Job Posting: Arizona Diamondbacks – Multiple Openings

To Apply:
Interested individuals should send a resume and any supporting materials to bbopsjob@dbacks.com. Please indicate which position you are applying for in the subject line.

Player Personnel Analyst

Reports to: Assistant Director, Player Personnel
Status: Regular Full Time
Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Position Summary:
The Arizona Diamondbacks are seeking an Analyst to fill a full-time role in their Player Personnel department. This position will work with Director and Executive levels of the front office and be responsible for the objective valuation of Major League and Minor League players. A model candidate will leverage analytical skills, a strong sense of creativity, and their knowledge and passion for baseball to provide innovative ideas related to the player personnel decision making process.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Objective evaluation of players covering all 30 Major League organizations, the NPB, KBO, and Independent Leagues.
  • Create and maintain a systematic process for evaluating a large sample of players in an accurate and efficient manner.
  • Utilize statistical models, tools, and data to objectively evaluate professional players, and effectively communicate findings to a nontechnical audience.
  • Generate ideas for player acquisitions, roster construction, and contract decisions.
  • Continuously explore interesting research projects to identify new trends in the game and valuations methods.

Skills:

  • Demonstrated understanding of player valuation and future projection.
  • Ability to write objectively driven player valuation reports.
  • Experience with roster decisions, evaluation of professional players, and the free agent market.
  • Ability to communicate ideas and opinions to members of Baseball Operations.
  • Proficiency in SQL, R, and Python is preferred, but not required.

Intern, Baseball Operations/Player Personnel

Reports to: Assistant Director, Baseball Operations & Assistant Director, Player Personnel
Length: Full-season internship, preferably starting in Jan 2024.
Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Position Summary:
The Arizona Diamondbacks are seeking a full-season intern to work within the Baseball Operations group. The day-to-day responsibilities of this role will vary depending on the baseball calendar, allowing them to gain experience in multiple areas of the department. A model candidate will be able to leverage their analytical skills, a strong sense of creativity and their knowledge and passion for the game of baseball to provide innovative ideas throughout the Baseball Operations decision making process. There will also be an emphasis on player evaluation and an understanding of the pro-personnel landscape.

Responsibilities:

  • Produce statistical analysis and daily reports for the entire baseball related staff.
  • Have a deep understanding of the pro player pool and the ability to write objective evaluation reports.
  • Continuously explore interesting research questions to identify new trends in the game that will lead to competitive advantages.
  • Recommend advancements to the current Baseball Operations procedures and infrastructure to improve efficiency.
  • Assist with the capture and processing of on-field technology at both Chase Field and Salt River Fields.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • A degree from an accredited college or university and/or equivalent experience. Analytical fields such as statistics, predictive analytics, data science, engineering, applied math, physics, computer science, computer vision, etc. are preferred, but not required.
  • A demonstrated quantitative background, either by degree or work sample, is strongly preferred (SQL, R, Python, Tableau, or other programming language).
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Powerpoint) is required.
  • A self-starter with strong communication skills.
  • High level understanding and passion for the game of baseball.
  • Excellent work ethic and attention to detail while balancing multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced work environment.
  • Ability to work evening, weekend, and holiday hours.

Intern, Baseball Research & Development

Reports to: Director, Baseball Research & Development
Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Position Summary:
Responsible for supporting all areas of baseball operations through baseball related data analysis, including statistical modeling, research, visualizations, and other projects. The day-to-day responsibilities of this role will vary depending on baseball calendar, allowing them to gain experience in multiple areas of Baseball Operations.

Responsibilities:

  • Statistical modeling, machine learning, and quantitative analysis of a variety of data sources, for the purpose of player evaluation, strategic decision-making, decision analysis, etc.
  • Present analysis and insights to greater baseball operations group in clear concise manner through written and visual means.
  • Maintain and develop understanding of current state of analytics and technology in baseball as well as using expertise to recommend new and emerging methods.
  • Use fresh perspective to recommend improvements to current Diamondbacks analytical processes.
  • Perform ad-hoc research projects as requested.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in an analytical field such as statistics, predictive analytics, data science, engineering, applied math, physics, computer science, computer vision, etc.
  • Proficiency with database technologies including SQL.
  • Demonstrated experience with programming languages (e.g., R or Python).
  • Strong ability to communicate technical ideas to non-technical audiences using data visualization.
  • High level understanding and passion for the game of baseball.
  • Excellent work ethic and attention to detail while balancing multiple responsibilities in fast-paced work environment.
  • Ability to work evening, weekend, and holiday hours.
  • Other programming and database skills are a plus.

