Have you watched or listened to any spring training games yet? The Saturday debut of the Frandsen/Kolko broadcast on Nationals.TV was well worth the price (well, it was free). But, it was terrific!
First, watching baseball is the best. Second, the broadcast staff (including Alexa Datt) interviewed Paul Toboni, Blake Butera and several players, including Jake Irvin and Keibert Ruiz. The Toboni and Butera interviews especially entranced me; the main themes of care, people, relationships, accountability and individual development plans strike me as providing a solid foundation for the young talent on the team to grow into a commanding force. Indeed, as Toboni promised — “the envy of sport.”
Baseball analytics. Sabermetrics. Individual development plans. This is the stuff of the new generation impacting the game. Sabermetrics uses data to evaluate player performance, strategy, and value beyond traditional stats, relying on metrics like WAR, wOBA, and FIP to optimize decision-making.
- WAR (Wins Above Replacement): Estimates a player’s total value, combining offense, defense, and baserunning.
- wOBA (Weighted On-Base Average): A superior measure of offensive value compared to traditional batting average.
- FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching): Evaluates pitchers based on outcomes they control (HR, BB, K), removing defense volatility.
So far, so good. I know it is only spring training and the wins don’t count, but the Nats have the best record in the Grapefruit League at 4-0-1 (the only undefeated team).
What does matter is the way the players are scrapping. Batters are being patient at the plate and securing more walks. Pitchers are diversifying their approach more — fewer fastballs and more situational pitching. Daily drills will hopefully improve defensive prowess since errors remain a weakness of the team. Let’s hope the emphasis on individual evaluation and work continues to drive the team toward success. Maybe then Wood, Abrams and Crews will smile in their team photos! Kudos to Young for getting it right.
You can see the improvement for yourself tonight as the team takes on the Yankees; the game will be broadcast on Nationals.TV at 6:30 EST. Go Franny and Dan!
I’m tripping in Hawaii this week. The big island. Kona is beautiful.
Let’s be the envy of sports.
#thenatslady #theswarm
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