Dodgers' analytics revolution: Ross Stripling reveals why the Athletics and Cardinals lag behind
There is no secret as to what the Los Angeles Dodgers are trying to do. They are trying to build the best team in baseball, despite how much it may cost them. That much was evident while looking at their moves during the offseason.
It has been a reason for the team's success this year. They currently sit in first place in the American League West. They hold a 79-54 record, putting them 3.5 games ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
L.A. operates on a completely different level than a team like the St. Louis Cardinals and Oakland Athletics. A's pitcher Ross Stripling joined a recent airing of Foul Territory to explain the differences.
"I definitely think there are teams significantly ahead of others. I was raised in the Dodgers organization where I would say they could be on a pedistal all by themselves - I would imagine there are a few teams up there with them. But, really it comes to an investment in human capital," - said Stripling.
From the players they put on the field to the people up in the front office, the Dodgers have continued to put themselves in a great spot.
"I've seen a big difference as far as an investment in analytics and how they use it and they're able to relay it down from the front office, through the assistants, through the coaching staff, [and] down to the players," - said Stripling.
The Athletics and Dodgers are on two different wavelengths
It is tough to compare a team like the Dodgers to the Athletics. Both teams operate completely differently from each other, and Ross Stripling has been lucky enough to see both sides of the spectrum.
"In Oakland here, we get great oppurtunities because a lot of kids it's very much like, "Here's nine innings, buddy. Go play baseball like it's been played for 100 years.' You know, we're not super analytical over here," - said Stripling.
Oakland is not too enthralled in analytics and for the most part, lets the game come to its players. Especially considering the team has been eliminated from postseason contention early over the last few years.
Stripling also mentions the St. Louis Cardinals and the loss of analytics following Yadier Molina's retirement. Molina was a huge part of the team's analytics, being one of the smartest catchers in the game, and it has been tough to adjust.