Jack Goin discusses Twins job opening, etc. (Was: All right all you geniuses...)

[Jack Goin]

We forgot to ask Jack to give his views on the "if you were owner for one day, would you fire TR and Gardy" thread...

 

(Edit: I hope that is not viewed as a tactless comment. This is a professional sport and a professional team with more than three years of underperformance, with many of the top leadership in the same positions they have been for a long time. It's a legitimate debate for the taxpaying public to be considering, but I wouldn't expect Jack to comment given his position. But maybe he would want to bring back the trees!)

 

No, I won't comment. I love my job. I had a big long rant that I just deleted so I wouldn't regret posting it somewhere down the line.

[AlwaysinModeration]

No, I won't comment. I love my job. I had a big long rant that I just deleted so I wouldn't regret posting it somewhere down the line.

 

See? Savvy!

 

Good to hear you love your job, that is hugely important. Hope that you get good applicants for the new position.

[Brock Beauchamp]

No, I won't comment. I love my job. I had a big long rant that I just deleted so I wouldn't regret posting it somewhere down the line.

 

Security camera footage from Target Field as of 6:44am this morning:

 

[D. Hocking]

Oh gawd.... we spent the entire game last night discussing fabric for curtains. For real. (I almost said seriously, but there were jokes sprinkled in.)

 

This makes me mad. This completely misrepresents that game thread and makes it seem silly and shallow. That is not the only thing we talked about. There was also some in-depth discussion on doilies. That is something you don't find very often anymore - even on sports boards.

 

What is next - you are going to disparage the thread with the bathroom art theme?

 

[smart response with the deleted rant].

[Kirby_waved_at_me]

This thread is really cool.

 

Thanks Jack for taking all these questions!

[tobi0040]

No, I won't comment. I love my job. I had a big long rant that I just deleted so I wouldn't regret posting it somewhere down the line.

 

Jack,

 

Can you speak to the perception that the Twins are behind the curve when it comes to things like sabermetrics, platooning, defensive shifts, etc? How much influence do you and your team have with the Twins and do you feel your department would have more influence with other teams?

 

What is a statisticians view on the importance of carrying three catchers, you know, just in case?

 

Thank you for your time.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Interesting find although just reading the qualifications pretty much gives me a headache.

 

And a warning to applicants, go look at all your social media postings about the Twins!!!

That is laugh out loud funny.

[Mike Sixel]

Jack, I figured you were kidding about not knowing the stadium, do you really not just go to games and walk around and get a feel for the place during a game ever?

 

Best food is the Minnesota Crispy Belly Bacon with Jalapeno Jelly and Vinegar Slaw....and here is a list of all the food and the locations:

 

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/min/ballpark/information/index.jsp?content=concessions

[jharaldson]

Hi Jack,

 

I noticed in the technology list that you are focused on structured DB technology (SQL Server) and don't appear to be looking for any unstructured or "Big Data" technologies like Hadoop, HDFS, ect... Has your team explored "Big Data" technology and found it wanting for your application or is this something you have not researched? Thanks!

 

PS: The Azure platform has support for Big Data and Hadoop through their partnership with Hortonworks.

[Mike Sixel]

hadoop.....if I hear that word one more time at work, like it is some kind of SAVIOR, I might smash my laptop......

[Brock Beauchamp]

hadoop.....if I hear that word one more time at work, like it is some kind of SAVIOR, I might smash my laptop......

 

Put it in the cloud, Mike. That fixes everything.

[TheLeviathan]

If you're looking for simple and delicious eats at the park Jack - it's hard to go wrong with Tony O's Cuban either. That's just a damn fine sandwich. I echo the sentiments about Kramarczuk's as well - load up one of those brats with onions and kraut and be in heaven on a summer's night.

[Mike Sixel]

Put it in the cloud, Mike. That fixes everything.

 

I proposed a drinking game where we'd do shots everytime someone said cloud or API in an upcoming meeting. But, luckily, no one did it. In that thirty minute meeting, I tallied 21 instances of those being used.

[justinone]

If you're still reading I just wanted to say thank you Mr. Goin for your efforts to make the Twins better. Fanbases and forums tend to go negative and look for scapegoats when the team we love is struggling. I trust that you understand this and know that at least one person appreciates what you do.

 

I am optimistic when I hear that the Twins are hiring another analytics driven person in an effort to improve the team I love on our path to contend. As a data analyst myself I would consider that my dream job. Unfortunately although I have a basic SQL understanding, can lift at least 56lbs, and could sit as long as you need if issued a catheter--I am woefully inadequate in all other areas. Good luck in your search and continued efforts to bring that next World Series to Minnesota.

[Brock Beauchamp]

I proposed a drinking game where we'd do shots everytime someone said cloud or API in an upcoming meeting. But, luckily, no one did it. In that thirty minute meeting, I tallied 21 instances of those being used.

 

Ah, yes. "API".

 

In truth, one of the most useful tools of development... But when used by a layman, code for "take someone else's data and do what we want without permission".

 

Um, no. You can't just "steal" a database... Which is the very purpose of an actual "API".

[Squirrel]

This makes me mad. This completely misrepresents that game thread and makes it seem silly and shallow. That is not the only thing we talked about. There was also some in-depth discussion on doilies. That is something you don't find very often anymore - even on sports boards.

 

What is next - you are going to disparage the thread with the bathroom art theme?

[smart response with the deleted rant].

 

Lol ... most can't disparage that because most didn't know what decoupage was.

[jharaldson]

hadoop.....if I hear that word one more time at work, like it is some kind of SAVIOR, I might smash my laptop......

 

I agree that "Big Data" and "Hadoop" are overused in the industry but that doesn't mean they still can't add value here. The purpose of Big Data is to allow people to take overwhelming amounts of data and use it to make better decisions right now. This sounds exactly like what the Twins need to do.

[Mike Sixel]

Oh, I know, that was more a reaction to some of my boss types here at xxxxx company.

[twinsfan34]

I'm qualified sans the JS (backbone? Angular? either way, JS is some voodoo magic!), and wife would never leave the DFW for MN Winters.

 

Very similar to the job that the Texas Rangers posted a little while back...

 

Except less analytics focused and more developer focused.

 

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/job-posting-texas-rangers-programmer-analyst/

[ashbury]

When the moon is just right and the parents are sleeping, I slip out the basement window and run naked to the nearest SABR convention.

 

Stew Thornley enforces higher standards than that for the local chapter, I assure you.

[Craig Arko]

hadoop.....if I hear that word one more time at work, like it is some kind of SAVIOR, I might smash my laptop......

 

Beware of the BLOB.

[Badsmerf]

I have a good and simple one for you Jack. What are some of the most difficult challenges you face in your position? We all like to act as if decisions are so easy and clear, but we know that isn't the truth and I'm interested what parts of your duties are the most difficult.

[snepp]

Jack,

 

What's your take on the Fieldf/x system? And have you made any use of its data yet?

[Badsmerf]

Forgot to ask if there is any statistic that makes duensing look more appealing in trades? And if you've ever tried to "sweeten the pot" with him?