ZiPS Playoff Probabilities Are Live!

For your prognosticating convenience, we’ve created a new, live section of the playoff odds page to house the ZiPS projections for each game of the postseason. These projections are a supplement to the normal FanGraphs Playoff Odds. They are not a replacement for the existing ones, which combine ZiPS and Steamer. These projections are arrived at similarly to how ZiPS does the roster strength projections during the regular season, only with roster constructions that reflect the very different way players are used during the playoffs. Unlike the regular season model, ZiPS uses projected starters in order to make a more accurate, game-by-game projection; during the regular season, ZiPS uses the actual schedule, but without knowledge of which player will start each game.

To aid in modeling these probabilities, the full model of ZiPS is used, which includes updated split projections in order to (hopefully!) enhance the projections’ accuracy. There’s obviously a great deal of speculation as to who will start these games; these odds will be updated continually as we get closer to first pitch. Projections for the Division Series that will be played against the respective Wild Card winners will populate after the Wild Card games have concluded. For the moment, you’ll see their tabs grayed out. Read the rest of this entry »


Job Posting: Orioles Economic and Scouting Analyst Positions

Please note, this posting contains multiple positions.

Position: Economic Valuation Analyst

Department: Baseball Operations
Location: Baltimore, MD

Job Summary:
This position is responsible for developing creative and sophisticated analytical tools to support decision-making in Baseball Operations, with a focus on labor market economics and asset valuation. The employee will work closely with the professional scouting and analytics departments to inform strategic thinking.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Research economic issues pertaining to roster construction and player acquisition.
  • Develop, test, and implement predictive models and quantitative tools.
  • Assist with database management.
  • Perform other duties and ad-hoc reports as assigned.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in Economics, Finance, Mathematics, Operations Research, Statistics, or a related field. Applicants with a non-traditional educational background and experience in financial modeling will be considered as well.
  • Fluency in probability theory and financial mathematics, including an in-depth understanding of financial instruments and of pricing their associated risks.
  • Experience with relational database systems and knowledge of SQL.
  • Experience with predictive modeling using tools such as R or Python.
  • Passion for baseball and understanding of sabermetrics.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with staff members of all levels.
  • Willingness to work non-traditional hours (nights, weekends, holidays).

To Apply:
To apply, please complete the application that can be found here.

Position: Scouting Analyst

Department: Professional Scouting
Location: Baltimore, MD

Job Summary:
This position will support the efforts of the Professional Scouting department by conducting extensive evaluations of professional players in the United States and abroad via multiple information sources & video analysis. The analyst will also work closely with the Research & Development department. The position is based out of Baltimore, Maryland

Primary Responsibilities:
Primary duties to include, but not limited to, the following:

  • Compose scouting reports on professional players utilizing video, scouting information, and technology to enhance the club’s decision-making process.
  • Build relationships with field scouts and members of the baseball community.
  • Monitor activities, player performances, and roster dynamics of other organizations.
  • Assist with database maintenance.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications:
Required:

  • Ability to interpret data from multiple sources & convey findings to decision-makers.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, SQL, & SQL Databases preferred.
  • Strong ability to self-motivate, self-organize, and multi-task.
  • High level of attention to detail.
  • Exceptional communication skills.
  • Strong baseball knowledge.
  • Ability to work long hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Desired:
At least 3 years’ experience from a variety of backgrounds, which can include: business, scouting, coaching, education, or other fields.

To Apply:
To apply, please complete the application that can be found here.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Baltimore Orioles.


Job Posting: Texas Rangers Baseball Systems Positions

Please note this posting contains multiple positions.

Position: Baseball Systems Developer

Location: Arlington, TX

Description:
The developer will be responsible for supporting, maintaining and expanding the Rangers’ baseball operations software systems. A knack for compelling visuals and design preferred. The Rangers are looking for strong team players with outstanding people skills. Applicants that can provide code samples (any language doesn’t have to be baseball related) will be given strong preference. Diverse applicants are encouraged to apply. Spanish fluency a plus.

Responsibilities:

  • Web development, design and testing
  • Database queries to support the application
  • Designing and maintaining reports
  • Application support for the front office, scouts and coaches
  • Update and maintain internal system documentation

Qualifications:

  • Passion for the game of baseball
  • 1-3 years professional experience in a similar capacity and/or degree in computer science preferred
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Highly organized
  • Occasional evening, weekend and holiday availability. Support is provided 24/7/365 and is shared among the team.

