Laurila: Are today’s analytically inclined players tomorrow’s GMs?

From SABR member David Laurila at FanGraphs on October 2, 2017:

Are today’s analytically inclined players the next generation of top-level front-office executives? According to several baseball insiders, there’s a chance that could happen. While some to whom I spoke expressed skepticism, it does make a certain amount of sense.

A common criticism of your stereotypical Ivy League GM has been, “He didn’t play the game at a high level.” Conversely, former players in decision-making positions have often been accused (sometimes for good reason) of being behind the times. They have on-field experience, but they aren’t critical thinkers who embrace analytics.

A former player who thinks much like an “Ivy League GM” would offer the best of both worlds. He would know what it’s like to go through the grind of a 162-game schedule, and he’d also place a high value on objective analysis while showing a willingness to think outside the box.

I asked a cross section of players, coaches, managers, and front-office executives if they think such a trend is forthcoming.

Read the full article here: https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/players-view-are-todays-analytically-inclined-players-tomorrows-gms/



Originally published: October 2, 2017. Last Updated: October 2, 2017.