cards. Take part in trying out and giving feedback to this new game that is in its final stages of development. The Franchise crew knew that First Pitch Arizona was the perfect place to test out their prototype, and here’s your chance to give it a whirl!
Pallazzo Podcast Presents: Fantasy Family Feud
This popular session from last year returns, hosted again by the Pallazzo Podcast crew and YOU can be involved. Four teams, each consisting of 2 industry members and 3 First Pitch attendees will battle it out to see just what the "survey says"! We’ll be taking volunteers to be on the list from which the 12 contestants will be chosen (by lottery) to be a part of the show. Let’s play the Feud!
2026 Rookies for Redraft Leagues
The eternal question … who is next year’s Nick Kurtz? And (maybe more importantly), who is next year’s Jac Caglianone? Nabbing the right rookies who will hit the ground running can give your redraft team a major lift. Our team of prospect-centric writers—James Anderson (RotoWire), Eric Cross (Rotoballer), Chris Welsh (Fantasy Pros) and Jesse Severe (BaseballHQ)—will let you know who they think is ready, and who might not be, as you begin your prep for single-year leagues in 2026.
SUNDAY BREAKOUTS
How to Build Your Best Fantasy Sports Experience
This session, from First Pitch co-founder and longtime BaseballHQ and Baseball Forecaster publisher Ron Shandler, examines transforming fantasy sports into something smarter, fresher, and more fun. Whether you’re starting a brand-new contest or looking to shake up your long-time league, this discussion should give you the tools to create a better game, no matter what fantasy sport you play. Based on his upcoming book Fantasy, Reconstructed.
Statcast Search How-To
BaseballSavant.com can seem overwhelming, with all the new Statcast data it houses. Where does one start to begin to make sense of it all? Longtime FPAZ contributor Andy Andres will walk you through the basics of getting the most out of Statcast with some simple tools and tips. Bring your device (and questions!) to follow along.
The Changing SB Landscape: Year Three Checkup
It’s been three years since the stolen base rules have been tweaked, and we now live in a world where Josh Naylor and Juan Soto live on SB leaderboards. With such a big impact on fantasy values, this trend is worth examining. PitcherList’s Kyle Bland digs in to help contextualize the SB explosion, identify some details, and give some insights on what this means for the future.