Going Deep with The Nats

A continuation from Part I.

The RSN boon that fueled MLBs rapid influx of cash was starting to peter out over this past winter.  This wasn’t the result of anything nefarious.  Rather, technology changed.  Something called “Streaming” had grown past its awkward infancy.

The usual progression for a technology-based change is fairly standard: Initial resistance and ridicule is followed by growing acceptance until it is the norm.  Then only the strongest performers of the old technology hold on until a bitter and forlorn end.  Robert Fulton’s 1807 debut of the steamboat would take hold firmly within a few decades.  Yet, over 100 years later World War 1 German U-Boat Captains would still see the occasional tall-masted sailing ship in their periscopes.  Often they’d let the ships go.  Sinking a rusty cargo ship was one thing.  Killing an aging beauty of the sea was another.  But, their leniency wouldn’t spare what little was left of the sailing fleet from the Knacker’s Yard.  The economics simply were no longer there.   Whether it is vacuum tubes, photographic film, commercial sailing ships, or cable television the outlook for the old ways when a new technology emerges to replace it is uniformly bleak.

The dreaded baseball “Shift” started in an attempt to slow down Cy Williams in 1929. He dominated Philadelphia’s short-porch Baker Bowl to the extent that many rival managers would park three outfielders to the right of straightaway Center Field. A later, more radical shift was employed against another Williams. Some guy named Ted. Ironically, the Cy Williams shift is still legal despite new rules. It is for the time being, at least.

Part 1 of 2

For the briefest of moments in March the earth is oriented such that the Sun is directly above the celestial equator as it heads north.  The Vernal Equinox brings with it a full entourage of promises and hopes.  Thoughts arise of what lay ahead.  It is oh so familiar, but always different.  Ten days later baseball joins the party.  It has its own assemblage of aspirations and dreams.  It too has the feel of being the usual.  Every year brings with it the changes of landscape within the system.  This team is ascending, that team is descending, these players have moved, and have you seen that new kid?   On it goes.   In most years the system enters Stage Left with little if any differences from the last sighting.  The old Organizational Development saw is that the longer an organization exists the more resistant to change it becomes.  A history of continued success within a paradigm dooms many long-term ventures when the seas change.  Only the alert ones successfully navigate through the turmoil.  Hence, this year will be different.  Major League Baseball (MLB) has instituted a number of rules changes.  If not familiar with them here is a good primer. (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2023/02/27/mlb-rules-2023-shift-pitch-clock-bases/11358317002/)

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