How LSU Baseball Uses Analytics

Summary

In this episode of 'Miked Up', the host interviews Jamie Tutko, Director of Player Development and Video and Scouting for LSU baseball. They discuss the role of analytics in baseball, its evolution, and its practical application in the game and player development. Tutko shares insights on how technology, such as Trackman units and pitching machines, enhances scouting and practice sessions. The conversation also covers the balance between analytics and traditional baseball intuition, emphasizing the importance of understanding and leveraging both to succeed in the sport.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ The interview is with Jamie Tutko, Director of Player Development and Video and Scouting for LSU baseball, highlighting his role and contributions to the team.
• 🤝 Jamie appreciates the host's show and praises their work, indicating a friendly and collaborative relationship between the media and the team.
• 🚫 Jamie humorously recounts his ejection from a game, suggesting it was unclear to all involved, showing a lighthearted approach to in-game incidents.
• 📈 The conversation emphasizes the importance of analytics in baseball, with Jamie acknowledging both its value and its limitations in player development and game strategy.
• 🔄 Jamie discusses the evolution of video analytics, noting how data availability and understanding have grown over the years, especially at the college level.
• 🔍 The role of analytics is to support traditional baseball knowledge, not replace it, as Jamie explains the balance between data and the human element in coaching.
• 💻 Technology and data are used daily in practice and scouting, with LSU utilizing tools like Trackman units and pitch machines to improve player performance.
• 📊 Analytics help in identifying unique traits in players, such as 'carry' on a fastball, which can be a significant advantage in recruiting and player development.
• 🌐 The use of technology extends to recruiting, where data from showcases and games is analyzed to find promising high school players with standout metrics.
• 🤔 Jamie stresses the importance of not overloading players with data during games, focusing on their performance and the competitive aspect of baseball.
• 🏆 Despite any challenges, there is a strong sense of optimism and confidence within the LSU team, aiming for a successful season and potential championship run.

Q & A

Who is the guest being introduced in the 'miked up' show?

The guest introduced is Jamie Tutko, the Director of Player Development and Director of Video and Scouting for LSU baseball.

What was the reason for Jamie Tutko's ejection from a game?

Jamie Tutko was ejected due to a misunderstanding after a series of shouts from the dugout following a disputed call; it was unclear who was the intended target of the ejection.

How does Jamie Tutko perceive the role of analytics in baseball?

Jamie Tutko sees analytics as an integral part of baseball that is not going away and will continue to evolve, but it should be balanced with traditional baseball sense and intuition.

What technological advancements in baseball has Jamie Tutko witnessed over the years?

Jamie Tutko has observed the increased use of Trackman units and data sharing portals, leading to a greater availability and understanding of analytics in college baseball.

How does LSU baseball utilize analytics in player development?

LSU baseball uses analytics to understand players' strengths and weaknesses, inform scouting reports, and prepare for games, while also ensuring players understand their own abilities.

What is the importance of finding outliers in analytics when recruiting high school players?

Finding outliers is important because it can indicate players who have unique or exceptional abilities that may not be common among their peers, which could be beneficial for the team.

How does Jamie Tutko describe the evolution of analytics from five years ago to now?

Jamie Tutko describes it as a transition from having a lot of data without knowing how to use it effectively to gaining a better understanding of what the data means and how it can be applied to improve the game.

What is the role of the pitching coach, Wes Johnson, in integrating analytics into LSU baseball?

Wes Johnson brings his knowledge from professional baseball to understand and apply analytics, helping pitchers improve their performance and prepare for the next level.

How does Jamie Tutko explain the concept of 'carry' in pitching?

In pitching, 'carry' refers to a high induced vertical break on a fastball, making it appear as if the pitch is going to be higher in the zone than it actually ends up, often resulting in swings and misses.

What is the significance of a player's release height in relation to the effectiveness of their pitches?

A player's release height can affect the perceived velocity and movement of their pitches. Lower release heights can accentuate the carry on a fastball, making it more challenging for hitters to judge the pitch's location.

How does LSU baseball balance the use of analytics with the human element of the game?

LSU baseball uses analytics as a tool to inform decisions and prepare for games but emphasizes the importance of the players' intuition, experience, and ability to compete in the moment.