Extreme Moneyball: An Independent Baseball Team’s Descent Into Sabermetric Thinking

Book (highlights/stats/where to purchase): theonlyruleisit...
Hey everybody!
As you can see, this video is a little different. This is basically a summary of the book "The Only Rule Is It Has to Work". The authors of this book, Ben Lindbergh and Sam Miller, take over an independent team known as the Sonoma Stompers. They use sabermetric ways of thinking in order to get the best players and get the most out of their players. I hope you guys enjoy! The next video I'm uploading is something I've been planning for a long time.
Follow me on Twitter: / sportstorm23
Not sure if I will actively posting on twitter, but I think it's a good thing to have just in case.
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Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

[@robberonbrent]

“My attention span only allows me to binge watch KZbin videos” Damn, I really felt that.

[@pboyle1220]

Never have I had a KZbin video describe me more

[@kushclarkkent6669]

lmao I came to comments to say "he just like me fr"

[@SEMYHREPICTURES]

8:07 Tanner Rainey is the setup man for the Washington Nationals right now and played a pivotal role in their World Series run last year

[@blakeb4490]

I actually went to high school in Sonoma County, the field they show is Sonoma Valley High School, I went to Petaluma High, about 20 minutes away, but I played on that field a few times. It's cooling seeing that in a video like this and being able to say I played on that field

[@NB-gc8sq]

Holy shit! Fehlant Lentini is a Winnipeg Goldeyes legend! Haven’t heard that name in a long time!

[@JWex-jy7sk]

@N B Played for Winnipeg 2006-2008 and 2011. 2006-07 he was just completely unstoppable! In just 90-95 games a year he’d hit in the .320’s, 30+ doubles, have 7-13 triples, and swipe 40-50+ stolen bases. Dude could just rake at the plate and had some all around blazing speed!

[@HalTheBlade]

Came across as a real jerk in the book unfortunately

[@blitzfn292]

Who else saw the movie? And also, who TF trades 6 donuts for a third round pick🤦🏻😂

[@daltonlambert1409]

I legit thought he was going to name six brutal players traded for the pick referred to as “donuts” 😂 but he actually meant 🍩 lmao

[@blitzfn292]

Dalton Lambert ikr

[@armadillolover99]

How you gonna trade a draft pick for only half a dozen donuts?

[@bcdm999]

I WAS HUNGRY OKAY

[@MikeyD8716]

I wonder if the owner approved that trade.

[@markchalled3976]

Hard to quantify results when as a summer league players leave the team so your second half is going to be way different. thanks for the breakdown.

[@rftulie]

I like the hints about not being rigid about closers and putting your best relievers in leverage situations rather than using them to get 3 outs in the ninth ahead by 2-3 runs.

[@MastahUsername]

I interned for the San Rafael Pacifics last summer and have seen the Stompers play dozens of times. I definitely wasn’t expecting to find a video about them on KZbin. Awesome job! Love all your other videos as well.

[@SwoteOffical]

Cool!

[@jacobtune3256]

Never thought I would buy a book from a yt video but I just did

[@danieltrubman8203]

An OBP of .250 isn't great, but assuming that 1 non-home run hit was single, Canseco has a .625 slugging percentage. That seems a lot better than "not bad".

[@JonPITBZN]

Your textbook high-variance, high-upside player, which is exactly what you'd expect when putting a long-retired MLB home-run king up against future insurance salesmen.

[@noahmcdaniel4920]

Sounds like Joey Gallo

[@DragonaAuntstar]

@@noahmcdaniel4920 plate vision-0 Plate discipline-0 Power-unlimited

[@erwinrommelgaminde9572]

There were too many variables they couldn't control but the experiment was a success. If baseball can find the right balance between analytics and traditional play, it will progress into a very entertaining and highly skilled sport. Hopefully, we're not far from that.

