Thanks guys - glad to be here. I don't think we get overly worked up about any specific metrics in the public space or how people use them. On the macro level - which most websites, etc are geared, the analysis doesn't really apply to what we are doing specifically. Obviously we monitor the work there to gather ideas on what we are currently working on in a best practices type of way. So much of what we work on is specific to our particular club. I think the thing that gets most overblown is the use and separation of analytics within your operation. It is part of the fabric of almost every club in some way - just depends on how much of the fabric.
No on in particular - I think we are counting on a number of those guys that got their feet wet over last year specifically to continue to take a step forward, although we know that won't always be the case. It will be good to get Brandon Workman back at some point during the year.
It is a challenging position - as every defensive position can be in their own way. Mike Napoli made it look easy at times and he put in a lot of work to make it so. Hanley is committed to doing the same - combined with his abilities as an infielder his entire career - we feel the transition will go well. The biggest aspect of 1B is the responsibilities that the position demands that can be very different from other infield positions, but we have a great infield instructor in Brian Butterfield and he will make sure all the ground work is laid in ST.
Its a great question. It doesn't have to be an either or scenario - but at times you do have to make choices in order for a long term vision to get executed. In order for young players to emerge they need to get a number of at bats or innings at the ML level to ensure their true talent comes out as they grow through a transition period. We have been spoiled by a number of different young players over the years over performing that transition - Pap, Youk, Pedey, Bard, Ells and others. Other players require more time. We have an obligation to put a championship team on the field every year - which certainly can drive some decisions, but we are also responsible for the long-term health and sustainability over a number of years which requires the ability to weave those players into your club.
Best bet is to continue to think it for now and we can start talking about it when he gets to Portland/Pawtucket
Athleticism and fearlessness - two things Victorino displayed so well. You need to have the athleticism to play like a CF - like Dwight Evans did - and also have the ability to close on the Pesky pole area - that spot comes into play very quickly and you need to be able to turn those balls into outs as well as keep the grounders to a single (double at worst) and not a triple.
This question for position players is a little broad in that it does become somewhat position specific to what you are looking for. And for the Red Sox it can get even more specific when we are talking about our LF or RF given the majority of games being played in an atypical environment. Certainly in our division with the parks we play in - you have to score runs given that the biggest HR parks along with the best doubles park are in one division.
Similar philosophies I would imagine. A lot of the same people will be involved in PD/Scouting and as such I would imagine we operate similarly. I'm sure Dave will add his perspectives over the top that we will incorporate, but I would image it remains similar
Aggressive asking a 4 part question. I'm not much of a football guy - probably stick to what I'm most familiar with - having said that the Browns got a great guy in Paul Depodesta - one of the smartest people in the game by far. On Kimbrel - we identified him early as someone we really felt could impact our pen and yes - control was certainly a factor. With Smith we felt we were adding another impact arm back there to really lengthen out the pen and give John as many weapons as possible early in the game.
We're constantly looking ahead - but you cannot plan that far in advance because players sign extensions, get hurt, tick up or tick down - but we have an eye toward future free agent classes in our planning.
Waste of time in my opinion. The only way to shape the narrative is by your play on the field. I think you are chasing your tail otherwise. Its not that you can mute it entirely, but rarely does it help in objective decision making.
I disagree - Impossible to take that stance based solely on past practices. One of Ben's greatest strengths was his ability to adjust to different landscapes and thought processes based on what was available at the time. I certainly wouldn't say we would have executed the same exact strategy but I believe there are a lot of similarities in the moves that have been executed
It can be a challenge incorporating all opinions into any decision making model - its what makes Dave's job so difficult in that there are a lot of smart people with strong baseball opinions and experience but how to leverage each at a specific moment in time is the key.
Guys thanks for having me - I have to run - sorry if I didn't get to your question. Looking forward to getting to Ft Myers and putting 2015 behind and working to put another banner up.....
