Cost cutting in full

[Mike Sixel]

4 minutes ago, ashbury said:

 

Article from the past:

"Henry Ford says he's done with producing buggy whips, will concentrate on automobile manufacture."

Do I have an independent opinion on the value of in person scouting of MLB games?  No I do not.  But I'm willing to give the benefit of doubt that it's harder than ever these days for an employee to justify their job doing it, by the benefits it brings to the team.

Sure, but that's about cost cutting.....if they didn't save money by getting rid of them, they'd keep them. I'm not sure how this is even up for debate. It's cheaper (maybe better?) to use video and an IT person to two. 

[ashbury]

3 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Sure, but that's about cost cutting.....if they didn't save money by getting rid of them, they'd keep them. I'm not sure how this is even up for debate. It's cheaper (maybe better?) to use video and an IT person to two. 

So, no one's actually objecting to the move, it's just another opportunity for snide remarks and innuendo?  "Everyone's moving in this direction but it's uniquely bad if our guys do it."

[Mike Sixel]

10 minutes ago, ashbury said:

So, no one's actually objecting to the move, it's just another opportunity for snide remarks and innuendo?  "Everyone's moving in this direction but it's uniquely bad if our guys do it."

That's certainly one way to look at it, but it isn't everyone. I remember the Astros cutting their  scouts, then hiring them back a few years later when it didn't work. 2018 or so to 2022 or so......I'd argue it is bad that any of them are doing it. But assuming I'm only negative about the Twins fits a narrative, I guess.

[nicksaviking]

1 hour ago, ashbury said:

Or, an alternative POV for what happened to the guys still working in major league scouting until a few days ago:

"Y'see, what we're trying to do here, we're just trying to get a feel for how people spend their day. So, if you would, would you just walk us through a typical day for you?"

"What is my typical day? Great question Joe! Today I was assigned to compile data and evaluate the Blue Jays vs Yankees game. So unlike your managers, coaches and players, I have a much better understanding of how two actual professional ball clubs are supposed to compete against each other!"

[ashbury]

11 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

"What is my typical day? Great question Joe! Today I was assigned to compile data and evaluate the Blue Jays vs Yankees game. So unlike your managers, coaches and players, I have a much better understanding of how two actual professional ball clubs are supposed to compete against each other!"

I Scouted Good, But Boy Did They Play Bad

Or, if I feel like being less cryptic than referencing an old Jim Bouton book, let me say that losing series to the Jays and then the Yankees doesn't provide much evidence that the scouts made a difference (and I know that isn't what you were even saying).  I think it would be very difficult to tell what does help and what does not - which is why this isn't a FO decision that I feel is worth all the verbiage expended.

[jorgenswest]

I find myself wondering about the scout they retained. I could not have named Wesley Wright as a Twins scout though I would have listened to @Seth Stohs podcast. 

They let go of three guys I did know in John Manuel, Jose Marzan and Keith Compton as well as Keith Stohr.

Wright was the coordinator and by far the youngest of the group.

[Permanent Twins Fan]

I laughed out loud when I heard this news. At this point I would be shocked if they take any steps toward contention next season which is really sad because they have a good core group to build around.

[tony&rodney]

Same thought on all this stuff as any previous moves - What's the goal? How does the each decision bring the Twins organization closer to winning a World Series?

[jaimedude]

How does this make the Twins better on the field is the question?  Nobody questions a move towards technology, or videos as a way of scouting, the question is does having less people reviewing data or scouting make the Twins organization better at the major league level.