To Apply:
Interested individuals should send a resume and any supporting materials to bbopsjob@dbacks.com. Please indicate which position you are applying for in the subject line.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Arizona Diamondbacks.


Job Posting: Oakland Athletics – Multiple Openings

Direct Links (Please see full job postings below):

Scouting Intern
Minor League Video Assistant


Minor League Video Assistant

Department: Baseball Operations
Reporting to: Manager, Minor League Technology & Development
Job Classification: Seasonal
Full-time Location (City, State): Multiple Locations

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 Athletics are seeking a seasonal Minor League Video Assistant for the 2024 season at each of the minor league affiliates.The ideal candidate will be available to work home and road games traveling with a minor league affiliate team while handling video charting and other technical matters,

Responsibilities:

  • Arrive several hours prior to each game to set up cameras and input rosters and lineups.
  • Be available before games to film bullpens, batting practice, early work, and help players and staff with any video/technology related requests.
  • Chart each home game using Trackman software.
  • Review pitch/game data for any errors at conclusion of game and upload data to TrackMan system.
  • Review questionable pitches with the video to make sure the data going into our system is as accurate as possible.
  • Communicate with support and the Oakland Athletics front office about technical issues that may come up.
  • Import video from cameras into editing software (BATS) to sync and cut up the game’s video.
  • Upload video to the A’s proprietary scouting software.
  • Work with and assist the coaching staff and players with video and technology requests.
  • Manage various technologies to assist with Player Development.

Requirements:

  • Must be organized and have strong attention to detail.
  • Have a basic familiarity of Microsoft Office and Various Web Browsers.
  • Ability to effectively communicate and problem solve IT or other technical issues.
  • Prior experience with Trackman or other computerized scoring software is preferred, but not required. 
  • Flexibility to work extensive hours including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required by the minor league baseball season.
  • Ability to attend Spring Training in Mesa, AZ facilities.
  • Ability to work at one of the Oakland Athletics’ minor league affiliates for the minor league season at one of the following affiliates (Las Vegas, NV; Midland,TX; Lansing, MI; Stockton, CA; Mesa, AZ).
  • Travel as necessary based on the affiliate team’s schedule.

For California based positions only: In adherence to California’s Pay Transparency Act (SB 1162) and in compliance with California minimum wage, the starting compensation for this role is $16.00 / hour.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.


Scouting Intern

Job Title: Scouting Intern
Department: Domestic Scouting
Reporting to: Assistant Director, Scouting & Baseball Operations
Job Classification: Non-exempt
Location: 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 a full-season Scouting Intern to assist the Amateur, Professional and International Scouting Departments. This position will assist with all aspects of scouting, ranging from collecting, aggregating, and presenting amateur prospect data, serving as a conduit between scouts, supervisors, and special assistants and the front office, and helping coordinate the meetings for the First-Year Player Draft. The ideal candidate will seamlessly integrate into the scouting workflow while demonstrating strong office skills and both qualitative and quantitative reasoning. This position will be based out of Oakland, CA.

Responsibilities:

  • Update internal and external systems with prospect profiles, video, and requisite information in preparation for First-Year Player Draft and International Signing Period
  • Assist with expenses and travel for amateur scouting department and various front office personnel
  • Serve as lead in preparation and facilitation of the draft room
  • Aid in coordination of A’s sponsored workouts
  • Aid in the training of new scout hires on use of internal software, external platforms, expense
  • reimbursement policies and expectations and timeline for collection and submission of
  • information
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • Degree from accredited college or university
  • Excellent verbal communication and problem-solving skills 
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) 
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 
  • Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Some travel required

In adherence to California’s Pay Transparency Act (SB 1162), the base hourly rate for this role is $16.00, consistent with California’s minimum wage requirement.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.

