Every Bunt of the 2023 Postseason, Ranked

Joe Rondone/The Republic/USA TODAY NETWORK

You might have noticed a surfeit of bunting in this postseason, or at least it seemed that way because Geraldo Perdomo was in the World Series. I, the man who launched an impromptu Bunt Week two months ago, could not let the opportunity pass to sit in judgment of these bunts.

We often decry the sacrifice bunt as a needless waste of outs, but a bunt for a hit can be one of the most audacious, skilled plays in the sport, as beautiful in its own way as a light-tower home run. In fact, every bunt is distinctive and wonderful, and so each must be examined — all 26 of them — for procedural and results-based value, tactical and strategic context, as well as aesthetic value. These are just the 26 bunts that resulted in action, according to Baseball Savant, so be warned: failed bunt attempts are not featured. If you’re looking for that failed Trea Turner push bunt in Game 7 of the NLCS, you will not find it here. (Though for the record, I didn’t hate it.)

Let us judge the bunts. Read the rest of this entry »


Job Posting: Cleveland Guardians – Area Scout, Amateur Scouting Fellow

Direct Links (Please see full job postings below):

Area Scout, Amateur Scouting
Amateur Scouting Fellow


Area Scout, Amateur Scouting

Primary Purpose:
The Cleveland Guardians are seeking an Area Scout to join their Amateur Scouting department. At a high level, Area Scouts execute the organization’s scouting process by knowing players and their areas well to prepare the organization for acquisition opportunities. Area Scouts will be expected to gather quality intel while building networks that extend through their region and into professional baseball.

The ideal candidate will be curious, creative, open-minded, and excited to work in a collaborative and rapidly changing environment. The candidate will be able to clearly communicate with others, build trusting relationships, and execute the organization’s vision through passion, resourcefulness, and strategic thinking. They will take the initiative to advance the Guardians’ procedures and philosophies, especially related to our scouting process and the Major League Baseball draft.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Lead and execute the scouting process by applying organizational philosophies to know players and the assigned area well.
  • Build and maintain professional relationships with players, families, and stakeholders across the amateur baseball landscape.
  • Gather and document information to provide holistic assessments and further the organization’s understanding of players. This includes but is not limited to biographical, background, and scheduling information; video capture; unique data collection; and otherwise.
  • Communicate and collaborate with internal stakeholders daily.

Requirements:

The Cleveland Guardians are committed to developing and maintaining an environment that embraces all forms of diversity to enrich our core values, enhance our competitive position, strengthen our impact within our community, and foster a greater sense of belonging for our employees. In this spirit, we know studies have shown that people from historically underserved groups – including women, people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, and people who identify as LGBTQ – are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and understand that candidates may bring certain skills and experiences to the role that are not listed within this job description, but that would add tremendous value to our organization. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.

  • Bachelor’s degree or prior professional experience
  • Demonstrated passion for scouting, baseball analytics, sports science, hitting or pitching analysis and/or biomechanics, strength and conditioning, motor learning, or other baseball or softball-related fields.

Preferred Experience:
While we are looking for candidates who bring a variety of skill sets, successful Area Scouts have possessed some of the following skills:

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
  • Working knowledge of advanced baseball statistics and publicly available research.
  • The ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus but not necessary.
  • Demonstrated experience with a database language such as SQL.

Standard Requirements:

  • Represents the Cleveland Guardians in a positive manner to the scouting community, players, coaches, and the general public.
  • Reads, speaks, comprehends, and communicates English effectively across all mediums.
  • This position will require travel to games, workouts, and events across the country.
  • Ability to develop and maintain successful working relationships with members in all departments of the organization.
  • Ability to act according to organizational values in pursuit of excellence at all times.
  • Ability to work with diverse populations and have a demonstrated commitment to social justice.
  • Ability to walk, sit, or stand for an entire shift.
  • Ability to work extended days and hours, including holidays and weekends.
  • Ability to move throughout all areas and levels of a ballpark.
  • Ability to work in a diverse and changing environment.
  • Occasional physical activity such as lifting and carrying equipment up to 25 lbs.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.


Amateur Scouting Fellow

Primary Purpose:
The Guardians Fellowship program is designed to accelerate the pace of development and impact for people interested in working for our organization. Fellowship roles are focused on solving complex challenges and developing new approaches, tools, and techniques to meaningfully drive the organization forward.

The Guardians are seeking Fellows to join their Amateur Scouting department. Each Fellow will collaborate with and be a resource for the Amateur Scouting staff. Fellows will be expected to manage the collection of multiple data streams on amateur players to prepare the organization for acquisition opportunities.

The ideal candidate will be curious, creative, open-minded, and excited to work in a collaborative and rapidly changing environment. The candidate will be able to clearly communicate with others, build trusting relationships, and execute the organization’s vision through passion, resourcefulness, and strategic thinking. They will take the initiative to advance the Guardians’ procedures and philosophies, especially related to the Major League Baseball draft.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Understand and apply organizational philosophies to all phases of the scouting and information-gathering processes.
  • Assist with the organization and execution of the scouting process through robust data/information collection to support and contribute to holistic player assessments.
  • Assist scouting staff with various administrative tasks, such as database management and scheduling.
  • Manage data collection and submission processes from all player assessment opportunities, including but not limited to games, workouts, and events.

