Job Posting: OnDeck Digital Cape Cod League Video Scouting Internships

Position: OnDeck Digital Cape Cod Baseball League Video Scouting Internships

Location: Cape Cod, Mass.

Description:
OnDeck Digital provides outsourced video scouting services to Major League Baseball Organizations. OnDeck Digital’s system for processing full-game video and statistics for is industry-leading and revolutionizes the way amateur baseball video is captured.

OnDeck Digital is seeking qualified candidates to work as Video Scouting Interns for the 2018 Cape Cod Baseball League season. Interns will track rosters, capture live video footage from every game of the CCBL season, and chart those games using our specialized software. The internships run from June 8, 2018 to August 14, 2018 and will include compensation.

Responsibilities:

  • Manage video and computer equipment for data capture.
  • Score and chart live games using specialized software.
  • Track and update rosters and player information.
  • Verify data accuracy and video quality.
  • Provide daily updates to OnDeck Digital staff and content partners.

Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of baseball rules and scorekeeping.
  • Proficiency with computers (Windows, Mac).
  • Experience with video equipment including cameras, sd cards, and basic cabling is preferred.
  • Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
  • Must have access to reliable transportation and housing on Cape Cod.

To Apply:
To apply, please send an email with the subject “2018 CCBL Internship”, your resume, and cover letter to jobs@ondeckdigital.com.


Job Posting: Marlins Software Developer Positions

The Marlins are hiring a Head Software Developer and a Software Developer.

Position: Head Software Developer

Position Summary:
The Head Software Developers will be responsible for creating the code that power the applications used by the entire Baseball Operations department. Opportunities for full stack and skill specialists exist at this time. The successful applicants will work in a collaborative, result-oriented, team environment.

Essential Functions:

  • Writing clean, concise, modular code
  • Backend – Java 8, Spring, SQL
  • Frontend – web fundamentals (HTML, JS, CSS), Angular, Bootstrap, jQuery
  • Build tools – Maven for Java; Gulp (or similar) for JS

Qualifications & Requirements:

  • Proficiency in more than one of the stated development skills
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communications, decision-making, and organization skills
  • Passion to learn and create

Suggested Education & Experience Guidelines:

  • Experience with agile development lifecycle
  • Experience with source control
  • Development experience in other languages such as .NET / C#, Python, and R
  • Experience working in a development team
  • Degree in Computer Science or Information Systems, or equivalent job experience
  • A minimum of 5 years’ experience

Bonus Experience:
Experience with Mobile iOS development – Objective C & Swift

To Apply:
Please email materials (resume, cover letter, etc.) to marlinsanalyticsjobs@gmail.com.

Position: Software Developer

Position Summary:
The Software Developers will be responsible for creating the code that power the applications used by the entire Baseball Operations department. Opportunities for full stack and skill specialists exist at this time. The successful applicants will work in a collaborative, result-oriented, team environment.

Essential Functions:

  • Writing clean, concise, modular code
  • Backend – Java 8, Spring, SQL
  • Frontend – web fundamentals (HTML, JS, CSS), Angular, Bootstrap, jQuery
  • Build tools – Maven for Java; Gulp (or similar) for JS

Qualifications & Requirements:

  • Proficiency in more than one of the stated development skills
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communications, decision-making, and organization skills
  • Passion to learn and create

Suggested Education & Experience Guidelines:

  • Experience with agile development lifecycle
  • Experience with source control
  • Development experience in other languages such as .NET / C#, Python, and R
  • Experience working in a development team
  • Degree in Computer Science or Information Systems, or equivalent job experience
  • A minimum of 1 year experience

Bonus Experience:
Experience with Mobile iOS development – Objective C & Swift

To Apply:
Please email materials (resume, cover letter, etc.) to marlinsanalyticsjobs@gmail.com.


SABR Analytics Awards: Voting Now Open!

Here’s your chance to vote for the 2018 SABR Analytics Conference Research Award winners.

The SABR Analytics Conference Research Awards will recognize baseball researchers who have completed the best work of original analysis or commentary during the preceding calendar year. Nominations were solicited by representatives from SABR, Baseball Prospectus, FanGraphs, The Hardball Times, and Beyond the Box Score.

To read any of the finalists, click on the link below. Scroll down to cast your vote.

Contemporary Baseball Analysis

Contemporary Baseball Commentary

Historical Analysis/Commentary

Voting will be open through 11:59 p.m. MST on Monday, February 12, 2018. Details and criteria for each category can be found here. Only one work per author was considered as a finalist.

Create your own user feedback survey

Mobile or Safari users, click here to access the survey

Results will be announced and presented at the seventh annual SABR Analytics Conference, March 9-11, 2018, at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more or register for the conference at SABR.org/analytics.