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


Job Posting: New York Mets – Multiple Openings

Direct Links (Please see full job postings below):

Analyst, Minor League Analytics
Associate, Minor League Analyst


Analyst, Minor League Analytics

Location: Citi Field – Queens, New York

Summary:
The New York Mets PD Analyst is responsible for performing research and building tools in support of the Mets Player Development Department.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Perform thorough research analysis on Mets players to help Player Development build and maintain individual Player Plans

  • Execute research in domains (pitching, hitting, and defense) pertaining to Player Development

  • Partner with leadership in one specific domain to own Player Development research in that vertical

  • Develop systems that allow staff to efficiently come to good conclusions consistent with organizational philosophy

  • Drive growth of Mets coaches and players through continued education and presentations

  • Work with the other analysts to help improve each other’s coding and quantitative abilities

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field or equivalent experience

  • Experience with baseball technology, including but not limited to Blast Motion, Hawk-Eye, KinaTrax, Force Plates

  • Significant experience in R, Python, or similar, as well as proficiency in SQL

  • Statistical modeling experience is a strong plus

  • Fluency in Spanish is a plus

  • Must be able to travel domestically

  • Must be able to work unconventional hours

The above information is intended to describe the general nature, type, and level of work to be performed. The information is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for this position. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The individual selected may perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

The New York Mets recognize the importance of a diverse workforce and value the unique qualities individuals of various backgrounds and experiences can offer to the Organization. Our continued success depends heavily on the quality of our workforce. The Organization is committed to providing employees with the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.

Salary Range: $70,000 – $85,000

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.


Associate, Minor League Analyst

Location: Citi Field – Queens, New York

Job Description:
The New York Mets Associate Analyst is responsible for helping to drive development plans for one or multiple minor league affiliates.

Responsibilities:

  • Perform thorough research analysis on Mets players to help Player Development build and maintain individual Player Plans
  • Execute research on topics pertaining to Player Development
  • Develop systems that allow staff to efficiently come to good conclusions consistent with organizational philosophy
  • Drive growth of Mets coaches through continued education
  • Provide feedback to the rest of Baseball Analytics and Baseball Systems on reports, models, and tools that relate to Player Development
  • Work with the other analysts to help improve each other’s coding abilities and quantitative abilities
  • Interpret and integrate data and model-based results from internal reports and websites to help coaches use the information to work with their players
  • Ad hoc requests from Baseball Analytics and Player Development in line with these job responsibilities
  • As time permits, analysts will be assigned additional coding and/or statistical modeling projects relating to Player Development

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field or equivalent experience
  • Experience with baseball technology, including but not limited to Blast Motion, Hawk-Eye, KinaTrax, Force Plates
  • Significant experience in R, Python, or similar, as well as proficiency in SQL
  • Statistical modeling experience is a strong plus
  • Fluency in Spanish is a plus
  • Must be able to travel domestically
  • Must be able to work unconventional hours

The above information is intended to describe the general nature, type, and level of work to be performed. The information is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for this position. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The individual selected may perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

The New York Mets recognize the importance of a diverse workforce and value the unique qualities individuals of various backgrounds and experiences can offer to the Organization. Our continued success depends heavily on the quality of our workforce. The Organization is committed to providing employees with the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.

Salary: 18.15$ Hourly

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.

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


Effectively Wild Episode 2091: Runs, Hits, Errors, Turnovers

EWFI
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Eugenio Suárez trade and the Mariners’ payroll, the Cardinals signing Sonny Gray, the Tigers signing Kenta Maeda, the Dodgers re-signing Jason Heyward, and whether an outfielder can be said to “pick it.” Then (50:07) they follow up on listener responses to their latest email episode, focusing on suggestions for introducing turnovers to baseball.