Technology:

  • Microsoft Visual Studio
  • ASP.Net
  • C#
  • JavaScript/AJAX
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • SQL Reporting Services (SSRS)

To Apply:
To apply, please complete the application that can be found here.

Position: Baseball Systems Junior Database Engineer

Location: Arlington, TX

Description:
The junior database engineer will be responsible for maintaining and expanding the Rangers’ baseball operations database. The role is responsible for importing and integrating data from external providers, and interacting with the R&D department to implement models and build reports.

Responsibilities:

  • Database design
  • Export, Transform and Load multiple data feeds (ETL)
  • Assist in creating and monitoring data quality initiatives, resolving issues, and communicating to stakeholders
  • Writing and updating SSRS reports
  • Collaboration with application/web developer on app development
  • Basic support for end users of reports and applications
  • Update and maintain documentation for database and applications

Qualifications:

  • 1-3 years professional experience in a similar capacity preferred and/or degree in computer science or related field
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Highly organized
  • Experience with Microsoft SQL Server, Snowflake or other relational databases mandatory
  • Experience in Wherescape (preferred), SQL Server Integration Services or other ETL tools helpful
  • Experience in agile environments helpful
  • Passion for the game of baseball preferred

Other Requirements:

  • Evening and weekend availability, in particular during the baseball season
  • Occasional travel required

To Apply:
To apply, please complete the application that can be found here.

Position: Baseball Systems Support Coordinator

Location: Arlington, TX

Description:
The Support Coordinator, Baseball Systems is responsible for coordinating technical support conversations between Baseball Operations users, Baseball Systems engineers and Information Technology. The support coordinator will also be responsible for assisting with building application documentation along with training users. This position will also assist in quality assurance endeavors and basic project management tasks.

Responsibilities:

  • Application and basic technical support for Baseball Operations users
  • Coordination and follow up with Baseball Systems and stakeholders on outstanding issues
  • Assist in writing and maintenance of documentation and help videos for users
  • Assist in training users
  • Assist in quality assurance endeavors
  • Assist with project management tasks

Qualifications:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Highly organized
  • Spanish fluency a big plus
  • Strong technical skills – not a programmer, but comfortable using complex applications.
  • Passion for the game of baseball strongly preferred

Other Requirements:

  • Evening and weekend availability, in particular during the baseball season
  • Occasional travel required

To Apply:
To apply, please complete the application that can be found here.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Texas Rangers.


Job Posting: Tigers Baseball Operations Analyst

Position: Baseball Operations Analyst

Location: Detroit, MI

Job Description:
The Detroit Tigers are currently seeking a full-time Analyst in the Baseball Operations Department. This role will be responsible for managing analytics and research within Baseball Operations. This position will report to the Director, Baseball Analytics.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform advanced quantitative analysis to improve Baseball Operations decision-making, including predictive modeling and player projection systems.
  • Complete ad hoc data queries and effectively present analysis through the use of written reports and data visualizations.
  • Assist with the integration of baseball analysis into the Tigers’ proprietary tools and applications.
  • Contribute to baseball decision-making by generating ideas for player acquisition, roster construction and in-game strategies.
  • Support the current data warehousing process within Baseball Operations.
  • Monitor, identify and recommend new or emerging techniques, technologies, models and algorithms.
  • Meet with vendors and make recommendations for investment in new data and technology resources.
  • Other projects as directed by Baseball Operations leadership team.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Demonstrated expert-level knowledge of baseball-specific data, modern statistical techniques, and sabermetric analysis.
  • Expertise with SQL and relational databases is required.
  • Relevant work experience with statistical software (R, STATA, SPSS, SAS, or similar) and scripting languages such as Python.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate difficult and complex concepts to colleagues possessing a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Degree or equivalent experience in statistics, mathematics, computer science, or a related quantitative field.
  • Self-starter.
  • Team player.
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as dictated by the baseball calendar.
  • Willing and able to relocate to the Detroit metro area.

To Apply:
To apply, please complete the application that can be found here.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Detroit Tigers.


