As reported yesterday by multiple outlets, the Cubs hired Ari Kaplan for the newly created position of “statisical analyst manager." It’s the Cubs’ first foray into this part of modern baseball statistics.
↵Rob Neyer at ESPN.com wonders if this hiring puts pressure on GM Jim Hendry:
↵↵↵In the sense that Ricketts’ willingness to hire his own guy in a position of some importance suggests that Jim Hendry’s on a terribly (or wonderfully, if you’re a Cubs fan) short leash. I suppose this was obvious even before Kaplan’s hiring; the Cubs are losing and Ricketts inherited a general manager with a recent history of vexing moves.
↵
I, personally, have never been as anti-Hendry as some; he has indeed made some “vexing” moves, but has also made some outstanding trades and the Cubs have made the postseason three times in his tenure, something no other Cubs GM since the 1930’s can credit to his resume.
↵But Kaplan’s signing is still welcome, in that it will bring another perspective to Cubs baseball analysis. And that can’t hurt.