Job Posting: Washington Nationals – Intern, Major League Operations (2024 Season)

Intern, Major League Operations (2024 Season)

Job Classification: Part-Time
Location: Nationals Park, Washington, DC

Summary:
Contribute to Washington Nationals Baseball Operations for the 2024 season as one of our highly valued interns. We’re looking for accomplished individuals who can contribute to our front office by specializing in work related to Major League Operations. This internship is for the 2024 season and typically spans from Opening Day to November 1st. We will also consider candidates available after completion of the spring semester.

The Major League Operations internship includes assisting the Baseball Operations Department with day-to-day assignments, along with long term projects centered on roster management, salary arbitration, transactions, and the economics of baseball. A degree in economics, statistics, computer science or mathematics is preferred, and it is expected that the candidate will be able to demonstrate an interest and understanding of both publicly available sabermetrics research and the economics of baseball. Experience in finance or consulting is valued, as well as baseball/softball playing experience at the collegiate or professional level.

The Nationals are a military-friendly organization actively recruiting veterans and spouses.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Manage recurring tasks such as updating depth charts, maintaining tracking sheets, and disseminating daily reports
  • Ad hoc data analysis projects
  • Review of new research from various external analytical sources
  • Assist with major baseball events such as the trade deadline, the amateur draft, and salary arbitration
  • Support with general office administration
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements:
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

  • Undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university
  • Undergraduate or graduate degree in Economics, Statistics, Computer Science, or Mathematics preferred
  • Experience in Finance or Consulting preferred
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • College or professional baseball/softball playing experience preferred
  • Available for the entire term of the Internship
  • Authorized to work in the United States

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities necessary to perform essential functions:

  • Highly motivated and excellent attention to detail
  • Demonstrated passion for baseball and baseball operations
  • Excellent communication skills including the ability to write clearly and effectively
  • Ability to use time efficiently
  • Proficient in MS Office applications such as Excel and PowerPoint
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Uphold Core Values: Excellence, Performance, and Accountability. These core values set the tone in everything we do, help us succeed on and off the field, make a difference in the community and provide the best guest experience in sports. It is important that the person in the position commits themselves to these core values so that we can constantly move forward in the same direction—together.

Physical/Environmental Requirements

  • Office: Working conditions are normal for an office environment. Work may require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

All applicants for employment at the Washington Nationals are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to commencing employment. Applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment will be required to produce proof of vaccination status prior to their first day of employment. Applicants with qualifying disabilities or bona fide religious objections may be exempted from this requirement or otherwise accommodated if they are unable to be vaccinated.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Washington Nationals.


Job Posting: Chicago Cubs – Baseball R&D: Analytics & Sciences Opportunities

CHICAGO CUBS BASEBALL R&D: ANALYTICS & SCIENCES OPPORTUNITIES
The Chicago Cubs Baseball Research & Development team is looking for analysts to contribute to the Baseball Analytics and Baseball Sciences teams. We have consolidated applications for these two roles so that candidates only need to apply once to be considered for both roles. There will also be an opportunity to specify the role that you think is a better fit.

Analyst, Baseball Analytics

REPORTS TO: Director, Baseball Analytics
FLSA STATUS: Exempt

The Chicago Cubs are seeking analysts to join the Baseball Analytics group in the Baseball Operations’ Research and Development team. This role will focus on constructing models that estimate skills, likelihoods, and contexts for various baseball phenomena. The analyst will work closely with the entirety of the R&D department to develop methods to process data, improve the effective understanding and application of data, and disseminate analytic insights throughout the organization. Analysts may focus their efforts towards collaborating with the Advanced Scouting, Amateur Scouting, International Scouting, Professional Scouting, Baseball Sciences, or Player Development groups, as strengths dictate.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Create data modeling pipelines that maintain up-to-date predictions of a variety of baseball metrics

  • Analyze collected data leveraging in-house models and insights

  • Research, develop, and test methods and models for the purpose of player assessment, development, and acquisition, as well as the optimization of in-game strategy

  • Effectively present analyses using written reports and data visualization methods to communicate relevant findings

