MLB Rival Assessments and Cardinals’ Rotation Strategy Explored

Major League Baseball front offices are more than just the brains behind a team—they are the lifeblood of organizational success. The Athletic’s latest installment of The Windup, their MLB newsletter, dives deep into the nuances of these critical behind-the-scenes operations.

It introduces readers to the second annual front office rankings, based on votes from dozens of league executives. The newsletter also explores inspiring personal stories, league-wide trends, and the challenges teams face both on and off the field.

This blog post breaks down the newsletter’s key points while analyzing what they mean for fans, teams, and the league at large.

MLB Front Office Rankings: Sustained Excellence Takes the Spotlight

When it comes to evaluating teams, fans often focus on championships and on-field triumphs. Front-office executives, however, take a different approach, prioritizing *sustained organizational excellence*.

In the recent MLB front office rankings featured in The Windup, teams like the Rays, Brewers, and Guardians emerged as models of consistency. Despite their lack of World Series success, these teams have demonstrated strategic roster-building, sound player development, and resourceful spending that puts them in elite company.

The Dodgers: Setting the Standard for Front Office Mastery

Arguably the gold standard, the Los Angeles Dodgers front office earned universal admiration from insiders. Known for utilizing their vast resources in ways few teams can replicate, the Dodgers excel in everything—drafting, trading, analytics, player development, and international scouting.

Their ability to adapt and thrive in all areas of baseball operations makes them a model for sustained dominance. An American League executive praised teams like the Rays for their precise negotiating tactics, adding another layer of respect for the league’s underdogs.

Interestingly, ten MLB teams received no votes in the rankings. While fans of these organizations might view this as a wake-up call, it underscores how far some front offices must go to compete with top-tier operations.

Jonah Rosenthal: A Story of Resilience and Impact

The newsletter shifts from organizational excellence to individual perseverance, featuring Jonah Rosenthal, a Dodgers scout who has made a remarkable comeback after surviving a major stroke. Rosenthal’s journey is as inspiring as the talent he’s helped uncover in his scouting role.

Among his success stories is Justin Hagenman, a pitcher Rosenthal signed out of Penn State who recently made his MLB debut with the Mets.

Scouting Success in Challenging Circumstances

Rosenthal’s legacy extends far beyond Hagenman. His ability to identify late-round gems like Michael Busch and Michael Grove, as well as undrafted free agents such as Garrett McDaniels, has solidified his reputation as one of the league’s sharpest evaluators.

As MLB reduced the draft size from 40 rounds to just 20 in 2021, such success stories are increasingly rare and all the more impressive.

Minnesota Twins: Attendance Struggles Signal Fan Disconnection

Off the field, the Minnesota Twins are grappling with an alarming trend—record-low attendance at Target Field. According to The Windup, the team is drawing 2,400 fewer fans per game this season, reflecting a significant dip in engagement from the fanbase.

This decline stems from frustration following a disappointing offseason where the Twins failed to make major roster improvements.

The Business Side of Baseball

Attendance isn’t just about ticket sales; it’s a barometer of fan trust and enthusiasm. The Twins’ struggles serve as a cautionary tale for organizations that underestimate the importance of maintaining a competitive edge year over year.

Frustration among fans in Minneapolis mirrors what many other teams face when expectations aren’t met, emphasizing the link between front-office action and fan loyalty.

League-Wide Trends and Player Spotlights

The newsletter rounds out its coverage with an exploration of new developments across the league. From the St. Louis Cardinals’ experiment with a six-man rotation to the integration of cutting-edge hitting technology, MLB teams are constantly innovating in the search for competitive advantages.

These trends showcase baseball’s evolution and the drive to adapt to ever-changing dynamics.

Standout Performances: Tatis Jr. and Ben Rice

Finally, the newsletter highlights impressive player performances that deserve recognition. Fernando Tatis Jr., a player often in the headlines for both good and bad, continues to dazzle on the field.

Meanwhile, rising stars like Ben Rice are catching the attention of scouts and analysts alike, reinforcing the league’s emphasis on young talent.

 
Here is the source article for this story: How do MLB GMs assess their rivals? Plus, will Cardinals stick with 6-man rotation?