I've been listening to the Effectively Wild podcast for a little over two years and every morning on my way to work, Sam Miller and Ben Lindbergh have more than adequately filled my 45 minute or so drive. Last summer, there was a void, as the 'daily podcast from Baseball Prospectus' turned from something I could listen to every weekday to something that was much more sporadic.
What caused me great consternation then has led to considerable anticipation now. Sam (of Baseball Prospectus) and Ben (of fivethirtyeight) are set to release their book debut within the next couple of weeks. The Only Rule Is It Has to Work is the story of two analytically minded baseball writers trying to put together a winning team in the Pacific Association (an independent league).
Not only would I read anything these guys put out considering our substantive podcast relationship, but as someone who used to work in the front office of an independent team, I'm very excited to read about their experiences. My observations of our independent league Baseball Operations department was that it was largely about simply filling out the rosters. Little attention was paid to putting forth the best product on the field - rather it was finding anyone who might either be local or have a slight bit of name recognition.
Needless to say, I'm very excited to get my hands on this book. I suggest you check it out.
Currently reading: Junkyard Planet by Adam Minter
Next up: Big Data Baseball by Travis Sawchik
