In an era where every plate appearance and every pitch is dissected for its value and metrics, there is something to be said for players going out and doing their damn jobs. Yes, that data can be infinitely helpful in making adjustments and understanding where improvement can be made, but the most important thing is for players and coaches to prepare well and execute every game. For Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington, that has been a philosophy he has preached for years and years.
Washington is unique in the game of baseball. He understands the value of analytics and when it makes sense, he is happy to use them to put his players in a position to succeed.
However, at his core, he is an old school manager that values practice, repetition, and mental toughness above all else. After Tuesday’s dominant win over the Pirates, he made sure to drive that point home.
