This exceeded my expectations. Wisdom of the crowds. Spectacular.
I'd asked previously why we hadn't been hearing Ani Kilambi's name much this spring. I did not expect that the detailed answer would come from the question that I submitted.
It was a great question, and very informative answer. So there’s going to be lineups based on each hitter’s unique qualities versus the type of pitcher(s) being faced game-to-game. Ani will devise a stat-driven computer program with all the players’ stats, including opposing pitchers, loaded into the dataset. Talk about a departure from the past. 59 lineups in 60 games! Probably won’t see that but I’m looking forward to watching it play out.
The drills and focus on fundamentals in fielding and base running
OPS, FIP and dWAR (Fangraphs) are his initial broad overhead views on a player
“we’re going to be very hands-on and help these guys improve, no matter who they are, no matter where they came from, no matter how long they’ve been in the big leagues. That’s our job.” — what a refreshing change from the prior regime.
Really excited for the new era of Nats baseball. Hearing about lineup projection models is awesome and instills a lot of confidence going forward that we're headed in the right direction.
Excellent concept, Mark. I especially liked the question and candid response regarding a popular suggestion from fans that James Wood become a first baseman. Blake’s opinion is the same one I share, which is that maybe eventually we try him there. But not yet and not without plenty of coaching, practice, and off-season experience in game situations. He’s a great athlete and we can envision a tall, rangy guy over there, but let’s first see if he has the skills to be a good first baseman.
That perspective reminds me of watching Willie Stargell develop for the Pirates. He became a solid left fielder with a cannon arm, leading the Majors in assists by a left fielder in 1967 and 1970, and also leading the NL in 1966 and 1968. Arthritic knees forced a move to first base in 1972 where he struggled that season, leading the majors in errors at first base before settling in. As we know from watching Dom Smith, you play first base with your feet.
what a great feature!
Whooo! This was great!!! Cannot wait for more of these.
Love your photo of Elsie Tydings slapping her money down.
Great insight through the questions and answers. Thanks Mark and to the questioners!
Love this - thanks Mark!
This exceeded my expectations. Wisdom of the crowds. Spectacular.
I'd asked previously why we hadn't been hearing Ani Kilambi's name much this spring. I did not expect that the detailed answer would come from the question that I submitted.
Ahh, so we know you are Scott. Is that the same Scott that was over on the MASN boards?
No I'm Scott Ableman, aka Let Teddy Win. I should change my Substack name now that Nats Journal is a thing.
It was a great question, and very informative answer. So there’s going to be lineups based on each hitter’s unique qualities versus the type of pitcher(s) being faced game-to-game. Ani will devise a stat-driven computer program with all the players’ stats, including opposing pitchers, loaded into the dataset. Talk about a departure from the past. 59 lineups in 60 games! Probably won’t see that but I’m looking forward to watching it play out.
Am the only one when I hear his name thinks of the Underdog character
This was great! A couple quick takes:
The drills and focus on fundamentals in fielding and base running
OPS, FIP and dWAR (Fangraphs) are his initial broad overhead views on a player
“we’re going to be very hands-on and help these guys improve, no matter who they are, no matter where they came from, no matter how long they’ve been in the big leagues. That’s our job.” — what a refreshing change from the prior regime.
Glad to hear he mentioned FIP for pitchers. Thumbs up.
Looking forward to more of these Q&As.
I'm leaving for WPB in two days. Maybe I'll run into Zimm this year.
Very informative. Thanks to Mark and to the savvy NJ questioners.
Really excited for the new era of Nats baseball. Hearing about lineup projection models is awesome and instills a lot of confidence going forward that we're headed in the right direction.
This is great!
That’s what I call access! Thanks, Mark!
Awesome interview. Props to Mark for providing this rare opportunity!
Excellent concept, Mark. I especially liked the question and candid response regarding a popular suggestion from fans that James Wood become a first baseman. Blake’s opinion is the same one I share, which is that maybe eventually we try him there. But not yet and not without plenty of coaching, practice, and off-season experience in game situations. He’s a great athlete and we can envision a tall, rangy guy over there, but let’s first see if he has the skills to be a good first baseman.
That perspective reminds me of watching Willie Stargell develop for the Pirates. He became a solid left fielder with a cannon arm, leading the Majors in assists by a left fielder in 1967 and 1970, and also leading the NL in 1966 and 1968. Arthritic knees forced a move to first base in 1972 where he struggled that season, leading the majors in errors at first base before settling in. As we know from watching Dom Smith, you play first base with your feet.
This is great.
This is fantastic! Great questions from the Nats fans
Blake may only be 33, but Nats won a World Series under player/manager Bucky Harris, then 27. Just saying.