Requirements:
The Cleveland Guardians are committed to developing and maintaining an environment that embraces all forms of diversity to enrich our core values, enhance our competitive position, strengthen our impact within our community, and foster a greater sense of belonging for our employees. In this spirit, we know studies have shown that people from historically underserved groups – including women, people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, and people who identify as LGBTQ – are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and understand that candidates may bring certain skills and experiences to the role that are not listed within this job description, but that would add tremendous value to our organization. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.

  • Bachelor’s degree or
  • Demonstrated passion for scouting, baseball analytics, sports science, hitting or pitching analysis and/or biomechanics, strength and conditioning, motor learning, or other baseball or softball-related fields.

Preferred Experience:
While we are looking for candidates who bring a variety of skill sets, successful fellows have possessed some of the following skills:

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
  • Working knowledge of advanced baseball statistics and publicly available research.
  • The ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus but not necessary.

Standard Requirements:

  • Represents the Cleveland Guardians in a positive manner to the scouting community, players, coaches, and the general public.
  • Reads, speaks, comprehends, and communicates English effectively across all mediums.
  • This position will require travel to games, workouts, and events across the country.
  • Ability to develop and maintain successful working relationships with members in all departments of the organization.
  • Ability to act according to organizational values in pursuit of excellence at all times.
  • Ability to work with diverse populations and have a demonstrated commitment to social justice.
  • Ability to walk, sit, or stand for an entire shift.
  • Ability to work extended days and hours, including holidays and weekends.
  • Ability to move throughout all areas and levels of a ballpark.
  • Ability to work in a diverse and changing environment.
  • Occasional physical activity such as lifting and carrying equipment up to 25 lbs.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Cleveland Guardians.


Job Posting: Philadelphia Phillies – Organizational Intern, Major League Strategy

Organizational Intern, Major League Strategy

Department: Baseball Development
Location: Philadelphia, PA

Position Overview
The primary role of this position is to support the day-to-day production of material that enhances the strategy and preparedness of our major league coaching staff and players. This position will integrate critical thought with organizational research and resources to provide high quality information to our major league staff.

Responsibilities
Breakdown of responsibilities may vary depending on the background and strengths of the candidate. We hope to develop the selected individual based on their goals and how they can best help The Phillies. Previous responsibilities covered by this role and areas you might be able to make an impact include:

  • Pre-series advance reports covering all aspects of opposing players
  • Research and analysis to guide player development at the major league and minor league levels 
  • Production and formatting of information cards that drive in-game strategy 
  • Participation in group discussions to innovate and optimize internal processes
  • Ad hoc projects to support major league coaches, Baseball Development and Baseball Operations
  • Assist major league coaches with carrying out player training and preparation routines 

Required Qualifications:

  • Careful attention to detail and strong problem-solving aptitude
  • Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills
  • Strong foundational knowledge in modern baseball analysis and evaluation
  • Ability to multitask and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a team setting
  • Must be able to work flexible hours, including holidays, weekends and evenings as needed
  • Must be based in or willing to relocate to Philadelphia for the duration of the 2024 season

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Fluency in Spanish 
  • Proficiency in SQL, R, and/or Python
  • Experience building models and/or making rigorous predictions about on-field outcomes
  • Experience interacting with statistical forecasts and providing information additive to existing processes

Interested applicants should submit both their resume, cover letter, and an answer to the following question:

Who is the best defender in Major League Baseball? Explain your reasoning. Please limit your response to 300 words.

Tip: There’s no defined right or wrong answer. Responses are used to get some insight into your thoughts on what is important in Baseball Development.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.

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


Effectively Wild Episode 2079: The Rangers Are the Residue of Design

EWFI
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Meg’s experience covering the World Series in Arizona, then discuss the most interesting aspects of the series, what (if anything) teams could learn from the Rangers’ success, the futures of the Rangers and Diamondbacks, the entertainment value of the 2023 playoffs, and much more.

Audio intro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme
Audio outro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme

Link to Eovaldi interview transcript
Link to Seinfeld car smell
Link to Ben on the Rangers
Link to Baumann on bullpen games
Link to preseason playoff odds
Link to Epstein quote
Link to postseason spreadsheet 1
Link to postseason spreadsheet 2

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 Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com


Contract Crowdsourcing 2023-24: Ballot 9 of 11

Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Free agency begins five days after the end of the World Series. As in other recent seasons, FanGraphs is once again facilitating a contract crowdsourcing project, with the idea being to harness the wisdom of the crowd to better understand and project the 2023-24 free agent market.

In recent years, we’ve added a few features to these ballots based on reader feedback. You now have the option to indicate that a player will only receive a minor-league contract, or won’t receive one at all. If there is a player option, team option, or opt out in a player’s contract, you’ll be able to indicate whether you think he will remain with his current team or become a free agent. Numbers are prorated to full season where noted. The projected WAR figures are from the first cut of the 2024 Steamer600 projections.

