Bringing Objective Analysis to TV
From SABR member Bill Petti at Beyond the Box Score on November 7, 2011:
While I wouldn’t call advanced statistics in baseball mainstream just yet, we have certainly seen a marked increase in their usage among baseball fans, the press, as well as in broadcast media. Many were surprised earlier this year when some broadcasts mentioned wins above replacement (WAR) during their in-game coverage, and when WAR and BABIP made their way into Baseball Tonight’s broadcasts.
Some were skeptical as to whether the general public was ready for more advanced statistics, whether they were being introduced in the most effective way, and whether shows claiming to focus on “the numbers” were simply capitalizing on the increased awareness without really digging into meaningful statistics.
Which brings us to a new show, Clubhouse Confidential, set to debut tonight on MLB Network. The show will be hosted by former ESPN anchor Brian Kenny. The show bills itself as an open forum to discuss and debate the day’s news and moves using modern statistical research and value projection. While not explicitly “saber”, the show puts advanced statistics and analysis front and center.
I was fortunate enough to sit down with Brian for a short interview where we talked about his move to MLB Network, how coverage of baseball has evolved to incorporate advanced statistics over the years, and how he and his colleagues plan to advance that evolution on his new show.
Read the full article here: http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2011/11/7/2537566/bringing-advanced-stats-to-tv-an-interview-with-mlb-networks-brian
Originally published: November 9, 2011. Last Updated: November 9, 2011.