[@hardtater4154]

Came for the analytics. Stayed for the 6 donut trade :D

[@stickit2theman1]

Just took a look at your channel after watching your vid on SRS. Gotta say this vid is eye opening and possibly a look into the future of MLB. You got my sub!

[@SportStorm23]

Root Note-Evan thank you!

[@bretrogersweightlifting4008]

Wait you’re just gonna mention right at the end that there were girls on the team ?

[@CAPAE]

That needed to be highlighted just a BIT more I would say!

[@bretrogersweightlifting4008]

CAPAE yea like he just threw it in there at the end like it doesn’t mean anything. That seems like a big deal !

[@mjsher2]

It was the next year.

[@cadenr06]

I’ve been trying to find their stats. Can anyone find them?

[@seppshlllearningcenter419]

You guys are acting like it's ground breaking to have females on small town independent teams. This isn't high A ball.

[@samuelalmaraz494]

this was outstanding! keep it up

[@SportStorm23]

Samuel Almaraz thank you!

[@rrameir]

Some of the best quality videos on the site

[@SportStorm23]

appleman thank you!

[@Raxy279]

One of the most solid videos I’ve seen. Well done

[@godbobo9162]

If they wanted to win it all, they probably needed to pace themselves more in the first half to avoid pouching, if they retained that talent it’s very likely the championship would’ve been all theirs. At some point Baseball turns from a mathematical wonderland, to just a sport like every other sport, and sometimes I think we forget that.

[@candlestickthrills]

Former Stompers GM here, and let me say, those donuts were great.

[@Jbrill23]

I love going to Stompers games😂😂

[@josharata3342]

Hey I’m from sonoma! Been to a couple of their games

[@madkinsclassroom5421]

Holy shit! I coached that catcher Andrew Parker at the Cardinal Gibbons School in Maryland. Small damn world. Is it weird that it was his swing in that clip toward the end that confirmed it for me?

[@madkinsclassroom5421]

To be fair I was a first year assistant coach.

[@ObiWanKenobi]

@@madkinsclassroom5421 that’s so cool lol. That’s wild that you’re just watching a random video and find one of the former players you coached

[@mr.cocoapuff7109]

Learning new things every video. Thanks!!

[@SAVikingSA]

6 donuts for a draft pick isn't even on the top 5 of bad Mets trades

[@bryantsteury8910]

Fascinating! What a great video

[@SportStorm23]

Bryant Steury thank you!

[@JacionBryant]

i love this movie

[@metsfan7376]

8:07 Kevin Kaczmarski and Dylan Tice? Now those are 2 Mets players that’s names I haven’t heard mentioned in a long time!

[@vamp9713]

Great video, man!

[@SportStorm23]

vamp9 thanks!

[@outtaherebaseball3205]

Awesome topic man!

[@SportStorm23]

Outta Here Baseball thanks man

[@gingerface1898]

Great video, thanks for making this.

[@SmittyCBaseball]

Who else really misses baseball?

[@alexhisem1852]

SmittyC what up

[@SmittyCBaseball]

Darkshark 744 Yo

[@thokim84]

Yeah, baseball is effectively dead. The game isn't dead, but the business model and interest in the sport is.

[@mgrowbee]

Subscribed a few weeks back. I have seen everything. These videos are so well done. I’m so excited your channel is starting to get the traction it deserves!

[@lucasberg8863]

I’m here before 1K subs because you are really good

[@SportStorm23]

Bucas Lerg thank you!

[@Z1MWOODS]

This is brilliant

[@mattychaz4223]

Bro I literally jumped when he said Matt chavez

[@joshkemme427]

As of 2022, the Pacific Association no longer exists. RIP Sonoma

[@BaseballQuotes1]

wow this is awesome!

[@SportStorm23]

BaseballQuotes1 thank you!

[@caras2004]

At times in the video, does it sound like the narrator is saying "Salmon Bend"?

[@diegomontoya8889]

I totally thought so too.