  • Work with Baseball Systems team to integrate new statistical analyses, models, and data visualizations into Cubs web applications

  • Incorporate new analysis into existing data processes to improve automated reporting

  • Identify, diagnose, and resolve data quality issues

  • Handle data and analysis requests from the coaching staff and other departments within Baseball Operations

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a quantitative field such as statistics, engineering, mathematics, physics, quantitative social sciences, computer science, or operations research

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Proficiency with SQL, and at least one statistical programming language (e.g., Julia, MATLAB, Python, R)

  • Expertise in one or more of the following areas: advanced baseball analytics, specialized statistical methods, implementation of models in a productionized data pipeline (i.e., MLOps)

  • Familiarity with advanced statistical modeling techniques

  • Relevant experience working in baseball preferred

Response Expectations:
Due to the overwhelming number of applications we receive, we unfortunately may not be able to respond in person to each applicant. However, we can assure you that you will receive an email confirmation when you apply as well as additional email notifications whether you are selected to move forward for the position or not. Please note, we keep all resumes on file and will contact you should we wish to schedule an interview with you.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.


Analyst, Baseball Sciences

REPORTS TO: Director, Baseball Sciences
FLSA STATUS: Exempt

ROLE
The Chicago Cubs are seeking an analyst to join the Baseball Sciences group in the Baseball Operations’ Research and Development department. This role will focus on improving our understanding of player performance through the analysis of various data sources and technologies, including motion capture, force plates, wearable sensors, and off-field assessments. The analyst will be responsible for performing quantitative research on existing data while also helping the organization identify novel technologies or initiatives that could lead to further insight. The ideal candidate will possess strong quantitative skills, the ability to think critically and creativity, domain-specific knowledge/experience, and the ability to communicate effectively to non-technical stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Perform quantitative research to better understand and quantify player performance

  • Identify and evaluate new technologies and assessments

  • Work with the Baseball Analytics group to integrate Baseball Sciences research into player valuation models

  • Communicate research insights to various departments and stakeholders—including coaches, scouts, trainers, and S&C staff

  • Collaborate with Player Development to design/oversee initiatives that can help answer research hypotheses

  • Stay up to date with academic literature and public research

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s or advanced degree in either a quantitative field (statistics, engineering, physics, computer science, etc.) or a domain-specific field (biomechanics, exercise science, neuroscience, etc.)

  • Proficiency with SQL and at least one statistical programming language (Julia, MATLAB, Python, R)

  • Familiarity with advanced statistical modeling and machine learning techniques

  • Experience analyzing motion capture data or other relevant time-series data sources

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Experience working in baseball preferred

Response Expectations:
Due to the overwhelming number of applications we receive, we unfortunately may not be able to respond in person to each applicant. However, we can assure you that you will receive an email confirmation when you apply as well as additional email notifications whether you are selected to move forward for the position or not. Please note, we keep all resumes on file and will contact you should we wish to schedule an interview with you.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Chicago Cubs.


Job Posting: Oakland Athletics – Junior Data Engineer, Junior Biomechanist

Direct Links (Please see full job postings below):

Junior Data Engineer
Junior Biomechanist


Junior Data Engineer

Department: Baseball Operations
Reporting to: Assistant GM, Baseball Development & Technology
Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Full-time Location (City, State): Mesa, AZ, OR remote

About the A’s:
The Oakland A’s are a baseball team founded in 1901. They have a rich history, having won nine World Series championships and 15 American League pennants. The A’s are known for pioneering the “Moneyball” approach to team-building, which focuses on using statistical analysis to identify undervalued players.

In addition to their success on the field, the Oakland A’s also have a positive and dynamic work culture. They have been recognized twice as the Front Office Sports, Best Employers in Sports.

The A’s are defined by their core pillars of being Dynamic, Innovative, and Inclusive. Working for the A’s offers the opportunity to be part of an innovative organization that values its employees and strives to create a positive work environment.

