The Nationals are well known as one of MLB’s organizations still reliant on an old-school, if not yet antiquated scouting infrastructure. Much of this stems from GM Mike Rizzo, a former scout and scouting director himself. They are not, of course, blind to analytics, and as is the case with all front office these days, the way they blend traditional scouting with the use of analytics is what makes the footprint of their front office particular.
Their first-ever analyst hire, in fact, now serves as an assistant general manager. Sam Mondry-Cohen, a former bat boy, is a key figure in deploying the Nats “bottom-up” strategy to analytics, per Tyler Kepner of the New York Times. Mondry-Cohen and Rizzo stress the importance of clubhouse temperament to the utilization of their data, letting their players dictate to a large degree where and how data is utilized. The Nats organizational philosophy is more transparent than ever this season with mood-manager extraordinaire Davey Martinez helming a rambunctious veteran clubhouse that credits their on-field success to baby sharks, dugout dances, and group hugs.
The Nationals also credit themselves for mixing analytics with instinct in deploying a quick-strike offseason strategy that netted key players like Patrick Corbin, Yan Gomes, Brian Dozier and Kurt Suzuki last offseason. Bottomless sieves of data and a competitive landscape rich with intelligent front offices can make decision-making a slog, but the Nationals try not to dwell when instinct can kick-in. It’s served them well, as the Nationals have eight straight winning seasons and a new NL pennant banner to hang.
Once the World Series is finished, it will be interesting to see how this front office values their own free agents. The group includes obvious notables like Stephen Strasburg and Anthony Rendon, but surprise elite contributors like Howie Kendrick and Daniel Hudson also enter the free market, as does the captain of their folk hero superteam: Gerardo Parra.
baby shark!!!!!!!!!!!
Can we end this false dichotomy between the “analytic new school” and “by my eyes old school”? Rizzo said it best; the Nats are more analytically driven than is supposed, and the Astros are more “gut” driven than is supposed.
Clearly there’s a middle path, and the more successful franchises follow it. And the “old school” managers like Tony Larussa, Earl Weaver and yes, even Branch Rickey used the analytics of their day; it was far from being “gut”.
Could not agree more, but false dichotomies make the world go round. Presenting conflict/differences between sides will almost always be more compelling and hold higher entertainment value than presenting consensus. As long as that gets eyeballs, clicks and advertising money, we’re stuck with manufactured differences of opinion even when facts would show otherwise.
This may be the most insightful thing ever posted in the comments section of a website. Kudos Steve
stevewpants – you just described ESPN’s entire existence.
We as a society need to re-do all media, gutter clickbait posts and nonsensical hot takes should be reason for firing whoever said or wrote them, not the norm.
This is interesting. Before game 2, Rizzo was asked about the lineup on MLB Radio and he said “I decided” when giving his answer, implying control. Gut or analytics? Who cares. So much of what they’re calling “new” analytics isn’t new at all.
The Astros are literally the MOST analytically-run team in MLB what are you smoking????
Like, they JUST fired one of their social-imbecile tech front office bros because he didnt know how to act in public in front of other humans. Astros front office is pretty much Zuckerberg-ian at this point.
Dude got fired because its 2019 and America has turned into a bunch of over sensitive , liberal snowflake pansies.
You sound like someone who beats his wife.
People are “over-sensitive” because a dude bro yelled how much he loves a woman beater in front of a woman who is anti-woman beating?
It doesn’t take a liberal to know people shouldn’t hurt others. I know plenty of conservatives and liberals alike who think this Taubman guy is of bad character.
Ironman_4life – yes, you are one of those. You proved it by saying that. Way to go! Cry more about people who are not trying to be straight up abused and dehumanized in public, you absolute crybaby hypersensitive clown.
Talk about a false dichotomy turned into a Straw Man!
Have you ever heard of the word “nuance?”
Yes, some people are being a little over-sensitive. And no, I’m not defending him for saying something stupid.
Because domestic violence is a matter of political correctness. Got it. What a jerk. YOU should be fired.
You just proved my point. And sadly, you probably don’t even realize it.
You changed your post to protect yourself. You said this was just a matter of the country becoming a bunch of pansy, liberal snowflakes. Clearly stating that the outrageously offensive statement, directed at three women, was simply a matter of people getting their panties in a bunch over nothing. It was not simply a “stupid statement”, as you suggest. And that is all the difference in the world. Checkmate, knuckle-dragger.