Below are ballots for 11 of this year’s free agents — in this case, a group of relievers. Read the rest of this entry »


Contract Crowdsourcing 2023-24: Ballot 8 of 11

Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Free agency begins five days after the end of the World Series. As in other recent seasons, FanGraphs is once again facilitating a contract crowdsourcing project, with the idea being to harness the wisdom of the crowd to better understand and project the 2023-24 free agent market.

In recent years, we’ve added a few features to these ballots based on reader feedback. You now have the option to indicate that a player will only receive a minor-league contract, or won’t receive one at all. If there is a player option, team option, or opt out in a player’s contract, you’ll be able to indicate whether you think he will remain with his current team or become a free agent. Numbers are prorated to full season where noted. The projected WAR figures are from the first cut of the 2024 Steamer600 projections.

Below are ballots for nine of this year’s free agents — in this case, another group of starting pitchers. Read the rest of this entry »


What Happens When During the Offseason

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The confetti has fallen, the Texas Rangers are World Series champions, and the offseason is upon us. Unlike the other major sports, the baseball offseason is usually a slow drip, which means there are a lot of transaction and roster deadlines between now and when pitchers and catchers report in the spring. Here are some key dates and events to keep in mind as you navigate the coming winter.

November 2

All XX(B) players officially become free agents

XX(B) free agents include all players with six or more years of service on an expiring contract who ended the season on the major league roster or injured list, excluding those with contract options or opt outs, as their decision doesn’t have to occur until later. There are a few exceptions to the rule, as due to clauses in their contracts, players with NPB or KBO experience like Shintaro Fujinami need not be at six years of service to reach free agency, as Fujinami will. Read the rest of this entry »


The Big Turnaround, the Big Managerial Comeback and More: Five Thoughts on the Rangers’ Championship

Rob Schumacher/The Republic/USA TODAY NETWORK

For much of Wednesday night, it appeared as though the World Series might head back to Texas, as Zac Gallen held the Rangers hitless for six innings in a dominant and impressive Game 5 performance, particularly given the circumstances. The Rangers came to life with a quick flurry of three hits off Gallen in the seventh inning, however, scratching out a run. They added four more in the ninth to pull away with a 5-0 win, giving them their first championship in franchise history.

There’s a lot to be said about that championship. Here are five thoughts — on the team’s turnaround from ignominy, their long wait, their road to victory, their postseason stars, and their Hall of Fame-bound manager — that I hope add some history and perspective to their accomplishment. Read the rest of this entry »


In New York, Judge’s Roberto Clemente Award Win Carries Special Meaning

Aaron Judge
Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

I’m sure it feels fantastic to win a Cy Young or Most Valuable Player award. It’s all your hard work and dedication to your craft being rewarded at the highest possible level. Aaron Judge has won an MVP award himself after swatting 62 home runs in 2022. But this year, he was honored with an even more prestigious award — one separate from the game, and one that is dedicated to one of the most altruistic professional athletes of any generation, Roberto Clemente.

Each year, one player from every team is nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award, and one is honored as the recipient. Here are the criteria, via MLB.com: “The Roberto Clemente Award is bestowed annually to the player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.”

Winning this award is an incredible achievement for Judge, who started the ALL RISE Foundation in 2018 and has been a pioneer in supporting the Bronx, Fresno County, San Joaquin County, and his childhood home of Linden, California. The foundation facilitates several initiatives and programs including but not limited to student leadership development, youth character, health and well-being, and much more. Developing communities and providing the youth with the resources they need to become future leaders is at the crux of the foundation.

Judge is the first Yankees player to receive the award since Derek Jeter in 2009. Many baseball stars know the importance of using their resources to imbue the qualities of somebody like Clemente. But it is even more important for somebody like Jeter or Judge as public persons representing New York. Clemente is a hero, a legend — whatever word you want to use — to Puerto Ricans (and Latin America in general). And when I refer to Puerto Ricans, I’m talking about both those on the island and those who have migrated to the states, especially New York (Nuyoricans), of which there are many. Read the rest of this entry »


These Bullpen Games Are Tearing Me Apart

Rob Schumacher/Arizona Republic/USA TODAY NETWORK

In Game 4 of the NLCS, Torey Lovullo ran out of starting pitchers, so he sent Joe Mantiply out there, and decided to mix and match with the rest of his relievers until the game was either won or lost. And it worked. Phillies manager Rob Thomson also went to his bullpen early, and before too long we had a close matchup of dueling bullpens. The hope in such a strategy is merely to survive to see the endgame, and pit one’s high-leverage relievers against the opponent’s offense, just as would be the case with a conventional starter.

Both teams got that far. Andrew Saalfrank had a little bit of a meltdown, but Orion Kerkering and Craig Kimbrel had a big meltdown, so the Diamondbacks won. Faced with an identical conundrum in Game 4 of the World Series, Lovullo played “Freebird” again and called on Mantiply once more.

How did it go? Not too badly for Mantiply, who was a bit unlucky to take the loss after striking out three batters and allowing two hits in an inning and a third. But after that, the Arizona bullpen imploded like an overripe tomato under the wheel of a dump truck. Read the rest of this entry »