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Sports Info Solutions Baseball Podcast

Sports Info Solutions Baseball Podcast

By Sports Info Solutions

The R&D team at Sports Info Solutions is joined by special guests to discuss notable topics related to baseball analytics. Hosted by Mark Simon.
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Diving Into Defense with Nick Ahmed

Sports Info Solutions Baseball PodcastSep 04, 2019

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34:08
Royals GM Dayton Moore on Analytics, Looking to the Future, Getting Into Baseball

Royals GM Dayton Moore on Analytics, Looking to the Future, Getting Into Baseball

On this month’s edition of the SIS Baseball Podcast, senior research analyst Mark Simon (@MarkASimonSays) shares interesting things he's learned about Matt Chapman, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Didi Gregorius from the new Defensive Runs Saved (1:06).

Mark is then joined by Kansas City Royals general manager Dayton Moore. They discuss the state of the Royals rebuild (3:05), what an MLB manager should be expected to know about analytics and performance science (6:53), how the Royals shift and how they evaluate whether their defensive shifts are working (9:52), the importance of chase rate in evaluating draft prospects (12:33), Dayton’s interest in learning about leadership (16:18), and his advice for those who want to work in baseball (listen before you speak!) (19:37).

Andrew Kyne (@Andrew_Kyne) also joins Mark to talk about The Fielding Bible Volume V, which will be out March 1 (23:12). Andrew also answers a listener question about how different aspects of defensive performance factor into a pitcher’s value (27:18).

For more information, check out FieldingBible.com and SportsInfoSolutionsBlog.com. Thanks for listening!

Jan 07, 202030:53
Nationals assistant GM on winning World Series, Tips for Jobs in Analytics

Nationals assistant GM on winning World Series, Tips for Jobs in Analytics

On this week’s edition of the Sports Info Solutions Baseball podcast, senior research analyst Mark Simon (@MarkASimonSays) opens the show by talking about the defensive analytics concepts he hopes a manager would know (1:16). Mark then talks with Nationals assistant general manager for baseball research and development, Samuel Mondry-Cohen.

They discuss Sam’s path from batboy to front office executive (4:19), how the Nationals analytics department is structured (7:57), what it’s like to work with the coaching staff and with ace pitcher Max Scherzer (9:53), what his group was working on when the team was 19-31 (12:54), what role the analytics group played in the team’s acquisition of Daniel Hudson (14:12), and tips for pursuing a job in sports analytics (spoiler: Learn to code!) (15:59).

Afterwards Mark is joined by SIS research associate Andrew Kyne (@Andrew_Kyne). They review the White Sox signing of Yasmani Grandal and look at three other free agents of note (20:16). They also offer their own version of 8 MLB Awards ranging from “Hall of Framer” to “Flat Bat.” (25:20)

Next podcast episode will be in December. See you then!

Supplemental links

Mark’s article in The Athletic on how free agents will impact a team on Defense

https://theathletic.com/1357020/2019/11/07/eighteen-free-agents-who-can-have-an-impact-with-their-defense/

Tyler Kepner on Samuel Mondry-Cohen

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/25/sports/baseball/washington-nationals-data-world-series.html

Nov 25, 201931:04
Fielding Bible Awards, Bill James Handbook, New Defensive Runs Saved!

Fielding Bible Awards, Bill James Handbook, New Defensive Runs Saved!

On the final episode of the 2019 season, senior research analyst Mark Simon (@MarkASimonSays) explains why the Nationals defense was an important part of an epic championship story (1:00). Mark and research associate Andrew Kyne (@Andrew_Kyne) run through the winners of the 2019 Fielding Bible Awards, our honor for defensive excellence (2:58). Mark and Andrew also preview the 2020 Bill James Handbook (13:53) (available now!) and discuss some significant improvements to the company’s flagship stat, Defensive Runs Saved (17:45).

