Archive for Teams

The Best Reliever You’ve Never Heard Of

Trevor Stephan
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

If you want to play a game you probably won’t win, watch a reliever you haven’t heard of pitch one inning and try to decide if they’re good. I don’t want to say it’s impossible, because that’s not quite the case, but it’s phenomenally difficult. Do they throw hard? Probably, because most relievers do now. Do they have a secondary pitch that makes hitters look like they’re playing baseball for the first time? Probably, because trying to hit a slider when you just saw a fastball is one of the hardest things to do in sports.

The eye test isn’t enough. What’s worse, the results test isn’t enough. Reliever ERAs are unreliable across whole seasons, never mind a single week or month. One seeing-eye single, or one down-the-middle cookie that gets fouled back instead of pummeled to Kalamazoo, can completely change a pitching line. Even more “stable” statistics bounce around wildly in small samples; whether a reliever has their good slider working or not might be the difference between a three-strikeout outing or a few walks and a trip to the showers.

Why the long windup about how we can’t know how good pitchers are? Well, I’m pretty sure Guardians reliever Trevor Stephan is good, whatever the sample size. I know what I just said… but, look at his pitches, will you?
Read the rest of this entry »


Job Posting: Boston Red Sox Baseball Operations Associate Positions

2023 Player Development Associate

FORT MYERS, FL, UNITED STATES / BASEBALL OPERATIONS / SEASONAL

Position Overview:

The Player Development Associate will be a member of the Player Development team, and is responsible for assisting with baseball operations at our complex in Fort Myers, FL. This individual will collaborate closely with Player Development front office personnel, coordinators, and coaches.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist with day to day logistics for Minor League Spring Training, Extended Spring Training, Florida Complex League, and Instructional League.
  • Assist with daily administrative operations.
  • Organize and distribute game video in a timely and quality manner.
  • Manage video database to make sure it is readily available for staff and players to view.
  • Collect non-game video proactively and at the request of staff.
  • Operate and maintain various technology such as Blast, Rapsodo, Trackman, and Edgertronic cameras.
  • Distribute analytical information to PD staff produced by our Analytics department.
  • Assist with various administrative projects as assigned by coaching staff and Front Office.

Characteristics / Qualifications:

  • Strong administrative skills
  • Organized, proactive, and strong communicative skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Willing to relocate to Fort Myers, FL
  • Willing to work nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Prior softball or baseball experience is preferred
  • Prior video experience (BATS, Synergy, Edgertronic) is preferred
  • Prior technology experience with one or more of the following: Trackman, Blast, Rapsodo) is preferred

The Red Sox (or FSM) requires proof of being up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment, subject to applicable legal requirements. Up-to-date means having received all recommended COVID-19 vaccination doses in the primary series and a booster dose(s) when eligible, per CDC guidelines.

Prospective employees will receive consideration without discrimination based on race, religious creed, color, sex, age, national origin, handicap, disability, military/veteran status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or protected genetic information.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.


2023 Minor League Video & Technology Associate

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS / BASEBALL OPERATIONS / ASSOCIATE / CO-OP / INTERN

Position Overview:
The Minor League Video & Technology Associate will be a member of the Player Development team, and is responsible for managing video and data collection at their assigned affiliate. This individual will collaborate closely with the coaching staff, coordinators, Player Development, Baseball Systems, and Analytics front office members.

Responsibilities:

  • Collect video by setting up multiple cameras and using BATS video software.
  • Organize and distribute game video in a timely and quality manner.
  • Manage video database to make sure it is readily available for staff and players to view.
  • Manage all video equipment and computers making sure it is properly cared for and working effectively.
  • Collect non-game video proactively and at the request of staff.
  • Operate and maintain various technology used at affiliate such as Blast, Rapsodo, Trackman, Hawkeye, Kinatrax, and Edgertronic cameras.
  • Distribute analytical information to coaching staff produced by our Analytics department.
  • Assist with various administrative projects as assigned by coaching staff and Front Office.
  • Assist in video collection and technology implementation during Spring Training.

Characteristics/Qualifications:

  • Strong administrative skills
  • Organized, proactive, and strong communicative skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Willing to relocate
  • Willing to work nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Willing to travel with the team
  • Prior baseball/softball experience is preferred – College baseball team, summer team, training facility
  • Prior video experience (BATS, Synergy, Edgertronic) is preferred
  • Prior baseball technology experience (Trackman, Blast, Rapsodo) is preferred

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.


