Execution Not Analytics Wins Championships.
The World Series was won by execution, not analytics. Hats off to the Boston Red Sox for winning the 2018 World Series. With 108 wins, they were the best team all season. Even more notable, they persevered in the playoffs as the top team carries a HUGE target on their back. They knocked off two other 100 win teams (rival Yankees & defending World Champion Astros) in the first 2 rounds, and then the twice incumbent NL Champion Dodgers in the Fall Classic.

How did they do it?

First and foremost, an Ace starter in Chris Sale sets the tone. Regardless of his performance, his presence automatically alters the opponent’s approach. Then a postseason resurgence from David Price and a bullpen that collectively found its groove at the right time. All are surely essential for success.

Execution, Not Analytics Wins Championships
Offense

Offensively, I could have a field day with this…Yet, I will keep it simple.

First off, does it surprise anyone that the 2 batting champs in MLB were each on the team with the best record in their respected leagues? Why is that not shocking to people who have both feet on the ground when thinking about baseball?

The Red Sox can hit the long ball for sure. However, they don’t live and die by it. They have a balanced lineup who can beat up on teams in a multitude of ways. MANUFACTURE… Once again, it’s not a dirty word. They can single you to death. That plays!

I will not waste your valuable time spewing out a bunch of stats which the baseball world is tired of hearing about. Here is a basic one that everyone understands because it explains execution. Getting the big hit when needed. It doesn’t always have to be a home run…nor something that can be relied on. Just makes pitching easier against that approach. Execution Not Analytics Wins Championships. Teams like this are tough to pitch against. You have to find their weaknesses and force them to make adjustments. If you don’t, they will keep putting balls in play and making things happen on the bases. It creates a submissive pitching mode as the mindset shifts from getting outs to stopping the bleeding. Too old fashioned for you modern trendies? That’s because a World Series ring is timeless. 29 other teams every year either wonder, wish, hope or don’t have a clue how to win one.

Execution, Not Analytics Wins Championships
Pitching

The analytics don’t mean a damn thing when the players don’t execute. As proven, there is a margin for error with analytical decisions. As it goes in October, everything is magnified. EVERYTHING!!! Unfortunately, the stat geeks never have to answer the tough questions or take the heat after a loss while explaining to the media why the game plan didn’t work.

When it is the “right move” to go to the bullpen in the 5th inning with runners on base, the next man up better keep the runners put.

You ever get the ball handed to you on the mound and the only words the manager says are:

THAT M#!&¥^#$%>•! DOESN’T LEAVE SECOND BASE!

Now that is Inspiring!

Do you want another basic, lopsided stat which explains how the series was won? In terms of executing, the bullpen either did it’s job…or it didn’t. Rather clear on this one. Inherited Runners.

Execution, Not Analytics Wins Championships
Quick Hooks

Somewhere, Sparky Anderson is cringing. Captain Hook himself would never have been this trigger happy. Because Kershaw is Kershaw. Despite his notorious postseason struggles, he is your Game 1 Ace. He should be able to work out of his own jam in the middle innings. Starting the 5th inning in a tie game, a walk and a single are not ideal. Nonetheless, let’s not forget the double play was still in effect. Plus, a front line starting pitcher, AKA 3x Cy Young Award winner is well experienced and qualified in pitching out of a jam. That’s why he makes $33M/year.

Instead, Ryan Madson, who has been a very solid postseason pitcher, came into the tune of Wild Pitch, Walk, Strikeout, Force Out RBI, & RBI Single before getting the 3rd out. The damage was done. Now it is a 5-3 game and the Dodgers never caught up again. Kershaw was charged with another postseason L, as there was nothing he could have done to help his cause. Execution Not Analytics Wins Championships.

Rich Hill in Game 4 gave the Dodgers what they needed by logging innings after the 18 Inning Marathon Game 3. However, when you pitch into the 7th and put up 6 Goose Eggs on 1 Hit, how do you mess with it? When a starter is in a groove, you know what you are getting. It is visible, tangible. The defense is synced with the man on the mound. Whereas, the bullpen is unseen. Again, the double play was in effect, this time with the bottom of the order. But the stat geeks just know more than the brains in the dugout. Sure, the Dodgers escaped the inning with the lead. Though, the overall onslaught continued with 9 consecutive Red Sox runs in their last 7 outs. Don’t stomp the momentum.  

Both of these pitchers have thrown No Hitters….Just Saying..

Execution, Not Analytics Wins Championships
Managing

Like all teams nowadays, the Red Sox and Dodgers both rely on analytics. However, the Red Sox give Alex Cora leeway to make his own in game decisions. As each game has its own unique pulse, it takes the limbic brain to harness the proper direction towards victory. The correct decisions either keep the momentum flowing or spark it up when the team needs a rally. It can be a tightrope walk for sure. Thus, stomping the momentum or suppressing it even further are the disastrous results of a bad decision.

This is why great managers rise above the overload of analytics and go with their gut. It is far more  honest than crunched numbers. It is a matter of knowing all 25 guys on the roster and who is best suited to execute in whatever situation arises.Execution Not Analytics Wins Championships.

Managers went from making the tough decisions to being middle men and yes men. John McGraw, Casey Stengel, and Billy Martin have stopped rolling over in their graves. The art of pushing all the right buttons has been slipping away the last few years. Perhaps, this postseason’s analytical failures will wake up the front offices around MLB…and with poor ratings and declining attendance, the commissioner’s office as well. It is not pace of pay that bothers the fans. More so, it is the All or Nothing offensive side of the game.

Lastly, the baseball gods always have say for who wins. Sometimes, it is a difficult decision. Others are rather obvious. However, that topic is for another day…

In closing, I will leave you with this as you work towards your continued DOMINANCE in 2019….

It’s incredibly satisfying seeing Manny Machado take a knee on a gorgeous Chris Sale slider to end the World Series. pic.twitter.com/ysyt8COhFb

— Pitcher List (@PitcherList) October 29, 2018

Execution Not Analytics Wins Championships

Keep Dominating!!!