[@DroneConflict]

holy shit IM FROM SONOMA and Ive never heard of this team til now

[@utaliovelasquez9076]

I miss baseball

[@robertboekee8733]

Excellent content. Much in the line of foolish baseball and Stark Raving Sports. Subscribed before 5k subs.

[@jeffreytoman5202]

I'm a sub and a fan. I see the potential to get on the level of foolish but he's not there yet.... and maple donuts are f'n awesome

[@PrimarySweeper13]

I LIVE IN PITTSBURG. HOW DID I NOT KNOW WE HAVE TEAM

[@brianj4090]

This is great quality sports journalism. thanks for the vid. I hope some of these channels making great sports content are able to monetize to sustainable levels. Like and sub, yall.

[@Infntpaccout1100.3x]

bro I feel u, my brains favorite thing to do is watch KZbin all day. and he hates reading

[@BenjaminLopez-hk7ws]

Does anyone know if these guys are still working with the Sonoma Stompers?

[@andrewwilson7671]

They are not

[@jasonv6319]

From what it seems is data is good, old ways of thinking are hampering and are bad, always adapt to whats new and never be stuck in the past

[@Devon10_10]

Just applied to intern for this team!

[@JackG.23]

Bro I’ve been to all the stadiums and I live like 15 minutes away from the Pacifics stadium. I play there all the time

[@Netomal]

When I was in high school 70% of the pitchers were right handed so over the summer I became a switch hitter 😂😂😂

[@Jffeeney3rd]

Fascinated three minutes in…

[@certifiedhoodclassics6304]

Vallejo admirals baby

[@BrightHornet936]

Feeling really bad for the dude who let Jose conseco hit a hr off him rn😔

[@trsports8123]

Great Vid

[@SportStorm23]

T R Sports thank you

[@Gruntbaseball]

Not Bad at all bro

[@SportStorm23]

Thanks man

[@trashstorage1468]

Bro I’ve been to a Stompers game

[@zh2184]

Sportstorm - this documentary is a triumph - ESPN's 30 for 30 could take some pointers from you!

[@Piercen_Buckley]

As someone from San Rafael I lowkey died a little bit over how he said it

[@armadillolover99]

As bad as your team’s GM is, just be glad he’s not the guy who traded a third rounder for half a box of donuts

[@carlj12]

wasnt it David Denson? maybe this guy came out a bit before hand

[@adamgillespie8508]

Jose Canseco played for my local area Frontier league team also. Lol. I don’t think he got a hit in either of the games he played.

[@micahtataje]

Moral of the story: baseball is unfair. Brutal

[@jaredlewis8689]

If you're already starting off with 100% uncertainty, anything can help.

[@rockaway0beach]

“My attention span only allows me to binge watch KZbin videos” Mood, big mood

[@evangenthon7098]

The river city rascals are my local team

[@collinq7853]

They’re gone don’t exist anymore

[@evangenthon7098]

@@collinq7853 i know

[@jalenkang7527]

pittsburg diamonds baby

[@WestsideMob]

I would of asked for a dozen donuts 🍩

[@CadChamberlain]

tfw you lose because your players get too good

[@JacionBryant]

oakland nations

[@noahosterhues6459]

Tanner Rainey??

[@isaactejada2757]

Sounds like Astro’s

[@chuckgrunwaldt51]

no way the rascals play 15 minutes from my house

[@ChrisNoonetheFirst]

The right pronunciation is "San Ra-fell"

[@JacionBryant]

i love the scene with hallie berry

[@SteelersCardinals1]

RIP RC Rascals

[@Frisbieinstein]

It's pronounced "San Rahfell".

[@luckylepp6609]

Man, humor falls really really flat when nerdy dudes read their jokes directly off their book reports

[@frankym69]

I thought there were seven levels in minor league baseball and the Atlantic League, the American Association and the Frontier League were were right below that in that order in the Indy circuit.