2023 Baseball Operations Associate

BOSTON, MA, UNITED STATES / BASEBALL OPERATIONS / ASSOCIATE / CO-OP / INTERN

Position Overview:
The Baseball Operations Associate will support all areas of the Baseball Operations Department, while primarily focusing on one or two areas (Amateur Scouting, International Scouting, Professional Scouting, and Advance Scouting) with day-to-day administrative and office management duties.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist with daily administrative tasks for your department.
  • Creatively pursue ways to improve internal processes.
  • Organize and maintain information from non-office personnel.
  • Manage video database including tagging & editing.
  • Prepare information and logistics for meetings.
  • Assist with various administrative and research projects.
  • Operate various technology during home games.

Characteristics / Qualifications:

  • Strong administrative skills
  • Ability to multitask in stressful situations
  • Strategic thinking & planning
  • Organized, proactive, and strong communicative skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Willing to relocate
  • Willing to work nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Prior softball or baseball experience is preferred
  • Ability to communicate in Spanish is preferred
  • Valid Driver’s License

The Red Sox (or FSM) requires proof of being up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment, subject to applicable legal requirements. Up-to-date means having received all recommended COVID-19 vaccination doses in the primary series and a booster dose(s) when eligible, per CDC guidelines.

Prospective employees will receive consideration without discrimination based on race, religious creed, color, sex, age, national origin, handicap, disability, military/veteran status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or protected genetic information.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.


2022-23 Amateur Scouting Development Associate

TAMPA, FL OR JACKSONVILLE, FL / BASEBALL OPERATIONS / SEASONAL

Position Overview:
The Boston Red Sox Amateur Scouting Development Associate is one of the most unique entry-level positions in the industry. It provides the opportunity to hone your skills as an evaluator; directly assisting area scouts and cross checkers with coverage while concurrently supporting the front office staff with video and data collection. In the role, this person will spend most of their time tracking down specific targets, writing reports, and meeting with members of the department to expedite personal and professional growth. The Associate will also get the opportunity to present at draft meetings and gain insight to draft strategy to further development. Cultivating impact evaluators that eventually fit into future openings within the scouting departments of the Boston Red Sox is a priority. These Associate roles hopefully serve as a key step towards achieving that goal.

Responsibilities:

  • Assisting local area scouts with coverage
  • Writing scouting reports
  • Learning to navigate the landscape of internal systems
  • Understanding the ancillary job responsibilities of area scouts
  • Collecting video
  • Building a foundation of understanding baseball technologies
  • Developing relationships with the local baseball community
  • Assist in on-field player workouts
  • Participate in weekly meetings with front office personnel

Characteristics / Qualifications:

  • Strong passion for scouting and talent evaluation
  • Evident open-mindedness with a high willingness to learn & receive feedback
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Sound communication skills
  • Admirable attention to detail
  • Flexible hours including nights & weekends
  • Willingness to relocate

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Boston Red Sox.


Rookie Standout Michael Harris II Signs $72 Million Extension

© Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Just a few weeks after extending third baseman Austin Riley, Alex Anthopoulos and the Atlanta Braves are at it again. This time, the recipient of a long-term deal is one of the team’s two rookie standouts, Michael Harris II. The freshly inked contract runs for a minimum of eight years, with $15 million and $20 million club options in 2031 and ’32 that each carry a buyout of $5 million. All told, Harris stands to pocket at least $72 million; the deal will be worth $102 million if the Braves exercise both options.

That Harris would be signing an extension that takes him into the 2030s in August of 2022 while nearly doubling up the next-best National League rookie hitter by WAR would have been a surprising revelation to someone living in the pre-lockout days. After all, Harris had not yet played above High-A, and while he was excellent in the Sally League, he wasn’t dominating the way Julio Rodríguez was at a similar level of play. But like Rodríguez, it only took six weeks of Double-A ball before Harris was ready to star in the majors.

When Harris was called up in late May, the Braves were still scuffling below .500, 7 1/2 games behind the Mets in the NL East. Atlanta’s outfield beyond Ronald Acuña Jr. was sorely tested, as Eddie Rosario was out with eye surgery, Marcell Ozuna had an OPS hovering around .650, and it felt as if the Baha Men had a hit more recently than Travis Demeritte. Some teams would have taken the path of least resistance and called up journeyman fifth outfielder Delino DeShields or eternal prospect Drew Waters. Instead, the Braves went with the bolder move, calling up Harris. Unlike the other options, Harris was at least playing excellent baseball, hitting .305/.372/.506 in 43 games for Double-A Mississippi. Read the rest of this entry »


The Rangers Embark on a Texas-Sized House Cleaning

© Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Coming into the year, expectations were high in Arlington. The Rangers, fresh off of a 100-loss season, went big in free agency, bringing in Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Jon Gray. They shopped in the second tier of free agents as well, signing Martín Pérez, Garrett Richards, Brad Miller, and Kole Calhoun to short-term deals. Trades brought in more starters: Mitch Garver joined the team this spring, and last year’s Joey Gallo trade netted several potential contributors in Ezequiel Duran, Josh H. Smith, and Glenn Otto.

