Monday, January 10, 2005
STATS VS. SCOUTS
Ever since Moneyball, there has been a big debate in baseball between the old school scouts and new school stat-heads. Check out a very interesting debate between the two in Baseball America. It's long but if you like baseball, it is a must read. Angel fans should be especially interested, as Eddie Bane, the Angels Scouting Director, goes head to head with A's and Red Sox staff. Here is some of the fun exchange:
ALAN SCHWARZ: One thing that Eddie and Gary, you might not be aware of, is that a few years ago Voros came up with something called Defense Independent Pitching Stats, which . . .He's got quite a fire in him. I like it.
EDDIE BANE: Alan, you said, "You guys may not be aware." That's one of the things we're battling. We are aware. I read these guys' stuff all the time.
ALAN SCHWARZ: I said, "May not be aware." Gary, have you ever heard of DIPS?
GARY HUGHES: No.
ALAN SCHWARZ: OK then! (Laughter)
EDDIE BANE: But I'm going to read everything I can, and on top of that have Gary Hughes in the ballpark to see what the guy does. We're trying to dispel these things. It's not like when we're drafting we spit tobacco at the board, and whatever name we hit is the guy we take. I've read this stuff.