Description:
The Oakland A’s are hiring for a full-time Junior Data Engineer to assist the Baseball Operations Department. This position will mainly support all Baseball Operations data ingestion, administration, and support, crossing into Player Development and Research & Development. This position is based out of Mesa, AZ or has the potential to be remote.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop efficient processes to import and maintain data from external data sources.
  • Document and optimize existing data pipeline processes.
  • Ensure all datasets are properly designed for R&D department usage.
  • Collaborate with data scientists and analysts to explore and improve statistical model outputs.
  • Perform ad-hoc queries for front office and coaching / video staff as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • Applicable degree from accredited college or university.
  • Experience working with relational databases – SQL Server preferred.
  • Experience with importing data from different sources (API, flat file, database) via data programming languages – Python preferred. 
  • Experience writing and optimizing SQL queries.
  • Strong organizational skills and excellent attention to detail.
  • Familiarity with statistics and data science concepts.
  • Understanding of data lifecycle and testing requirements.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office or Google G Suite.
  • Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.

The Oakland A’s diversity statement:
Diversity Statement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are in our organizational DNA. Our commitment to these values is unwavering – on and off the field. Together, we continue to build an inclusive, innovative, and dynamic culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates belonging and amplifies diverse voices. Combining a collaborative and innovative work environment with talented and diverse team members, we’ve created a workforce in which every team member has the tools to reach their full potential.

Equal Opportunity Consideration:
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.


Junior Biomechanist

Department: Baseball Operations
Reporting to: Director, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Full-time Location (City, State): Mesa, AZ

About the A’s:
The Oakland A’s are a baseball team founded in 1901. They have a rich history, having won nine World Series championships and 15 American League pennants. The A’s are known for pioneering the “Moneyball” approach to team-building, which focuses on using statistical analysis to identify undervalued players.

In addition to their success on the field, the Oakland A’s also have a positive and dynamic work culture. They have been recognized twice as the Front Office Sports, Best Employers in Sports.

The A’s are defined by their core pillars of being Dynamic, Innovative, and Inclusive. Working for the A’s offers the opportunity to be part of an innovative organization that values its employees and strives to create a positive work environment.

Description:
The Oakland A’s are hiring for a full-time Junior Biomechanist alongside and in conjunction with the Lead Sport Scientist / Biomechanist and the Sports Medicine / Performance department. This position will assist in numerous organizational priorities, including building and reporting new sports performance reports and metrics, playing an active role in biomechanical evaluations of both internal and external organizational players, and serving as a keystone for stakeholders between the Major League, Baseball Operations, Research and Development, Player Development and Sports Science staffs. This position will be primarily based out of Mesa, AZ.

Responsibilities:

  • Organize, interpret, and execute data-based analysis of in-game biomechanical data.
  • Collaborate with Lead Sport Scientist / Biomechanist to establish objective measures and workload-based reports relating to player health and injury prevention.
  • Assist with development and execution of performance science initiatives across the organization, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
  • Effectively collaborate and communicate with player development, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, and front office staff.
  • Test, implement, and create protocols for new and developing technologies within the baseball science world.
  • Work with Performance Staff, Player Development, and Baseball Research and Development departments to improve and tailor individual player development plans.

Requirements:

  • A graduate-level degree in biomechanics or a related field, or demonstrated experience collecting, interpreting, modeling, and applying biomechanics data.
  • Demonstrated work in sports science or performance field, either with team or program, relating to data collection, analysis, and implementation.
  • Biomechanics background or experience working with biomechanical data.
  • Prior knowledge of motion capture and other technologies.
  • Excellent communication skills including written and verbal.
  • Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Some travel required (California, affiliate cities, or elsewhere).

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience and proficiency with: biomechanical datasets, Database querying (e.g., SQL) and statistical software (e.g., R, Python).
  • Strong proficiency in data analysis tools.

The Oakland A’s diversity statement:
Diversity Statement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are in our organizational DNA. Our commitment to these values is unwavering – on and off the field. Together, we continue to build an inclusive, innovative, and dynamic culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates belonging and amplifies diverse voices. Combining a collaborative and innovative work environment with talented and diverse team members, we’ve created a workforce in which every team member has the tools to reach their full potential.