Job Posting: TrackMan Calibration Specialist

Position: Calibration Specialist

Job description:
Would you like to play a key role in supporting TrackMan’s baseball operations and engineering teams? Are you ambitious, self-driven and willing to go the extra mile? Then you should join the TrackMan Baseball Operations team!

TrackMan A/S is a fast-growing sports technology company that develops, manufactures and sells 3D ball flight measurement systems for a variety of sports. Originally developed for golf, TrackMan now enjoys a market leader position in several sports disciplines such as baseball in measuring and delivering real-time sports data.

Your key responsibilities include:

  • Coordinate and perform field activities at a variety of baseball facilities
  • Perform on-field calibration of TrackMan systems
  • Act as TrackMan’s face-to-face representative with the end customer
  • Provide basic technical system support, answering phone calls and logging issues
  • Track and log all activities through detail-oriented ticketing system
  • 70%+ travel

Requirements:
Your ability to build and maintain positive relationships is crucial for the role. You will work with stadium operations staff to ensure cooperation when TrackMan is on-site and provide remote support in the initial phases of trouble shooting. Moreover, you will work in close collaboration with contractors as well as internal stakeholders in US and Denmark.

  • Ability to pitch or throw baseball accurately (regular strikes from mound)
  • Ability to travel, with short notice
  • High attention to detail and ability to provide consistent quality
  • Flexible schedule with ability to work weekends
  • Own car with valid driver’s license
  • Self-driven individual who delivers on commitments
  • Able to lift upwards of 70 lbs (calibration equipment)
  • Windows OS fundamental knowledge, Microsoft Office preferred
  • Willingness to contribute in additional roles as necessary

What does TrackMan do?
TrackMan helps athletes get better at their game through data. They currently operate within golf, baseball, tennis, soccer, and the Olympic Games. The world’s absolute top performers, as well as the serious amateur striving for improvement, rely on TrackMan’s data to gain that critical, competitive edge. TrackMan has a global footprint with its headquarter located in Denmark and offices in New York, Phoenix and Tokyo, and a dedicated, global sales force. Visit their website to learn more.

Apply today and join a company with great technologies, great colleagues, and great opportunities to grow.

To apply, or if you have any questions, please contact Matt Pullman at mpu@trackman.com. Start date is as soon as possible, and interviews take place on an ongoing basis.


Job Posting: Mariners Baseball Operations Intern

Position: Baseball Operations Intern

Location: Seattle

Description:
The Seattle Mariners are working to build a winning team with exceptionally talented people. If you are passionate about baseball and eager to make an impact using your skills, learn more about this exciting opportunity to join our Baseball Operations team. This individual will provide support to our scouting operations while working closely with various members of our Baseball Operations team.

Primary Objective:
Support the baseball operations department in day-to-day scouting operation tasks, administration, and research.

Essential Functions:

  • Assist Pro Scouting Department in a variety of areas: research projects, prospect lists, and in-office administrative duties while providing support to field staff
  • Provide support in all areas of advance scouting, including, preparation of the advance scouting report, game day duties, and preparation for pre-series meetings
  • Support the Amateur Scouting Department leading up to and during the Amateur Draft
  • Provide additional statistical analysis, economic and financial research as assigned or as time permits

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred. Equivalent, relevant work may be considered in lieu of formal education if approved by management.
  • Spanish speaking skills is a plus
  • Previous evaluation or playing experience a plus, but not required

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s):

  • Working knowledge of statistical baseball data and its application as it pertains to scouting information
  • Working knowledge of baseball strategy and current in-game management trends
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel & PowerPoint
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Self-motivated with a high degree of integrity; takes personal responsibility for getting things done in a way that positively and professionally represents the organization
  • Demonstrated initiative; thinks creatively and takes actions that create a positive outcome for the team

Dates:
Start date is flexible. End date is end of the 2018 season. Preference will be given to candidates who can start by March 1, 2018.

To Apply:
Interested and qualified applicants may apply by February 7, 2018 through the following link: Baseball Operations Intern


Job Posting: Phillies Affiliates Video Coaching Representatives and TrackMan Operators

The Phillies are currently hiring Video Coaching Representatives and TrackMan Operators across multiple affiliate locations.

Position: Video Coaching Representative

Position Overview
Oversee the daily Video Coaching operations at assigned minor league affiliate. Duties will include, but not be limited to, filming and logging home and road games and assisting in daily instructional film sessions with coaches, players, and staff. Representative will also be asked to take part in daily IT assistance within the Video Coaching department and may have the opportunity to contribute in other operational areas including sports science, advance scouting, and analytics as needed.