Job Posting: Giants Baseball Operations Analyst

Position: Baseball Operations Analyst

Reports To: Senior Baseball Operations Analyst
Department: Baseball Operations
Status: Full-Time; Exempt
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona

Position Summary:
The San Francisco Giants are seeking an Analyst to join the Baseball Operations department. This individual will be part of the R&D team and provide research and analysis to support the front office and player development staff. This position will also work closely with the application development team to design and develop statistical models and tools using advanced data sources within new and existing applications. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, the ability to communicate effectively to non-technical people, and both passion and intellectual curiosity for the game of baseball.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Provide statistical analysis and quantitative research to support Player Development and Baseball Operations staffs
  • Communicate analysis to Baseball Operations staff effectively
  • Research, design, and test predictive and statistical models using data and technology to support all aspects of Baseball Operations
  • Collaborate with engineering team to design and integrate analytic tools into existing baseball information system
  • Work with emerging baseball technology and data sets
  • Maintain understanding of new public baseball research and emerging statistical tools, as well as all potential vendor data/technology options

Knowledge and Skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computational field, such as statistics, engineering, computer science, or applied math
  • Proficiency with SQL and relational databases (Microsoft SQL preferred)
  • Experience with additional programming languages (e.g. R, Python) is strongly preferred
  • Understanding of statistical modeling and machine learning techniques
  • Ability to communicate effectively to all members of Baseball Operations
  • Passion for baseball, intellectual curiosity, and understanding of sabermetric concepts
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel as dictated by the baseball calendar
  • Must be willing to travel extensively
  • Spanish speaking is strongly preferred
  • Any baseball or softball playing experience is a plus

To Apply:
To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume here.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the San Francisco Giants.


Job Posting: Mets Player Development Intern

Position: Player Development Intern

Location: St. Lucie, FL

Responsibilities:

  • Assist players and coaching staff with accessing video, statistical and analytical information.
  • Setup and operate baseball technology/teaching tools and assist players and staff in the comprehension of the data.
  • Will travel with the team on all road trips.
  • Work on projects assigned by player development staff.
  • Film and chart each home game and pregame activities.
  • Assist in Player Development administrative needs such as team travel, hotel reservation and obtaining documents for international players.
  • Operate TrackMan Radar system in order to collect valuable player development data.

Skills:

  • Strong communication skills
  • Strong knowledge of Information Technology
  • Spanish proficiency preferred
  • SQL/Analytical experience preferred
  • Proficient with Excel and other Microsoft Office software
  • Must have a valid driver’s license

To Apply:
To apply, please complete the application that can be found here.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the New York Mets.


Job Posting: Mets Baseball Systems and R&D Associate Positions

Please note, this posting contains multiple positions.

Position: Baseball Systems Associate

Location: Flushing, NY

Description:
The Mets are seeking an individual with a background in database management and software development to work with the club’s Baseball Systems team. The position will be responsible for assisting in the management and development of processes collecting, cleaning, and organizing large baseball data sets. One should have demonstrated experience building web applications in Python, Java, PHP, Javascript, etc. Applicants should be available to start in January, although the Mets may be flexible.

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct research in the field of baseball analytics and communicate insights with others in Baseball Operations department.
  • Research, develop, and test predictive models to support Baseball Operations decision-making (i.e., player evaluation, roster construction, player development, in-game strategy).
  • Create data visualizations that integrate into Baseball Operations’ web application for use by office, coaches, and players.
  • Collect and manage large data sets. This may involve writing scripts for automation as well as manual data entry.
  • Stay current on publicly available baseball research.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Information Systems, Statistics, Data Science, or equivalent.
  • Experience with ETL processes and database management.
  • Familiarity with baseball specific datasets (i.e., Trackman, Statcast, PITCHf/x) and knowledge of current baseball research.
  • Demonstrated experience building web applications in Python, Java, PHP, Javascript, etc. Please provide a link to the application and/or codebase (Github) if possible.
  • Detail oriented and organized with ability to balance multiple projects.
  • Strong verbal communication and collaborative skills.
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, or holiday hours.

To Apply:
To apply, please complete the application that can be found here.