You don’t even seem to know to whom you’re responding, or who said what. When you’re done with your self-righteous hand-wringing and misplaced anger, please take some time and learn to read.
-30
Liar. I know what you wrote. Pansy, liberal snowflakes is what this country is coming too when folks like Taubman get axed.
Wow. You need help.
You need some intellectual honesty. Redneck liar. I had you nailed so you had to scrub your comment. You decided not to let your comment dangle out there for all to see.
Spot on
Many younger fans think that Billy Beane was the genius that brought analytics into MLB (the fantasy movie helped) sometime in the late 1980’s-90’s.
Fact is that Sandy Alderson had the A’s using analytics when he hired Beane as a scout, and had people explain what they were doing to him (and others).
Branch Rickey was looking at numbers (scans computer) in 1915, preferring OBP over BA.
In the business of the stock market – Joe Granville of EF Hutton popularized Technical Analysis (TA) of stocks post-WWII. He’s regarded in the industry as ‘The Father Of Technical Analysis’.
Stock market analysts break down the market 2 ways –
1) Technical Analysis – looking at only the price, movement and volume of a stock traded.
2) Fundamental Analysis – Looking at the underlying strategies, business plans, and investments of companies under a stock (many stocks run multiple companies) – i.e. makeup of management, what market(s) they’re in, what percentage of the market they have, any new products rolling out, are they trying to expand into other markets…and when, etc.
Stock Houses have their brokers look at both TA and Fundamentals when attempting to sell customers.
For years now MLB franchises have pretty much taken the standard approach of looking at both TA and Fundamentals regarding their own teams business plans, doing the same for individual players throughout MLB. The fallacy that some team eschew TA or totally depend on TA is just that – a fallacy.
And … Casey Stengel was using L/R platoons in the 1930’s!
During almost any televised game, starting in the 60’s, you might see the manager or coaches looking through a 3-ring binder. It was full of data (aka analytics) like spray charts, individual matchups, tendencies, etc.
A book called “Percentage Baseball” was published in the early ’60s. It was called “revolutionary” by fans and sports media, but baseball executives and managers said it just publicized what they had “been doing for years.”
Analysis isn’t new. Like I’ve said before, my biggest beef with these self-described saberists is their sheer arrogance. They love to imply that they invented the wheel, and will tell anybody who will listen how smart they are. They aren’t.
And yet they’re very smart actually —despite, as you correctly point out, not being as revolutionary as they fancy themselves. But they have successfully challenged some conventional thinking and in that way radically altered how the game is played in certain ways.
Fundamental analysis requires tons of technical calculations. Certainly isn’t based on any gut feelings. You can try to equate the two to baseball but that’s just trying to make a line that isn’t there.
I’d like to think Andrew Friedman is taking notes. Pretty sure he isn’t, but I’d like to think so anyway.
Carnival Barker Kasten also has a say … ever consider that?
Always considered that. Frequently talked about that.
Friedman is playing Kasten’s game, and Roberts plays Friedman’s game.
Yeah, because that gut decision to go with Kershaw worked out so well.
Friedman is just fine at what he does. Unless he is the one making pitching moves theres nothing to complain about with him. Nothing.
The Dodgers are probably the most analytics-driven team in baseball. The stat heads love it until it doesn’t work, then it’s the manager’s fault. Of course. I posted this link a couple of weeks ago. I don’t think anyone bothered to read the article then, but now might be a good time.
latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2019-10-17/dodger…
The analytics didn’t call for the use of Kershaw in the 8th inning. The analytics didn’t say send Kelly out for a 2nd inning to face the meat of the order. If they followed analytics in game 5 they win. How anyone can look at that game and see Roberts didn’t push all the wrong buttons is strange.
Did you read the article?
Yes hitting was a major problem as well. But analytics is not why Bellinger had a power outage and other players like Seager and Pollock turning horrible. Watch Seagers at bat to end game 2. He was choked up and trying to go the other way. Thats not the launce angle analytic approach.
Friedman acknowledges that the team was unprepared for how they were going to be pitched in the postseason (and not for the first time, either). This was clear to everyone who could stand to watch those games. It’s also clear that Friedman doesn’t know the solution, because, well, he says so. Other teams always have it figured out better than the Dodgers. It’s time (way, way past time) for Friedman to figure it out. That’s why I say I hope he’s taking notes. But I don’t think he is because I believe he still thinks he’s smarter than other teams that beat him every year.