Oct 31, 201921:47
The State of Stats with Rob Neyer

The State of Stats with Rob Neyer

On this week’s episode, Sports Info Solutions senior research analyst Mark Simon (@MarkASimonSays) talks with writer, SABRcast podcast host and baseball historian Rob Neyer (@robneyer). They discuss 2019’s home run explosion (1:14), where defensive shifting is heading (3:45) and how relief pitchers are being used (8:18). They also talk about Rob’s observations on the value of defense (13:30) and the challenge of filling out a Fielding Bible Awards ballot (15:09). With everyone hard at work on The Bill James Handbook, Mark closes the show by running through the season’s leaders in Defensive Runs Saved (17:10) which includes Roberto Perez, Matt Chapman and Kolten Wong, among others.

Oct 07, 201919:57
Austin Hedges on Pitch-framing, Robot Umps

Austin Hedges on Pitch-framing, Robot Umps

On this episode of the Sports Info Solutions baseball podcast, senior research analyst Mark Simon (@MarkASimonSays) begins the show by praising those who played extraordinary defense for sub-.500 teams this season. (0:57)

Mark is then joined by Padres catcher Austin Hedges, who rates as the No. 1 pitch-framer in baseball. Hedges talks about the value of pitch-framing and explains where he learned to frame so well (2:27). He then explains the drills he uses to improve (4:54), how he gets low pitches called strikes and what it’s like to catch Craig Stammen’s heavy sinker and Chris Paddack’s fastball (5:56). Hedges also talks about his relationship with umpires and why he strongly supports the human element of an umpire rather than the potential robot umpires of the future (8:00) and which catchers he watches most closely (12:17).

Mark is then joined by research associate Andrew Kyne (@Andrew_Kyne). They discuss the Hedges interview (15:24), go through the leaderboards for Strike Zone Runs Saved, HR robberies, and Hard-Hit Rates (17:32), answer listener questions on pickoffs and the Mets defense behind Jacob deGrom (21:56) and Andrew gives job-hunting tips to aspiring research analysts (23:23). The show closes with ridiculous numbers about defensive support, the tie-in of Khris and Chris Davis, the leader in bunt hits this season, as well as a final pick of their favorite underappreciated players (27:26).

Sep 18, 201932:43
Diving Into Defense with Nick Ahmed

Diving Into Defense with Nick Ahmed

On this episode of the SIS Baseball Podcast, senior research analyst Mark Simon (@MarkASimonSays) opens the show by praising the Cardinals infield’s defensive excellence (0:52) and is then joined by Arizona Diamondbacks Gold Glove-winning shortstop Nick Ahmed (@NickAhmed13).

Ahmed talks about the kinds of things he has improved upon from one year to the next (2:04), the challenge of turning double plays in shifts (3:15), what goes into making a diving play (6:20), changing positioning based on which pitcher is on the mound (7:25), the most underrated Diamondbacks defender (9:20), his impressions of defensive metrics (11:33) and advice he would give to those who want to play defense like him (13:12).

Mark is also joined by senior research analyst Alex Vigderman (@VigManOnCampus). They discuss some of Ahmed’s observations (15:07), salute Javier Baez as the top defender in August (17:25), run through a list of the Defensive Runs Saved leaders in the minor leagues (18:51) and talk about an unusual defensive alignment against Eric Hosmer (21:47). Alex also gives tips on job hunting in the baseball analytics world (23:51).

Lastly, the show closes with ridiculous numbers on Minor League Runs Saved leaders of the past (a predictive stat!) and low pitcher BABIP (29:09). Tune in!

Sep 04, 201934:08
A Talk With One of The Best Defensive Players in the Minors

A Talk With One of The Best Defensive Players in the Minors

On this episode, Sports Info Solutions senior research analyst Mark Simon (@MarkASimonSays) details the story of the success of Yankees outfielder Mike Tauchman, who has had an unexpectedly impressive season in the field (0:59). Mark is also joined by minor league third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes (@KeBryanHayes), who is ranked among the top infield prospects in the minor leagues. Ke’Bryan explains where he learned to play defense (3:15), the challenge of not taking a hitting slump into the field (8:03), how minor league teams provide scouting information on where players should position themselves (9:19) and the famous catches made by his father, former major league third baseman Charlie Hayes (12:24). Eric Longenhagen (@longenhagen) of FanGraphs.com adds a brief scouting report on Hayes (15:29).