Depending on how you weigh the contributions of those last three, that’s something like nine new players. It didn’t make the Rangers overnight playoff contenders – we gave them a 75-win projection and an 8% chance of reaching the playoffs before the season started – but it felt like the opening salvo of a new contender. Sign your free agents when you can get them, supplement them with a burgeoning farm system headlined by top prospect Josh Jung, and pretty soon, you’ve got a stew going.

A lot can change in a few months. This week, the Rangers ownership group, led by majority owner Ray Davis, delivered a clear sign that they aren’t happy with the way things are going. On Monday, they relieved manager Chris Woodward of his duties. Woodward had overseen some down years in Texas after taking over before the 2019 season. He’d shepherded this team adequately, at least as far as wins and losses go; we’re currently projecting the Rangers for 72.5 wins, basically the same as their preseason expectation, and it’s not like we were outliers in that projection; pretty much everyone around pegged them in the 70-75 win range.
Read the rest of this entry »


Red Sox Prospect Alex Binelas Believes in Exit Velocity

Alex Binelas
Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Binelas has big-time power. The extent to which he can get to it will go a long way toward determining his future. The 22-year-old corner infielder has gone deep 23 times this season between High-A Greenville and Double-A Portland, but he’s also fanned 126 times in 418 plate appearances. As Eric Longenhagen wrote this spring, “Binelas’ calling card is plus-plus raw power… but it comes with plenty of swing-and-miss.” His left-handed stroke has produced a 104 wRC+ this season and a .206/.318/.445 slash line.

The potential for Binelas to do far more than he’s shown since being drafted 86th overall last year out of the University of Louisville is real. The Red Sox certainly think so. Enamored by his exit velocities and ability to hit moonshots, Boston acquired the Oak Creek, Wisconsin native from the Milwaukee Brewers last winter as part of the Hunter Renfroe deal.

Binelas discussed his do-damage approach and the in-progress mechanical adjustment he’s hoping will help him turn the corner prior to a recent game at Portland’s Hadlock Field.

———

David Laurila: How would you describe yourself as a hitter?

Alex Binelas: “I go up to the plate looking to impact the ball. I obviously want to put together quality at bats — I want to swing at the right pitches — but my ultimate goal is putting the ball in play as hard as I can. I’m not trying to hit a home run every time, but when you try to impact ball hard with quality swings and are attacking the right pitches, you put yourself in a good position to do damage.”

Laurila: Exit velocity is a priority.

Binelas: “Yes.” Read the rest of this entry »


The Dodgers and Astros Face Injury Woes

© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Speculating about the playoffs in August always feels strange. The regular season isn’t over. It isn’t nearly over, either – the 45 or so games remaining on each team’s schedule will change how we think about them. The best two records in baseball belong to the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros right now, but some team could go 35-10 and wrest that title away from them.

Still, today I’m going to speculate about the playoffs. Whether the Dodgers and Astros hold onto their top spots or not, they’re both playoff locks – our Playoff Odds give them both 100% odds of reaching the postseason. In the past week, they’ve also each gotten rotten injury news that will affect their playoff rosters. So suspend your inherent skepticism of articles in August that talk about October as we consider the playoff impact of losing Walker Buehler and Michael Brantley. Read the rest of this entry »


Ten Years Later, Jameson Taillon Has Changed (Yet Is Much the Same)

Jameson Taillon
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Jameson Taillon was 20 years old when he was first featured here at FanGraphs in September 2012. Drafted second overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates out of Woodland (Texas) High School just two years earlier, he’d only recently been promoted to Double-A when he sat down for an interview. The subjects at hand were his repertoire and his early-career development as a professional pitcher.

A decade later, Taillon is now pitching for the New York Yankees. Acquired from Pittsburgh prior to last season — this after missing most of 2019 and all of the shortened 2020 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery — the 30-year-old right-hander is having a solid campaign. In 23 starts comprising 127.2 innings, he is 11–3 with a 3.95 ERA and a 4.02 FIP.

Taillon discussed his decade-long evolution on the mound when the Yankees visited Fenway Park this past weekend.