Essential Duties

  • Open and oversee operations of Video Coaching room on a daily basis
  • Be able to operate, troubleshoot, and support IP cameras, computer networks, and hard drives Film and accurately log all home and road games using BATS video system
  • Upload all logged games to the Phillies Video FTP server in Philadelphia
  • Assist with daily video viewing sessions between Phillies coaching staff and players
  • Film bullpens, batting practices, and workouts based on requests by Phillies coaches and staff Provide regular status reports to Video Coaching staff in Philadelphia and Clearwater
  • Assist with sports science, advance scouting, and analytics initiatives as needed

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree or currently enrolled college student
  • Must be technology savvy and possess strong knowledge of computers, computer networking, and storage
  • Previous experience working with BATS video system is preferred
  • Previous experience working in a baseball clubhouse is preferred
  • Must possess strong knowledge of the game of baseball
  • Must be detail-oriented and well-organized
  • Must be able to interact professionally with players, coaches, front office personnel and medical/training staff
  • Must be able to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends and holidays
  • Must possess strong work ethic
  • Must be a team player with strong oral and written communication skills
  • Must be active, quick-thinking, and a good technology troubleshooter

Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Must be able to stand and walk in hot conditions for long periods of time.

Position: TrackMan Operator

Position Overview
Log all home games at assigned minor league affiliate using the TrackMan Baseball Analysis software. Operator may have the opportunity to contribute in other operational areas as needed, including sports science equipment maintenance and management.

Essential Duties

  • Accurately log all home games of assigned affiliate using TrackMan Baseball Analysis software
  • Operate and troubleshoot computer networks
  • Upload all logged games to the Phillies TrackMan server in Philadelphia
  • Assist with daily analysis between Phillies coaching staff and players
  • Assist with special requests from Phillies Minor League Video Coordinator/Phillies Baseball Operations Offices
  • Provide regular status reports to Minor League Video Coordinator in Clearwater

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree or currently enrolled college student
  • Must be technology savvy and possess strong knowledge of computers, computer networking, and storage
  • Previous experience working with TrackMan software is preferred
  • Previous experience working in a baseball clubhouse is preferred
  • Must possess strong knowledge of the game of baseball
  • Must be detail-oriented and well-organized
  • Must be able to interact professionally with players, coaches, front office personnel, and medical/training staff
  • Must be able to work flexible hours including nights, weekends and holidays
  • Must possess strong work ethic
  • Must be a team player with strong oral and written communication skills

Location Information
The Phillies intend to hire one Video Coaching Representative and one TrackMan Operator for each of the following locations, with the exception of the GCL teams in Clearwater, where they will hire two Video Coaching Representatives (one for each GCL team):

  • Allentown, PA (AAA)
  • Reading, PA (AA)
  • Clearwater, FL (Class A Advanced)
  • Lakewood, NJ (Class A)
  • Williamsport, PA (Short Season)
  • Clearwater, FL (Rookie)

All positions run from mid-March through the end of their respective minor league season, with the exception of Williamsport, which will begin in mid-June, and the Clearwater TrackMan position, which begins in late February.

To Apply
To apply, candidates should send their resume and cover letter to JLipman@Phillies.com with either “Video Coaching Representative” or “TrackMan Operator” in the subject line, along with their affiliate preference if they have one. The team will begin reviewing applications immediately.

The Phillies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


Brewers Acquire Marlins’ Christian Yelich

Christian Yelich has five more years remaining on his contract.
(Photo: Corn Farmer)

Despite recording 86 wins and finishing just a game out of the Wild Card in 2017, the Brewers have been pretty quiet this offseason. Of course, a lot of teams have been pretty quiet this offseason. Milwaukee added Jhoulys Chacin, which helps, and they’ve brought back Yovani Gallardo, which might help. But little more than that.

Well, until now. The Brewers’ offseason just got loud. In the midst of a busy winter themselves, the Marlins — who’ve already moved Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna, and Dee Gordon — have now sent what is likely their most valuable asset, Christian Yelich — to Milwaukee.

Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic had it first, and the Brewers made it official.

Brewers receive:

  • Christian Yelich, OF

Marlins receive:

We expected that the package would be significant given Yelich’s talent and a contract that will pay him around $10 million a year for the next five seasons. It is big with Brinson as the headliner. The young outfielder just appeared 18th on Baseball America’s recently released top-100 list, while Eric Lohenhagen placed a 60 future-value grade on Brinson, making him one of the best prospects in baseball.

The deal isn’t just Brinson and filler, either. Longenhagen listed Monte Harrison as the third-best prospect in the Brewers system, with Isan Diaz close behind at the six spot. All three profile as average regulars at least. Yamamoto is more of a project, but he has an above-average curveball.