Equal Opportunity Consideration:
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Oakland Athletics.


Job Posting: Oakland Athletics – Advance Scouting Analyst, Player Development Analyst

Direct Links (Please see full job postings below):

Advance Scouting Analyst
Player Development Analyst


Advance Scouting Analyst

Department: Baseball Operations
Reporting to: Director, Baseball Development
Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Full-time Location (City, State): Oakland, CA

About the A’s:
The Oakland A’s are a baseball team founded in 1901. They have a rich history, having won nine World Series championships and 15 American League pennants. The A’s are known for pioneering the “Moneyball” approach to team-building, which focuses on using statistical analysis to identify undervalued players.

In addition to their success on the field, the Oakland A’s also have a positive and dynamic work culture. They have been recognized twice as the Front Office Sports, Best Employers in Sports.

The A’s are defined by their core pillars of being Dynamic, Innovative, and Inclusive. Working for the A’s offers the opportunity to be part of an innovative organization that values its employees and strives to create a positive work environment.

Description:
The Oakland A’s are hiring for a full-time Advance Scouting Analyst to assist the Advance Scouting Department. This position crosses into the intersection of several fields (Baseball Operations, Player Development, Video, Research & Analytics). The ideal candidate will seamlessly integrate into the advance work process, aiding the coaching and video support staff in pre-game and game tasks for the duration of the 2024 season. This position will be primarily based out of Oakland, CA, but will require extensive travel with the Major League club.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist in pre-game preparation and assignments for coaching and advance staff.
  • Perform ad-hoc queries for coaching and video staff, and front office as needed.
  • Help chart, film, and clip early work and game video and data feeds.
  • Navigate through public and proprietary data sources for strategic insights.

Requirements:

  • Degree from accredited college or university.
  • Demonstrated quantitative background, either by degree or work sample (SQL, R, Python, Tableau, or other programming language).
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office or Google G Suite.
  • Excellent verbal communication and problem solving IT or other technical issues.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Playing background (baseball or softball) at the collegiate level or above is a plus.
  • Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Willingness to travel with the Major League club up to 90 days a year.

The Oakland A’s diversity statement:
Diversity Statement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are in our organizational DNA. Our commitment to these values is unwavering – on and off the field. Together, we continue to build an inclusive, innovative, and dynamic culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates belonging and amplifies diverse voices. Combining a collaborative and innovative work environment with talented and diverse team members, we’ve created a workforce in which every team member has the tools to reach their full potential.

Equal Opportunity Consideration:
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

In adherence to California’s Pay Transparency Act (SB 1162), the salary range for this role is $65,000 – $70,000, consistent with California’s minimum salary threshold requirement.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.


Player Development Analyst

Department: Baseball Operations
Reporting to: Director, Baseball Development
Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Full-time Location (City, State): Mesa, AZ

About the A’s:
The Oakland A’s are a baseball team founded in 1901. They have a rich history, having won nine World Series championships and 15 American League pennants. The A’s are known for pioneering the “Moneyball” approach to team-building, which focuses on using statistical analysis to identify undervalued players.

In addition to their success on the field, the Oakland A’s also have a positive and dynamic work culture. They have been recognized twice as the Front Office Sports, Best Employers in Sports.

The A’s are defined by their core pillars of being Dynamic, Innovative, and Inclusive. Working for the A’s offers the opportunity to be part of an innovative organization that values its employees and strives to create a positive work environment.

Description:
The Oakland A’s are hiring for a full-time Player Development Analyst to assist the Player Development Department. This position will handle multiple responsibilities, including building and reporting new statistical models and findings, assisting in producing player improvement plans, and serve as a resource for the Player Development and Sports Science staff. This position will also assist in operating and producing analysis for various tracking technologies. This position will be primarily based out of Mesa, AZ.

Responsibilities:

  • Produce statistical analysis and reporting for Player Development coaching staff.
  • Conduct research projects for various groups within Player Development (Strength & Conditioning, Sports Science).
  • Collaborate with the research and development team on statistical modeling techniques and projects with a focus on Player Development.
  • Assist with the capture and analysis of ball and player tracking technologies.
  • Assist the staff with ad-hoc analysis and reporting.

Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree in math, computer science, economics, statistics or related quantitative field.
  • Strong proficiency in SQL and R.
  • Experience with Microsoft Excel is a plus.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Self-starter with an ability to handle multiple tasks and responsibilities.
  • Excellent communication skills including written and verbal; ability to present ideas clearly and concisely.
  • Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Willingness to occasionally travel to Oakland, CA, minor league affiliates, or elsewhere.
  • Playing background (baseball or softball) at the collegiate level or above is a plus.

The Oakland A’s diversity statement:
Diversity Statement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are in our organizational DNA. Our commitment to these values is unwavering – on and off the field. Together, we continue to build an inclusive, innovative, and dynamic culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates belonging and amplifies diverse voices. Combining a collaborative and innovative work environment with talented and diverse team members, we’ve created a workforce in which every team member has the tools to reach their full potential.

Equal Opportunity Consideration:
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Oakland Athletics.


Snake Me Home Tonight: Carroll Breakout Sends Arizona to World Series

Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

PHILADELPHIA – “A lot of people don’t believe in us,” Diamondbacks infielder Geraldo Perdomo said before Game 7 of the NLCS. “I think that’s why we play with the patience we’re playing with right now, to prove to everyone we can do it.”

“Nobody believed in us” is such a hackneyed trope in sports motivation, one that’s been co-opted over and over by teams that everyone believed in. But Perdomo was absolutely right to invoke it; the Diamondbacks were the lowest seed in this year’s playoffs, and before that a dark horse to make the postseason at all. They were under .500 in August, for goodness’ sake. Manager Torey Lovullo was asked after Game 7 if, in mid-August, he thought he’d be in this situation now. “To be totally honest, no,” he said.

But here they are. They took two must-win games against the defending National League champions in one of the most hostile environments in baseball, the latest by a score of 4-2. And now the Diamondbacks, pennant in hand, are off for Texas and a shot at the second World Series title in club history. Read the rest of this entry »


Effectively Wild Episode 2076: Plunk Me Twice, Shame on You

EWFI
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley discuss assorted ALCS and NLCS action and playoff takeaways and trends, with an emphasis on Adolis García’s heroics, the Rangers vanquishing the Astros, MLB’s handling of Bryan Abreu’s suspension, and Craig Kimbrel’s career (plus reactions to the Giants hiring Bob Melvin as their manager).

Audio intro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme
Audio outro: Gabriel-Ernest, “Effectively Wild Theme

Link to García/Abreu video
Link to Garver/Abreu video
Link to Rosenthal on the suspension
Link to Sam on being plunked
Link to Gurriel suspension story
Link to Ben Clemens on Yordan
Link to Kelly exit video
Link to Dusty retirement article
Link to reliever JAWS leaders
Link to MLBTR on Melvin

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 Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com


Rangers Romp to World Series Behind Adolis García’s Dominant Performance

Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Baseball games don’t have a single protagonist. Baseball series don’t have a single protagonist either. The vagaries of a nine-man lineup, four-man rotation, and eight-man bullpen mean that the most important moments of a series feature semi-random matchups. Bryce Harper doesn’t get to bring the ball up, call for an isolation, and try to hit a game-tying home run. You can’t game plan a high-leverage at-bat for your star. It’s just probability; the big moments can’t possibly find the same guy every time, which is what makes baseball such a team sport.

Okay, now that I’ve said that: This game was Adolis García’s game, and this series was his series. He’s been at the center of everything ever since the start of the ALCS, but particularly for the past three games. First, Bryan Abreu hit him with a pitch that emptied the benches in Game 5 and eventually led to a memorable Astros comeback from García’s own three-run homer. He came back on Sunday determined to extract vengeance, and eventually succeeded. He took 16 swings at 22 pitches, first racking up four strikeouts but then hitting a majestic, game-breaking grand slam. On Monday, he was right in the middle of things again.