———

David Laurila: You were in the minors when we first spoke 10 years ago. How would you describe your progression as a pitcher since that time?

Jameson Taillon: “One of the interesting things about pitching is that you’re in constant pursuit of trying to get better. The trends change, the hitters change, the scouting reports change. But I feel like I’ve kept a lot of my strengths the same. My curveball is still a pretty decent pitch for me, I throw a four- and a two-seam, just like I did 10 years ago.

“I’ve added a slider. I’ve probably used the changeup a little bit more in the big leagues than I did at the beginning of my career. But yeah, for a while there I was heavy sinkers and ground balls. Last year I went heavy four-seam. Now I’m kind of finding that sweet mix, that balance.”

Laurila: Is that mostly based on feel? Read the rest of this entry »


Presenting a Much-Needed Steven Kwan Update

Steven Kwan
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

In April, the baseball article subject of choice is often a player who has a scorching hot start to the season. We put him under scrutiny, examine his ins and outs, then ultimately shrug and say, well, maybe. Maybe it’s something! Then again, it could also be nothing. Months pass, and said player and their progress is never revisited. Instead, you’ll likely come across their remains in the dustiest corner of a box score, discovering a mere shell of a once-promising breakout candidate.

Let’s amend that. If there’s anyone who deserves a follow-up, it’s Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan, who ranked No. 57 on our 2022 Top 100 prospect list before the season and who captivated fans back in April with an endless stream of hits and a refusal to swing and miss. But a horrid May (.173/.271/.253) removed him from the community’s collective radar, consigning him to a Yermín Mercedes-like fate. Since then, however, Kwan has been outstanding: Following a productive summer, he’s brought up his slash line on the season to a respectable .295/.371/.389, for a 121 wRC+. This sport has seen countless one-month wonders; he isn’t one of them. Read the rest of this entry »


Drew Rasmussen Cuts Down the Opposition

© Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday afternoon, Drew Rasmussen had everything working. For eight innings, his fastball/cutter combination kept Orioles batters off balance, with intermittent sliders only deepening their confusion. The first 24 Orioles to come to the plate walked away empty-handed. It took Rasmussen just 79 pitches to navigate those eight innings. He was on course for both a perfect game and a Maddux, and the Orioles looked unlikely to stop him.

They managed to break through. Jorge Mateo led off the ninth inning by lacing a double down the third base line. He advanced on a groundout, then scored on a wild pitch. Rasmussen didn’t even manage a complete game; after Brett Phillips reached on a dropped third strike, Kevin Cash went to the bullpen for the last two outs of the game. It wasn’t the crowning achievement for Rasmussen that it might have been, but this season has been a success nonetheless, and a near-perfecto presents a great excuse to examine what’s gone right.

I last checked in on Rasmussen after his first start this season, when he adopted a new sweeping slider and threw it a ton. In 2021, he’d been a fastball-first pitcher with a slider that changed shape as he worked on it throughout the year. In 2022, he came out featuring the slider, with a new cutter to boot. Would 2022 be the year of the sweeper for Rasmussen?

As it turns out, not so much. His first few starts represented a local high in slider usage, and he’s been leaning on the pitch less and less since. He’s filled in that gap by going back to his high-octane fastball and by trusting that new cutter:

Read the rest of this entry »


Kyle Harrison Is One of the Top Pitching Prospects in the Game

© Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Harrison is one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. Drafted 85th overall in 2020 out of Concord, California’s De La Salle High School, the just-turned-21-year-old left-hander is No. 30 on our updated Top 100. Ranked ninth among hurlers, Harrison has dominated at two levels. Currently with the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, he’s fanned 143 batters and allowed just 57 hits in 86-and-a-third innings this season. In a word, the young southpaw has been overpowering.

Harrison discussed his repertoire when Richmond played in Portland over the weekend.

———

David Laurila: To start, give me a self-scouting report.

Kyle Harrison: “My fastball averages around 94 [mph]. I spin it decently — not too high — but it’s from a low approach angle, so I think it looks like the ball has a little bit of rise. Then I’ll go to my slider. I’ll kind of grip that off the four-seam and really just try to rip it at the bottom of the zone. It’s a little more sweepy-ish than a regular slider. I’m trying to make it harder. I’m able to get it to 85 sometimes — that’s kind of where I want it to be — but those are the max-effort ones. It’s usually more 80-83.

“The changeup I’m playing around with now is a new grip. I’m kind of splitting the two seams there. It’s more of a one-seam, so I can get a little bit more tumble. I’ve been throwing it harder than I’d like. I’m trying to take a little velo off to get some better speed differential.” Read the rest of this entry »