Audio intro: Liz Panella, “Effectively Wild Theme
Audio outro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme

Link to article on Havens hiring
Link to Suárez FG post
Link to Mariners ticket prices
Link to Diamondbacks ticket prices
Link to Gray FG post
Link to Hence nickname info
Link to Maeda FG post
Link to Maeda’s Dodgers deal
Link to FG SP projections
Link to Twins payroll article
Link to Heyward FG post
Link to EW Episode 2089
Link to Ben on HR robberies
Link to Stanky maneuver info
Link to fourth out wiki
Link to Sam on fourth outs
Link to baseball exceptionalism wiki
Link to Secret Santa sign-up sheet

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 Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com


A 2024 Hall of Fame Ballot of Your Own – and a Schedule of Profiles

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Hall of Fame season is underway, and I’ve already reviewed six of the eight Contemporary Baseball Era Committtee candidates and gotten a start on the annual BBWAA ballot. With the latter, it’s time to launch what’s become a yearly tradition at FanGraphs. In the spirit of our annual free agent contract crowdsourcing, we’re inviting registered users to fill out their own virtual Hall of Fame ballots using a cool gizmo that our developer, Sean Dolinar, built a few years ago. I’m also going to use this page to lay out a tentative schedule for the remainder of the series, as well as links to the profiles that have been published.

To participate in the crowdsourcing, you must be signed in, and you may only vote once. While you don’t have to be a FanGraphs Member to do so, this is a perfect time to mention that buying a Membership does help to fund the development of cool tools like this — and it makes a great holiday gift! To replicate the actual voting process, you may vote for anywhere from zero to 10 players; ballots with more than 10 won’t be counted. You may change your ballot until the deadline, which is December 31, 2022, the same as that of the actual BBWAA voters, who have to schlep their paper ballot to the mailbox. Read the rest of this entry »


Board Update: International Professional Players

Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

It’s time for another cycle of prospect lists, and as I’ve become accustomed to doing for the last few seasons, I’m starting with scouting reports on pro players in foreign leagues, with a focus on players available for MLB free agency this offseason. On The Board, you can see a fresh batch of scouting reports and evaluations of relevant players from Nippon Professional Baseball, the Korea Baseball Organization, and the Chinese Professional Baseball League in Taiwan, as well as reports on some young players I’ve identified as potentially impactful long-term prospects. I’ll update the amateur portion of this list prior to signing day in January, but any player from the upcoming 2024 class who I had already written up for this year’s Prospect Week remains on there. For those who need a crash course on the age- and pro experience-driven lines of demarcation that dictate how MLB teams sign international players, I’d point you to a number of MLB.com glossary entries, including those on international free agency for those in Asian pro leagues, international amateur free agency and bonus pool restrictions, the Japanese posting system, and the Korean posting system.

It can be overwhelming to sift through so many different types of players on that section of The Board — it’s a real apples and oranges situation when we’re talking about some guys who are 30 and others who are still teenagers — so I’m going to break most of them up into more digestible subgroups below. You’ll notice that some players appear across multiple categories. The Board has each player’s full scouting report and tool grades — think of this as more of a table of contents. Read the rest of this entry »


Early Offseason Marginal Pitching Transactions, Part 2

Cal Quantrill
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Last week, we looked at a few single-inning relievers who changed hands in the recent flurry of transactions. We’ll wrap up this series with another small reliever signing, as well as looking at two swingman/starter-types who could have a larger role on their new teams in the upcoming season.

Rockies acquire Cal Quantrill from Guardians in trade

With Quantrill coming off a career-worst year and with a looming arbitration salary estimated at $6.6 million, the Guardians decided to part ways with the 28-year-old righty, designating him for assignment to clear up 40-man roster space. The Rockies opted to cut the waiver line, acquiring him in exchange for low-minors catcher Kody Huff. Read the rest of this entry »


JAWS and the 2024 Hall of Fame Ballot: Gary Sheffield

Gary Sheffield
USA Today

The following article is part of Jay Jaffe’s ongoing look at the candidates on the BBWAA 2024 Hall of Fame ballot. Originally written for the 2015 election at SI.com, it has been updated to reflect recent voting results as well as additional research. For a detailed introduction to this year’s ballot, and other candidates in the series, use the tool above; an introduction to JAWS can be found here. All WAR figures refer to the Baseball-Reference version unless otherwise indicated.

Wherever Gary Sheffield went, he made noise, both with his bat and his voice. For the better part of two decades, he ranked among the game’s most dangerous hitters, a slugger with a keen batting eye and a penchant for contact that belied his quick, violent swing. For even longer than that, he was one of the game’s most outspoken players, unafraid to speak up when he felt he was being wronged and unwilling to endure a situation that wasn’t to his liking. He was a polarizing player, and hardly one for the faint of heart.