In the first inning, García stepped into Cristian Javier’s nightmare: Corey Seager demolished a high fastball for a 1-0 lead, Evan Carter walked and stole second, and García was at the plate threatening to break the game open before the Astros even batted. Javier threw him a fastball roughly six inches above the top of the strike zone. But García was up there to swing, not take, and he smashed a single off the face of the left field wall to score Carter. It was more of a double and a running error if I’m being honest; García, intent on celebrating his success against the Astros to the fullest, took a leisurely look at the rapidly receding baseball before he realized it wouldn’t leave the park. He scurried to first at half speed, chagrined, before stealing second immediately. Read the rest of this entry »


Snake It ‘Til You Make It: Kelly’s Heroics Force NLCS Game 7

Merrill Kelly
Arizona Republic

PHILADELPHIA — In the franchise’s biggest game in 22 years, the Diamondbacks played their best game of the NLCS. They finally did serious damage against the Phillies’ rotation, tagging Aaron Nola for four runs in five innings. Merrill Kelly navigated a rough opening stretch and grew stronger as the game grew on, holding Philadelphia to a single run in five innings of his own.

The Diamondbacks’ 5–1 win pushes this series to a Game 7, the first in franchise history for the Phillies, a club that’s been around longer than 12 U.S. states. It also raises a new set of questions: Can Brandon Pfaadt recreate his series-changing Game 3 magic? Can the Phillies right the ship offensively after a dud of a performance in an essential game? And the aliens who abducted Nola before the second inning: Who are they? Where did they come from? And what do they want? Read the rest of this entry »


With Another Colossal Postseason Homer, the Legend of Kyle Schwarber Grows

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The home run that Kyle Schwarber hit off Zac Gallen in the sixth inning of Game 5 of the National League Championship Series wasn’t his biggest of this year’s postseason, unless we’re talking strictly about distance. Like most of Schwarber’s homers, the 461-foot shot was a sight to behold as well as one of the biggest plays of a game that pushed the Phillies to within a win of a return trip to the World Series. With it, the legend of the 30-year-old slugger’s already impressive body of postseason work — which has been aided by his taking trips to the playoffs in eight of his nine seasons — grew even larger.

Schwarber had already helped the Phillies jump ahead of Gallen and the Diamondbacks on Saturday with perhaps his least impressive hit of the postseason. Leading off the first inning, he hit a 30-mph dribbler to third base, then came around to score via singles by Bryce Harper and Bryson Stott; Harper added another run by stealing home on the front end of a delayed double-steal. The score was still 2-0 when Schwarber came up in the top of the sixth. Gallen hung a 2-0 curveball right in the middle of the zone and Schwarber annihilated it:

If you’re wondering about distance — and with a blast like that, who wouldn’t? — that was the fifth-longest postseason homer of the Statcast era. Schwarber owns the second-longest as well, via a 488-footer from last year’s NLCS opener, which trails only a 491-footer by Willson Contreras in Game 4 of the 2017 NLCS. Read the rest of this entry »


Yordan Alvarez, Un-Gameplanable

Yordan Alvarez
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

In the first game of the ALCS, Yordan Alvarez struck out three times; Jordan Montgomery got him on each of those. He had a plan to contain Alvarez, you see, a glorious plan. Jeff Passan profiled it over at ESPN. Pitching Twitter, a group I mostly count myself as a part of, was in rapture. Throw to the perfect locations! Yordan can’t stand this one simple trick! Could even the fiercest batters be tamed if pitchers could only come up with a good plan?

This plan, by the way, was a great one. Alvarez isn’t bad at any part of hitting, but his eye at the plate is his least-outstanding tool. And while he’s a fearsome power hitter, he’s not equally fearsome regardless of where the ball is pitched. Here’s a chart of his career ISO (on balls in play) based on where he makes contact:

On high-and-tight pitches, he doesn’t fare well, at least compared to the rest of his work. The deep blue section low and away is less important — he usually comes up empty when he swings at those — but either high and tight or low and away look like safe harbor for opposing pitchers. Montgomery pitched to maximize these two weaknesses. He worked his batting eye with curveballs below the zone and used his sinker almost exclusively on the inner edge of the plate:

Read the rest of this entry »