[@warlikeswine4289]

So basically, advance metrics works to a point. And it works when you have the advantage over other teams to continuously gather that info over other teams, And as long as all things remain exactly as they are/were at the beginning. I think advanced metrics can help, and give better statistical analysis of players, but in the end they can't win championships, as shown here and with the Moneyball A's. Add to the fact, baseball is filled with guys like: Buddy Biancalana, Steve Lombardozzi, Scott Leius, Scott Podsednick, David Freese, guys who's metrics probably didn't warrant them doing great things, but then they succeeded or came through in baseball moments contrary to what in depth statistical analysis would say.

[@StarrWolf64]

It doesn't make sense but it's pronounced San Ra-fell

[@SportStorm23]

StarrWolf64 really? That is weird

[@StarrWolf64]

@@SportStorm23 yeah, I grew up in the area. I actually know the photographer for stompers, he might have some inside information if you ever do a follow up.

[@alexmyers3000]

@@SportStorm23 Can confirm...lived in Marin County for 2 years

[@lucasrendon4182]

Oh wait wtf this is my local team I see them all the time haha

[@elishyahharter1355]

Your shit is amazing

[@johndotcue]

Imagine being traded to a team for 6 fucking donuts haha

[@gopher6532]

it was a 3rd round pick not a player

[@cristiandominguez4274]

Dude I’m from Sonoma and Sonoma stoppers is are local teams

[@RubbinRobbin]

In conclusion, the Yankees ruined baseball.

[@mattmcrae1458]

By getting other baseball teams to sign their opponents two best players is cheating.

[@paulhammerich9244]

Great and interesting. Please do your research on pronunciations ie San Rafael sounds like San Rafell

[@guyincognito320]

Look, a low level pro ball player loves ****!

[@ernestolombardo5811]

Brad Pitt: (eats a Twinkie)

[@jamesjackson6027]

The tense operation topically save because rub superfamily rub times a far crate. exciting exclusive, absurd sheet

[@jmedlin81]

gayday

[@calebmouth]

Couldnt get through the video, his voice was too annoying

[@1who4me]

Um they had females because at that level the skill gap is 500x closer than the majors. 🤦🏻

[@JM-fo1te]

Lose the trap music

[@Sterlingradioreel]

I broadcasted for this league, Sonoma was lowkey ass HAHA

[@clickity05productions2]

I live there 🙃

[@mofr4747]

I think it ruined the game

[@lucasborja3797]

It’s the same game, teams are just being smarter to win.

[@Soosss]

Nah I think it’s good overlooked players can get a shot instead of being overlooked for dumb reasons like “he pitches weird” or “his swing isn’t good enough”

[@poosy2]

Awful tonal inflection

[@Bidwellz9]

sabermetrics doesnt work, getting to the playoffs is all good but what about a ring? medicore players wont beat superstars

[@alexcruz4322]

Sabermetrics is statistics, you can’t say math & probability doesn’t work. It’s literally math. Getting to the playoffs is all you can do. Anything after that is as much luck as skill. The giants won 3 rings in 5 years with a mediocre team, the Nats won in 2019 despite having a weaker team on paper then Dodgers, Yankee’s & Astro’s.

[@therealjaystone2344]

Moneyball works in the regular season but not in the playoffs where you need clutch hitters and pitchers.

[@Bidwellz9]

@@alexcruz4322 you can say it doesnt work, refer to my first comment...where are the rings?

[@aaronhoy3410]

@@Bidwellz9 "... where are the rings?" Well if you mean what teams have used sabermetrics to win World Series championships then the answer is the following: Boston Red Sox - 2004, 2007, 2013, 2018 St. Louis Cardinals - 2006, 2011 New York Yankees - 2009 Chicago Cubs - 2016 Now, I'm not saying that using sabermetrics is the end all, be all for teams & should be the sole basis for which they make decisions if they want to win... however saying that it doesn't work at all like your comment replies is equally ridiculous.

[@srj34]

Okay...so what do you do when you can't afford the superstars?

[@simonlea4812]

At times in the video, does it sound like the narrator is saying "Salmon Bend"?