Why would Andrew Friedman be taking notes? Friedman should be writing the book. Jesus Friedman is terrific.
Please, tell me this is satire.
You are absolutely insane, bluesky. Friedman built a team that has won, what, 7 straight division titles?
Interesting since he’s only been on the job for five years, and the teams he built lost every one of those postseasons. Insanity runs in my family, I guess.
I think a team/organization is foolish if they don’t have a mix of old school and analytics. The key is finding personnel that is adept at combining the two in a sound form.
This article is over analyzing the nats too much. They simply got hot at the right time. The end lol
They’ve been the best team in baseball since May though…
Which, apparently, was the right time. They just never cooled down.
Yes, exactly. Their post-season success simply provides the writer with a “news peg.”
Just get this analytic crap out of baseball. Especially the defensive analytics. Cards with 6 GG finalists? Give me a freaking break. How many times is Molina going to keep getting nominated? He moves like a turtle behind the plate. Old. Lazy. Bader? Guy played 87 complete games and was demoted to AAA. JOKE. Dejong GG? LOL. And don’t even get me started on the hot dog that is Wong.
Wait your now questioning gold gloves when statuesque Derek Jeter used to constantly win it but couldnt more than 1 step to his left or right?
@roll, when have I ever defended Jeter and his gold gloves?
CFAP comments frequently and I do not recall him commenting on Derek Jeter in relation to gold gloves?
So Roll do you have a point? Or just trolling.
His point is gold gloves never meant anything because Jeter never deserved a single one.
Sure but my point was that had nothing to do with what CFAP said. It was not responsive to CFAP so what was the point?
This spicy hot take is brought to you in part by Franks Red Hot Sauce. Franks Hot Sauce your choice to spice things up a little. Sold in stores near you.
Even Fangraphs (reluctantly) admits that “advanced” defensive metrics are flawed. IMO, they’re a joke.
Deeply flawed. You don’t need a lot of science background to know that coming up with numbers doesn’t mean you’ve actually explained anything.
CFAP u dont know what good baseball looks like. STL made the playoffs STRICTLY because of their defense. Because you watched one game where one of them made an error, does not account for their whole season.
If anything we need more analytics in baseball, if you want a sport that barely plays any games so analytics dont matter go watch the NFL.
You probably think the DH (an almost 50 year old thing) is bad too -lol clownnn
Strike Four, i watched about 140-150 of the Cardinals games you pompous azz. They did NOT necessarily win because of their defense. Molina is a shell of himself as a catcher. Has been for 3 years, but this is baseball, where PAST history dictates how the GG is awarded. Also, catcher is a weak spot in baseball. Next, if you think playing Carpenter, Martinez, and Fowler in CF makes good defense? Think again. Bader shouldn’t even qualify for a GG in only 87 complete games played. Then again, Jon Freaking Jay was nominated last year with 50 games played in RF. I can show you 1000 ways to Sunday how the GG is the most flawed award in all of baseball. Jeter was mentioned. You can then start with a long list of guys who have won with less credentials, like Palmeiro with 26 games played at 1B one season. It’s a joke. Plain and simple. Lastly, keep toting GG defense with the Cards as the trudge through series with 6 runs in 4 games. They won the Central because of Flaherty’s amazing 2nd half and a complete meltdown by Chicago.
Yeah, that’s just incorrect, CFAP. Without their defense they’re a .500 team. End of story.
CFAP, firstly, please show me where I said anything about gold gloves. You shoehorned in that argument and put those words in my mouth.
Liar. Scammer. Fraud. Absolute clueless at baseball analysis. Would not know anything about baseball if his life depended on it. These are all phrases I would use to describe your post. First you rally against analysis, now you tell me gold gloves…need more analysis?? Watch about 1500 more games and then you can speak. Then you will know how dumb you look right now.
I love comments that can’t be backed up with any facts. How do you know the Cards would be under .500 if not for their defense. According to all these same ridiculous analytics, the Cards were horrible in 2018 on defense, YET, they did NOT finish under .500. Come up with another story.
Where did I say GG need more analysis? I’m a liar. Fraud. Scammer? You’re an illiterate boob. Another person who comes on here and spews crap that nobody knows anything about baseball because you don’t agree with them. Let me repeat this for you since you seem to be learning impaired. Analytics used for defense is a joke. THAT’S what I said. Not only have I said that, but many others think it’s subjective hogwash, most like official scorers in every ball park ruling on what is or isn’t an error. Game conditions and strategy placement of a fielder have more to do with defense than anything. So does the eye test, which you can’t use because you’re freaking blind and arrogant.