Position: Baseball Research and Development Associate

Location: Flushing, NY

Description:
The Mets are seeking an individual with a background in data analysis to work with the club’s Research and Development team. This is an entry-level, seasonal 8-12 month position in which he/she will analyze baseball data and use their findings to provide insight within the different areas of Baseball Operations. These may include player development, amateur and international scouting, major league advance scouting and more. Applicants should be available to start in January, although the Mets may be flexible.

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct research in the field of baseball analytics and communicate insights with others in Baseball Operations department.
  • Research, develop, and test predictive models to support Baseball Operations decision-making (i.e., player evaluation, roster construction, player development, in-game strategy).
  • Create data visualizations that integrate into Baseball Operations’ web application.
  • Collect and manage large data sets. This may involve writing scripts for automation as well as manual data entry.
  • Stay current on publicly available baseball research.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or similar quantitative field.
  • Experience querying and managing data with SQL.
  • Demonstrated experience using statistical tools and packages in R or Python.
  • Familiarity with baseball specific datasets (i.e., Trackman, Statcast, PITCHf/x) and knowledge of current baseball research.
  • Preference for candidates who have demonstrated experience building web applications in Python, Java, PHP, Javascript, etc. Please provide a link to the application and/or codebase (Github) if possible.
  • Detail oriented and organized with ability to balance multiple projects.
  • Strong verbal communication and collaborative skills.
  • Prior original baseball research.
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, or holiday hours.

To Apply:
To apply, please complete the application that can be found here.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the New York Mets.


Job Posting: Seattle Mariners R&D Analytics Positions

Position: Seattle Mariners R&D Analytics Positions

Location: T-Mobile Park, Seattle WA

Description:
The Mariners are seeking individuals with a background in statistical analysis and a passion for baseball for both full-time and internship roles. The positions will work directly alongside the analytics team on a wide range of projects and provide ample opportunity to directly impact front office decision-making. Start and end dates are flexible; applicants only available for summer 2020 will be considered, but their preference is for candidates that can start by Feb 1, 2020.

Responsibilities:

  • Statistical modeling and analysis of a variety of data sources including Statcast, Trackman and proprietary data sets
  • Ad hoc queries and quantitative research
  • Various game-day duties and support for all departments within Baseball Operations

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, and/or related technical field.
  • Proficiency with either R or Python
  • Familiarity with public baseball research
  • Familiarity with any of pitch level data, hit vector data, biomechanical data
  • Experience with predictive modeling

Applicants who have a demonstrated track record in the above qualifications may be considered for a full-time role.

While many candidates are undoubtedly capable, the Mariners desire a skillset that can impact, innovate and add value immediately.

Compensation:
This position is compensated.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Seattle Mariners.


Yadier Molina’s Career in Four Graphs

Stolen bases aren’t a priority in today’s game. Catchers and pitchers have taken to strategies that slow runners down as teams and players have stressed the value of baserunners and emphasized the risk and downside of making outs. When everybody is hitting home runs, getting from first to second matters a little bit less. But even accounting for that strategic shift, what the Cardinals are doing in preventing steals is impressive.

With 11 games to go, the Cardinals have given up 32 stolen bases. In the last 50 years, the lowest team stolen base total allowed was 31 by the Cincinnati Reds in 1971. Since the advent of the designated hitter in 1973, the 2005 Cardinals have the fewest stolen bases surrendered in a single season with 32.

This is not a new phenomenon for St. Louis. Since 2005, the Cardinals have boasted the lowest stolen base total six times; they’ve finished with the second-lowest seven times, fifth-lowest in 2006, and 17th-lowest in 2016.

As one might expect, the Cardinals have the fewest steals against them since 2005 when Yadier Molina took over full-time catching duties. Before getting to those numbers, though, here’s a graph showing team wild pitches plus passed balls since 2005.

Read the rest of this entry »


Job Posting: Phillies Baseball Research & Development Quantitative Analyst Roles

Please note, this posting contains multiple positions.

Title: Quantitative Analyst

Department: Baseball Research & Development
Reports to: Director, Baseball Research & Development
Status: Regular Full-Time

Position Overview:
As a Quantitative Analyst (QA), you help shape The Phillies Baseball Operations strategies by processing, analyzing, and interpreting large and complex data. You do more than just crunch the numbers; you carefully plan the design of your own studies by asking and answering the right questions, while also working collaboratively with other analysts and software engineers on larger projects.

