The Dodgers "have transformed their baseball operations department, turning what was considered a traditional front office into one that now looks like one of the most progressive in baseball," according to Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. TIMES. Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman "is the leader of a group of young 'Moneyball'-style executives, among them Farhan Zaidi," who on Friday was introduced as GM. Friedman's "other top lieutenant" will be Senior VP/Baseball Operations Josh Byrnes, who "demonstrated fluency in sabermetrics" as GM of the D-Backs and Padres. Incoming Amateur Scouting Dir Billy Gasparino "has a background in finance, like Friedman." Dir of Player Development Gabe Kapler is a former MLBer and TV commentator who "wrote in an online column last year that players should become acquainted with advanced metrics." The group's understanding of statistical analysis "is believed to be far better than that of the previous regime" headed by Special Advisor to the President & CEO Ned Colletti. Still, Zaidi believes that numbers "tell only part of the story." He said that it is "important to also use traditional methods of evaluating players." He added, "Our quest isn't just evaluating how good players are, it's how good players are going to be." Zaidi "doesn't view the use of statistical analysis as an either-or proposition." He said, "We need to be the best at everything. I don't think we're in a position to make trade-offs of saying we're a stat organization or a scouting organization" (L.A. TIMES, 11/8).
ANALYZE THAT: The AP's Beth Harris wrote Zaidi "is a proponent of advanced analytics, which makes him a solid fit with Friedman's reputation for building a roster by crunching numbers." Friedman: "Farhan has an incredible mind for the game. For us, information is king and it's about having people who appreciate that." Team President & CEO Stan Kasten said that the Dodgers "will always need 'wise old owls' to make decisions in addition to statistics" (AP, 11/8). In California, Bill Plunkett wrote the Dodgers' new front-office execs "all have a deep and sophisticated belief in the virtue of statistical analysis in evaluating players and constructing rosters." The Dodgers hope that the group "represents the best of the second generation of analytical executives that have flowed into the game in the wake of the original 'Moneyball' revolution" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 11/8).
TOO MANY COOKS? In California, J.P. Hoornstra reported many of the questions directed at Zaidi on Friday "focused on what his responsibilities will be." Zaidi said of the front office members, "We have respect for each other. We all bring different strengths to the table. Andrew’s the point man on that. This is a big operation. He’s going to need a lot of help." Friedman said that Zaidi "will focus on the major-league roster and player acquisitions," while Byrnes "will focus on scouting and player development." Friedman: "Both guys will touch everything" (Inland Valley DAILY BULLETIN, 11/9). ESPN L.A.'s Mark Saxon wrote the GM's box at Dodger Stadium "figures to be crowded next season after the rash of hirings." The Dodgers "now have five current or former GMs under contract" in baseball operations: Zaidi, Friedman, Colletti, Byrnes and Senior Advisor to the GM Gerry Hunsicker. Zaida: "You can't have too much experience on a baseball staff. I'm thrilled to have those people to work alongside me" (ESPNLA.com, 11/7).