Mark then welcomes senior research analyst Alex Vigderman (@VigManOnCampus) and Andrew Kyne (@Andrew_Kyne), who share what they learned from the Saberseminar Conference in Boston. They share information about a biomechanic study at Wake Forest university (17:54), women working in MLB front offices (19:40), how the Red Sox hitting coaches work with their hitters (20:30), re-imagining the strike zone (22:02), C-Flap helmets (23:29), and the importance of outfielder jumps (24:16).

The three then answer listener mail on umpires (25:44), stats to measure pitch effectiveness (27:41), and the best stats for predicting “Beat the Streak” success (30:34) and try to stump listeners with Ridiculous Numbers of the Day trivia (32:44). 

Aug 20, 201937:38
Kevin Pillar on Making Difficult Catches

Kevin Pillar on Making Difficult Catches

This week’s episode of the SIS Baseball Podcast highlights defensive excellence in the Bay Area.

Senior research analyst Mark Simon (@MarkASimonSays) points out how well Chad Pinder has played recently, with help from Oakland Athletics coach Ryan Christenson (1:04). 

Then, Mark talks to San Francisco Giants outfielder Kevin Pillar (@KPILLAR4). They discuss the challenges of making sliding, diving, and jumping catches including dealing with injuries (3:00), how Pillar learned to play that way (5:13), what being the leader in those kinds of catches says about a player (10:00), learning a ballpark (11:02), how much he uses scouting information (13:24), and what advice he would give to kids who want to play defense like him (15:19).

Mark is then joined by research associate Andrew Kyne (@Andrew_Kyne) and intern Jon Becker (@jonbecker_). They review Pillar’s comments (18:29), discuss a pitcher who changed approach upon joining a new team (20:56), answer a listener question about the Mount Rushmore of stats (22:45), preview Andrew’s presentation at Saberseminar (24:07) and challenge listeners to figure out the Ridiculous Stats of the Day (25:21).

Aug 05, 201929:10
MLB Legend Kirk Gibson and Brooks Baseball's Dan Brooks

MLB Legend Kirk Gibson and Brooks Baseball's Dan Brooks

In this episode of the Sports Info Solutions podcast, senior research analyst Mark Simon (@MarkASimonSays) recounts the Indians recent success (1:22), then talks to Tigers broadcaster & special assistant Kirk Gibson (@23KGibby) about what stats he’d like to see related to mentally getting through a season (3:30), teaching hitters proper swing techniques (8:34), what interests him about analytics (19:19), and the work he’s doing to raise awareness for Parkinson’s Disease (20:15).

Mark is also joined by Dan Brooks (@brooksbaseball), who co-runs the annual Saberseminar (Sabermetrics Scouting and the Science of Baseball) at Boston University. Dan recounts the history and past highlights (22:28), discusses the impact the conference has (especially on students) (25:48), and what to expect at this year’s event which raises money for the Angioma Alliance (28:40).

Mark and SIS research associate Andrew Kyne (@Andrew_Kyne) review research on how often balls hit up the middle result in a baserunner (34:15) and which hitters are best at getting in and succeeding in hitters counts (35:56). They also answer listener questions on how Hall of Fame analysis has changed (38:07), which past trade-deadline acquisition was of greatest analytic value (39:47), which analytics would be best used when a batter comes to the plate from former major-leaguer Doug Glanville (@dougglanville) (41:39) and which metrics teams are looking for that they don’t already have (43:46). Mark and Andrew close by picking a player to watch (46:12) and share their Ridiculous Numbers of the Day (47:23).

If you have feedback on the program, please send it to mark@sportsinfosolutions.com.