At the plate, Sheffield was viscerally impressive like few others. With his bat twitching back and forth like the tail of a tiger waiting to pounce, he was pure menace in the batter’s box. He won a batting title, launched over 500 home runs — he had 14 seasons with at least 20 and eight with at least 30 — and put many a third base coach in peril with some of the most terrifying foul balls anyone has ever seen. For as violent as his swing may have been, it was hardly wild; not until his late 30s did he strike out more than 80 times in a season, and in his prime, he walked far more often than he struck out.

Bill James once referred to Sheffield as “an urban legend in his own mind.” Off the field, he found controversy before he ever reached the majors through his connection to his uncle, Dwight Gooden. He was drafted and developed by the Brewers, who had no idea how to handle such a volatile player and wound up doing far more harm than good. Small wonder then that from the time he was sent down midway through his rookie season after being accused of faking an injury, he was mistrustful of team management and wanted out. And when he wanted out — of Milwaukee, Los Angeles, or New York — he let everyone know it, and if a bridge had to burn, so be it; it was Festivus every day for Sheffield, who was always willing to air his grievances.

Later in his career, Sheffield became entangled in the BALCO performance enhancing drug scandal through his relationship with Barry Bonds — a relationship that by all accounts crumbled before he found himself in even deeper water. For all of the drama that surrounded Sheffield, and for all of his rage and outrageousness, he never burned out the way his uncle did, nor did he have trouble finding work.

Even in the context of the high-scoring era in which he played, Sheffield’s offensive numbers look to be Hall of Fame caliber, but voters have found plenty of reasons to overlook him, whether it’s his tangential connection to PEDs, his gift for finding controversy, his poor defensive metrics, or the crowd on the ballot. In his 2015 debut, he received just 11.7% of the vote, and over the next four years, he gained barely any ground. But from 2019 to ’21, he jumped from 13.6% to 30.5% to 40.6%, with the fifth-largest and third-largest gains on the ’20 and ’21 ballots. After repeating with the same percentage in 2022, he jumped to 55% in ’23, with the cycle’s fourth-largest gain. His share of the vote is now larger than any player who’s been linked to PEDs via BALCO, the Mitchell Report, or a suspension except for Bonds or Roger Clemens. Still, as he enters his final year of eligibility on the writers’ ballot, he’ll need a Larry Walker-like jump to get to 75%. Read the rest of this entry »


2024 ZiPS Projections: Kansas City Royals

For the 20th consecutive season, the ZiPS projection system is unleashing a full set of prognostications. For more information on the ZiPS projections, please consult this year’s introduction and MLB’s glossary entry. The team order is selected by lot, and the next team up is the Kansas City Royals.

Batters

Bobby Witt Jr. is the saving grace of this lineup, the only player on the Royals with a high chance of being elite at whatever it is he does. If the team isn’t preparing a large extension for Witt before he hits arbitration, they’re doing something seriously wrong. Sadly, given that it’s the Royals, there’s a good chance of them doing something seriously wrong. Read the rest of this entry »


Escape From L.A.? Not Jason Heyward

Jason Heyward
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Sometimes, it’s best not to mess with a good thing. So say the Dodgers, who according to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel have re-signed right fielder Jason Heyward to a one-year, $9 million contract.

In his first year with the Dodgers, Heyward appeared in 124 games, 98 of them starts, and hit .269/.340/.473 in 377 plate appearances. That’s a 121 wRC+! That’s 14th out of the 45 players who primarily played right field last year and managed 300 or more plate appearances, just a tick behind Adolis García, and ahead of Nick Castellanos, Lars Nootbaar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and George Springer.

The separating factor is that all 98 of Heyward’s starts came against right-handed pitchers last year. You might say that $9 million is a lot to pay for a platoon corner outfielder. Poppycock! The Dodgers, who have harvested the infinite galactic power of the cosmos, overpaying? The Dodgers, stuffed to the point of bursting with Guggenheim Partners’ limitless lucre, overpaying? Who cares? Surely not I. To them, $9 million is a pittance, spent here on a crucial roster player; otherwise it might have been spent on a medium-leverage relief pitcher, or caviar, or some other frivolity.

The Heyward-Dodgers reunion is exciting not just because a good team returns a productive player, but also because of how well this player fits with this team. Read the rest of this entry »