Using analytical rigor, you work with your team as you mine through data and see opportunities for The Phillies to improve. After communicating the results of your studies and experiments to the GM and executive staff, you collaborate with front office executives, scouts, coaches, and trainers to incorporate your findings into Phillies practices. Identifying the challenge is only half the job; you also work to figure out and implement the solution.

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct statistical research projects and manage the integration of their outputs into our proprietary tools and applications (e.g., performance projections, player valuations, draft assessments, injury analyses, etc.)
  • Communicate with front office executives, scouts, coaches, and medical staff to design and interpret statistical studies
  • Assist the rest of the QA team with their projects by providing guidance and feedback on your areas of expertise within baseball, statistics, data visualization, and programming
  • Continually enhance your knowledge of baseball and data science through reading, research, and discussion with your teammates and the rest of the front office
  • Provide input in architecting the storage of baseball data

Required Qualifications:

  • Deep understanding of statistics, including supervised and unsupervised learning, regularization, model assessment and selection, model inference and averaging, ensemble methods, etc.
  • Meaningful work experience with statistical software (R, S-Plus, SAS, or similar), databases, and scripting languages such as Python
  • Proven willingness to both teach others and learn new techniques
  • Willingness to work as part of a team on complex projects
  • Proven leadership and self-direction

Preferred Qualifications:

  • BS, MS or PhD in Statistics or related (e.g., mathematics, physics, or ops research) or equivalent practical experience
  • 0-5+ years of relevant work experience
  • Experience drawing conclusions from data, communicating those conclusions to decision makers, and recommending actions

Title: Quantitative Analyst Associate

Department: Baseball Research & Development
Reports to: Director, Baseball Research & Development
Status: Hourly Part-Time Seasonal

Position Overview:
As a Quantitative Analyst (QA) Associate, you help shape The Phillies Baseball Operations strategies by processing, analyzing, and interpreting large and complex data. You do more than just crunch the numbers; you carefully plan the design of your own studies by asking and answering the right questions, while also working collaboratively with other analysts and software engineers on larger projects.

Using analytical rigor, you work with your team as you mine through data and see opportunities for The Phillies to improve. After communicating the results of your studies and experiments to the GM and executive staff, you collaborate with front office executives, scouts, coaches, and trainers to incorporate your findings into Phillies practices. Identifying the challenge is only half the job; you also work to figure out and implement the solution.

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct statistical research projects and manage the integration of their outputs into our proprietary tools and applications (e.g., performance projections, player valuations, draft assessments, injury analyses, etc.)
  • Communicate with front office executives, scouts, coaches, and medical staff to design and interpret statistical studies
  • Assist the rest of the QA team with their projects by providing guidance and feedback on your areas of expertise within baseball, statistics, data visualization, and programming
  • Continually enhance your knowledge of baseball and data science through reading, research, and discussion with your teammates and the rest of the front office
  • Provide input in architecting the storage of baseball data

Required Qualifications:

  • Deep understanding of statistics, including supervised and unsupervised learning, regularization, model assessment and selection, model inference and averaging, ensemble methods, etc.
  • Meaningful work experience with statistical software (R, S-Plus, SAS, or similar), databases, and scripting languages such as Python
  • Proven willingness to both teach others and learn new techniques
  • Willingness to work as part of a team on complex projects
  • Proven leadership and self-direction

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Possess or are pursuing a BS, MS or PhD in Statistics or related (e.g., mathematics, physics, or ops research) or equivalent practical experience
  • 0-5+ years of relevant work experience
  • Experience drawing conclusions from data, communicating those conclusions to decision makers, and recommending actions

To Apply:
Interested applicants for the Quantitative Analyst and Quantitative Analyst Associate positions should submit both their resume and an answer to the following question:

Suppose you could trade your top pitching prospect (currently in a lower minor league level) for a young, all-star position player currently in the Major Leagues. How would you decide whether to make the trade? (250 word limit)

Tip: There’s no defined right or wrong answer. Responses are used to get some insight into how you approach problem solving and baseball in general.

Please submit your resume and question response to analytics@phillies.com no later than Sunday, October 13, 2019. Applications not sent to analytics@phillies.com will not be considered.

The Phillies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Philadelphia Phillies.