Jul 23, 201950:01
SIS Founder John Dewan & The Ringer's Ben Lindbergh

SIS Founder John Dewan & The Ringer's Ben Lindbergh

On the SIS Baseball Podcast, Mark Simon (@MarkASimonSays), senior research analyst for Sports Info Solutions, shows us how baseball analytics are cool, interesting, and fun. SIS develops analytics and provides them to MLB teams, media, and fantasy baseball outlets. On the podcast, we’ll give you a peek into our world, talk to important people around the industry about analytic storylines, and share what we find to be cool, interesting and fun.

In this episode, Mark begins with an interview of the founder of Sports Info Solutions, John Dewan (@FieldingBible), where they discuss everything from the history of baseball analytics to advice on how to create new stats today. Then, Mark is joined by writer/podcaster Ben Lindbergh (@BenLindbergh), whose new book The MVP Machine explores the forward-thinking use of analytics in player development. Finally, Mark sits down with Andrew Kyne (@Andrew_Kyne) to go around the horn on the midseason advanced stat leaderboards.

John Dewan is the founder of both STATS and Sports Info Solutions. Along with Bill James, he has played a major role in the baseball analytics revolution. John is the inventor of Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), and he is the author of The Fielding Bible. For the most in-depth defensive analytics, including leaderboards and player pages, check out the recently relaunched FieldingBible.com.

Ben Lindbergh is the author (along with Travis Sawchik) of The MVP Machine: How Baseball's New Nonconformists Are Using Data to Build Better Players. He currently writes for The Ringer (@ringer) after previous stints with Baseball Prospectus, Five Thirty Eight, and Grantland. He is also the cohost of the FanGraphs baseball podcast “Effectively Wild” (@EWPod).

This episode is brought to you by SISbets.com, the website that can help you beat the Prop Betting odds. Click here to create a free SISbets.com trial account.

Jul 11, 201957:17
Mike Ferrin wants to be Byron Buxton

Mike Ferrin wants to be Byron Buxton

In this episode of the SIS Baseball Podcast, Mark Simon (@MarkASimonSays) begins by marveling at Zack Greinke’s defense (1:05). Mark then talks to MLB Radio and Arizona Diamondbacks broadcaster Mike Ferrin (@Mike_Ferrin). Mike makes his case for the best team in baseball (3:25) and discusses how much organizations value defense in this era (4:51). He also makes his pick on which defensive player he’d most like to be (11:15) and who’s the best defensive shortstop in the NL (15:35). Mike then comes up with a stat he’d like the BIS crew to work on (19:43). 

Mark is then joined by Andrew Kyne (@Andrew_Kyne) and the two discuss Matt Carpenter, Jeff McNeil and the shift (24:24), how much outfielders benefit from changing positions (26:58), which players should have made the All-Defense All-Star team (29:58), and which defensive player they would most like to be (33:17). They then answer a listener question about which players have made the most different kinds of Good Plays (35:01) and try to stump each other with the Ridiculous Stats of the Day (36:42).

Tune in, and please rate and review if you listen.

Jun 24, 201940:44
What Does Moneyball Look Like in 2019?

What Does Moneyball Look Like in 2019?

In this episode, Sports Info Solutions senior analyst Mark Simon (@MarkASimonSays) is joined by three baseball writers – Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) of the San Francisco Chronicle, Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) of the Tampa Bay Times and Dan Hayes (@DanHayesMLB) of The Athletic. Slusser talks about how the Athletics are struggling to match the success of last season, particularly in relief pitching. Topkin discusses how the Rays operate in lock-step, from ownership down. Hayes explains how the Twins found untapped power both from their bats and their arms. Each also shares how the teams they cover find talent on the margins and how much they value defense.

Mark is also joined by research associate Andrew Kyne, who explains the methodology and shares the results from his study on which teams position their infield best. Mark and Andrew answer listener mail, share who’s getting the best and worst results when they hit the ball hard and close the show with some Ridiculous Stat of the Day trivia. Tune in and play along!