What if I only watch 1499 more games? Can I still comment?
Nope. 1500 is categorically the breaking point where you start sounding like you have some semblance of a clue about baseball.
You said the GG was a joke because they didn’t reward good defenders (ie Jeter). That would imply that they need to use analytics and not use like, batting stats to give the award out. Way to go, you dont even know what youre even saying, just sticking to the boomer “im right and new things are bad because that means i have to learn things” mindset that needs to be flung into the sun.
Now sit back down at the little kids table and keep your mouth shut, you clueless troll.
That’s an unsubstantiated reach. Their defense is over-rated. This is not to say it’s not above average. It’s just over-rated. And the bogus defensive analytics (bogus for everyone) and bogus GG are how they are over-rated. End of story.
I think 1499 should be the cutoff but what do I know Strike Four said it has to be 1500!
Strike Four just 3 hours before this new silly comment you talked about Gold Glove. Man do you even realize the bs comments you just spew out
Ummm … the DH is Fake Baseball. And it has nothing to do with your argument.
The DH is superior baseball. It helped save the sport from irrelevancy. About 500,000 out of 330,000,000 Americans care about the “strategery” of the double switch. Watching a pitcher bat is for idiots who find watching a flushing toilet fascinating. Long live the DH. Of course I don’t find your opinion on the DH surprising at all, given your defense of domestic violence by claiming it is simply a matter of political correctness. Please spare us all and leave.
I can barely watch some of these pitchers pitch. Why the heck would I want to see them try to hit a ball? The DH kept Ned Yost and many other bad managers employed. The DH is one reason Matheny won’t be exposed as a buffoon if he lands the Royals job.
“Saved the sport?” You’re joking, right?
smh ..
I don’t even know what I bothering commenting on here. Censorship at its finest
Waaaaahhhhhh
i lost my train of thought – they must be censoring my brian!
As opposed to the Astros current strategy of bottom-top, where the members of the front office are all gutter humans lol
Chris Correa.
it was one guy and they fired him. end of story.
Not so fast young skywalker. The league is getting involved.
My buddies and I do a lot of “bottoms up” analytics at our favorite sports bar. We come up with some amazing observations…
Everyone, please make sure you watch 1500 games before you comment on analytics. Never mind if you worked in baseball for 6 years or played it from age 6-26. STRIKE FOUR is King on here to discuss analytics. We are all just living in his world. Get in line at his door for your permission slip.
Why dont you cry about it more because your dumb opinions got WORKED by facts, logic and history? hahaha clown!!!!!
The Cardinals have a good defense, and you lied repeatedly otherwise and got proved over and over in eye test and stats to be wrong. Did you ever stop and think maybe you should stop being so arrogantly wrong about everything???
He actually made two points. 1) Defensive analytics suck (with which I have always agreed), and 2) GG Awards are a joke (with which I have always agreed). He did not say all analytics suck. Defensive. There’s a difference. And he’s right. Please explain the Bader GG. Please defend the Molina GG. I’m not saying the Cardinals defense wasn’t good. I’m saying it was overrated.
Mo4ever, thanks for the comment. I knew what I said, and it’s refreshing to actually see a person with a brain read and comprehend. Once I realize a poster is illiterate, like Strike Four, I simply stop responding to them.
Strike Four I keep looking for how CFAP was proved wrong but I just cannot see where.
On the other had you, as usual, make no sense
I’m fearful that Strike Four’s 5th grade English teacher might still be employed.
Strike Four IS a grade 5 English teacher with tenure.
Analytics slows down decision making enough to effect free agency?
LOL
Emac22, What?
The Angels fans could be disappointed if they think signing Cole is automatic and the Angels win the division.
Best fielding SS in all of baseball is Freddy Galvis and he’s never even sniffed a Gold Glove. It’s a popularity contest in the end. So much so, that of the 6 Cardinals nominated in the NL, the least deserving (Molina) of that group will most likely be the only one to win.
Mozeliak put out a memo every day since Spring Training to the media to promote Wong for GG. The media shoved it down everyone’s throats for 200 days. It became mainstream among all the managers, coaches and players. Wong is arrogant, selfish and not a team player. But what the hell. Give him his worthless award so he can sleep with it.