I really only hope for a Clint Hurdle type of approach. Hurdle was no SABR genius, but he was open to new information on D when he received it.
Absolutely, I tell clients all the time - "listen, this is what [the model] shows but you understand the 'inside baseball' of this better than anyone - let it be a guide but you're the one walking the path." Sometimes the data/model helps bring about new discussion or allows exploitation of a hidden gain, sometimes it confirms their assumptions, often it's completely wrong. I think SABR is the same way - most managers are looking for any advantage they can get that's reasonable and presented in way they can quickly understand it. Just my opinion, but I think a lot of the analysis and discussion (particularly on FG) really moves into the realm of the absurd. Until this year I thought that MLB teams didn't allow that kind of tomfoolery but I think with the Angels we saw that play out.