Just a few days ago, Jeff Sullivan examined a potential Brewers trade for Yelich:

What the Brewers have assembled is a cheap, young foundation. They have dozens of would-be major-league contributors, average starters or plug-in role players. Everyone has his own share of upside. But looking at the 2018 Steamer projections, the Brewers don’t have a single player in the top 150. By WAR, you find Jimmy Nelson ranked at No. 156, and Nelson seemed to break out last season as an ace, but he’s also going to miss the start of the regular season, because he’s coming off major shoulder surgery. And Nelson, it turns out, is the Brewers’ only player in the top 300. I don’t mean to suggest that Steamer is flawless, and I don’t mean to suggest that Ryan Braun or Domingo Santana or Chase Anderson are bad. But this isn’t a club with an obvious star. The best player is a question mark, because of his health. Stars aren’t everything, but good teams tend to need them, which could explain the Brewers’ pursuits. They know they already have plenty of upside, but it’d be good to also have some higher-end certainty.

The Brewers have that higher-end certainty. They might still do more.


Job Posting: MLB Advanced Media Data Quality Analyst

Data Quality Analyst

MLB Advanced Media, New York, MLB Advanced Media, San Francisco

Position: Data Quality Analyst

Reports to: Director of Engineering, Data Quality

Location: NYC or SF

MLBAM is looking to fill the position of Data Quality Analyst. As a Data Quality Analyst at MLBAM, you will be part of the newly created Data Quality group, which is responsible for ensuring the utmost integrity of the information maintained and supported by the Baseball Data team, including the Statcast and Gameday applications, and communicating with various stakeholders, including MLB clubs, broadcast partners, and web/mobile properties. In this role you will partner closely with world-class talent across technical, advanced analytics, and subject matter experts to improve our operations and products. You will have some of the richest and most robust data at your fingertips and an opportunity to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

  • Investigate potential data quality issues both proactively and responsively
  • Respond directly to inquiries from MLB clubs, broadcasters, and MLB/MLBAM leadership
  • Compose and edit documentation and communicate best practices to consumers with varying technical backgrounds
  • Maintain status reports and issue logs for internal monitoring and external transparency
  • Query the database and build statistical reports/models as appropriate to identify and detect trends
  • Design internal and external-facing reports to communicate system health and status to various stakeholders
  • Correspond with technical and operational leadership to address issues at the deepest level
  • Collaborate with the Statcast engineering, database, data science, and content teams to strengthen the next generation of storytelling metrics
  • Contribute to the testing and validation of new data, analyses, and solutions

Required Skills & Experience

  • Experience communicating professionally in a customer support role with technical and non-technical users via phone, email, blog, instant message, and other media
  • Detailed knowledge of cutting-edge tracking technology, including optical and radar systems
  • Critical thinking skills and the ability to apply analytical insights to improve data
  • Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays, especially during baseball season
  • Baseball Fan Strongly Preferred
  • Experience servicing MLB clubs and baseball industry vendors from a technical and business development perspective
  • Intimate familiarity with baseball tracking systems, especially Pitch F/X and Statcast
  • Advanced knowledge of SQL or similar database querying experience
  • Familiarity with R and/or Python for data science

Click here to Apply!


The 2018 Hardball Times Annual Is Here!

This morning, we’re launching The Hardball Times Baseball Annual 2018!

This year’s Annual returns with a great line up of contributors from The Hardball Times and FanGraphs — folks like Jeff Sullivan, Eric Longenhagen, Kate Preusser, Adam Dorhauer, Jack Moore, Britni de la Cretaz, Carson Cistulli, Sarah Wexler, Chris Mitchell, Neil Weinberg, and Travis Sawchik, among others — plus a few special guests.

It’s our first online edition, which we hope will make the smart, incisive work in it more accessible and easier to share. And in an effort to bring you as many different kinds of baseball stories as possible, we’re pleased to feature another first — a fiction section.

We’re really proud of the work this team has done to bring you insight across Commentary, Analysis, History, and Fiction, and we hope the Annual helps you pass this slow offseason with a bit more ease. Thank you for reading!


Four Elected to Hall of Fame, None Are Edgar Martinez

Jim Thome, seen here frozen in carbonite, was elected to the Hall in his first year of eligibility.
(Photo: Erik Drost)

The Hall of Fame is adding to its roster this year with a large class of players. The Eras Committee already elected Jack Morris and Alan Trammell back in December. Today, the BBWAA announced the results of their own vote, which includes four more honorees for next summer: first-time candidates Chipper Jones and Jim Thome, as well as holdovers Vladimir Guerrero and Trevor Hoffman.

Jones and Thome sailed in on the first try, while Guerrero easily cleared the 75% bar this year after falling 15 votes short last year in his first appearance on the ballot. Hoffman’s path was less direct. After becoming eligible two years ago and appearing on 67.3% of ballots, he fell just five votes short last year. In public voting, he was tracking just above 75% for most of the winter — this after receiving a similar percentage of both the private and public vote.* Given those trends, Hoffman had a good shot at election. He makes it in his third try.

*Not all votes are available, as the Hall rejected the BBWAA’s request that ballots be made public.

Read the rest of this entry »