Jun 11, 201942:51
JT Realmuto, Joe Sheehan, & Andrew Kyne

JT Realmuto, Joe Sheehan, & Andrew Kyne

On the SIS Baseball Podcast, Mark Simon, senior research analyst for Sports Info Solutions, shows us how baseball analytics are cool, interesting, and fun. SIS develops analytics and provides them to MLB teams, media, and fantasy baseball outlets. On the podcast, we’ll give you a peek into our world, talk to important people around the industry about analytic storylines, and share what we find to be cool, interesting and fun.

In this episode, Mark breaks down the defensive performance of Phillies catcher JT Realmuto, interviews baseball writer extraordinaire Joe Sheehan, and sits down with Andrew Kyne to construct the perfect five-tool player.

Joe Sheehan was one of the founders of Baseball Prospectus in the mid-1990s and an editor of the Baseball Prospectus Annual. Now he writes regularly for many entities, including Sports Illustrated. He also writes his own baseball newsletter, which you can preview and purchase at JoeSheehan.com.

May 29, 201933:05
David Cone Talks Analytics

David Cone Talks Analytics

On this podcast, SIS senior research analyst Mark Simon (@MarkASimonSays) talks about Cody Bellinger’s great defensive season (1:07). David Cone (@dcone36) joins the show to discuss his new book Full Count, The Education of a Pitcher (2:30). He also shares how he got into analytics (5:30), comfortability with stats like FIP and the defensive metrics (6:33), what pitchers should learn (10:50), his favorite defensive teammates (13:49), what stat he’d like to invent (16:08) and more.

Mark and SIS research associate Andrew Kyne (@Andrew_Kyne) review Cone’s comments (20:11), go through the leaderboards on the stat Cone wants invented (21:53), share the latest SIS articles and research (25:34), and unveil the latest ridiculous stats on how Vlad Guerrero Jr. is being pitched (30:00) and the best arm in the SIS era (30:57). 

All that and much more in the latest SIS Baseball podcast!

May 16, 201936:48
Mark Simon Talks the Business of Baseball with Ben Jedlovec

Mark Simon Talks the Business of Baseball with Ben Jedlovec

Sports Info Solutions Senior Research Analyst Mark Simon  (@MarkASimonSays) compares the defense of Nick Ahmed and Andrelton Simmons in his Batter Up! segment (1:07), welcomes MLB's Director of Engineering and Data Quality and former SIS president Ben Jedlovec (@BenJedlovec) to discuss his career in baseball and how new stats develop (2:56) , sits down with Andrew Kyne (@Andrew_Kyne) of SIS to asses the best and worst defensive teams in baseball (20:38) and look at the hard-hit rate leader board (26:29), takes questions from listeners (32:23), and closes with the Ridiculous Stat of the Day (36:21).

Apr 30, 201939:41
Mark Simon Talks Pitching with Tyler Kepner

Mark Simon Talks Pitching with Tyler Kepner

Sports Info Solutions Senior Research Analyst Mark Simon  (@MarkASimonSays) is back for round two of the SIS Baseball Podcast.  This week, Mark looks at the San Diego Padres (@Padres) upgrading the  left side of their infield (0:52), welcomes New York Times national  baseball writer Tyler Kepner (@TylerKepner) to the show to talk pitching  and his new book (2:50), sits down with Andrew Kyne (@Andrew_Kyne) of  SIS to examine early defensive trends (17:26) and answer questions from  the listeners (23:59), and finishes with a couple "Ridiculous Numbers of  the Day" (28:04). 

Apr 28, 201930:46
Mark Simon's SIS Baseball Podcast featuring Jayson Stark

Mark Simon's SIS Baseball Podcast featuring Jayson Stark

Welcome to the pilot episode of the SIS Baseball Podcast with Sports  Info Solutions Senior Research Analyst Mark Simon (@MarkASimonSays).  Mark discusses his spotlight player for 2019 (0:48), welcomes The  Athletic's Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) to the show to talk about shifting  and defense (4:04) and introduces new stat developments at SIS with  research associate Andrew Kyne (@Andrew_Kyne) (12:45). 

Apr 28, 201923:02