Why everyone should root for Glen Perkins, part infinity

By Aaron GleemanJul 24, 2012, 2:16 PM EDT
14 Comments

Two weeks ago Twins reliever Glen Perkins outed himself as a stat-head, which means he’s now subject to the same anti-sabermetrics taunting that lowly bloggers like me endure on a regular basis.

Case in point, this Twitter exchange between Perkins and a media member bully following last night’s game in which Twins hitters grounded into five double plays:

Nerds are the worst, amirite?

Perkins has a 3.16 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 43 innings, talks openly and intelligently about being into advanced statistical analysis, loves interacting with fans on Twitter, and even seems to not be annoyed by doofus bloggers making sarcastic jokes.

Forget becoming the Twins’ full-time closer. I nominate him for sainthood.

(And if you want to be just like Perkins, you can also follow me on Twitter.)

The Angels are giving managerial candidates a two-hour written test

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By Craig CalcaterraOct 15, 2018, 11:26 AM EDT
8 Comments

Jon Morosi of MLB.com reports that the Los Angeles Angels are administering a two-hour written test to managerial candidates. The test presents “questions spanning analytical, interpersonal and game-management aspects of the job,” according to Morosi.

I can’t find any reference to it, but I remember another team doing some form of written testing for managerial candidates within the past couple of years. Questions which presented tactical dilemmas, for example. I don’t recall it being so intense, however. And then, as now, I have a hard time seeing experienced candidates wanting to sit for a two-hour written exam when their track record as a manager, along with an interview to assess compatibility should cover most of it. Just seems like an extension of the current trend in which front offices are taking away authority and, with this, some measure of professional respect, from managers.