sometimes deck chairs need to be rearranged

[jersey cubs fan]

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[Cubswin11]

If Eno thinks they’re good moves I’m for it

 

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[Bertz]

It's obviously impossible to judge any of these from the outside but Breslow at least has basically the perfect resume for his role. Him and Brian Bannister up in Boston were basically the OGs at this stuff from the team side of things.

[Bertz]

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Something I didn't notice upon first read. Considering that Scouting Director is the most historically prestigious title after GM it's no wonder that that's the one they're going to use to bring in someone notable from outside the org.

[Brian]

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[Clem Fandango]

Bobby Basham would've been a great Backyard Baseball character

[Bertz]

Based on the article on this in The Athletic this morning, the FO's POV on this is that they mostly had the right minds in the org already, but that they did not have the proper level of influence and authority to execute on the level of an org like the Astros:

 

The Cubs believe they’ve been innovating all these years, just like the Dodgers and Astros. Their pitch lab has been up and running for two years now. They have personnel who present cutting-edge ideas and think outside the box.

 

But there were obstacles in place, and many of these ideas weren’t central to player development. It proved to be more difficult than originally hoped to integrate these concepts into an established system and culture. Instead of being at the core of the player development department, these new ideas were on the margins, supplementing a process that many of the leaders in place had seen work and believed could continue to work.

 

Some organizations that passed the Cubs in these areas were able to implement these processes as they became popular, starting from scratch with regime changes and building around these ideas. Others were just more cutthroat in their decisions to remove people in power and implement changes.

 

The Cubs had hoped to implement these ideas with the same leadership in place, while using systems that had helped them win a World Series in 2016 and build what was once a strong farm system. But in the end, that inefficiency cost them.

 

The Cubs see many of these changes as empowering people whose voices and ideas were previously not heard. Now, the most forward-thinking people — the ones on the cutting edge who would normally be pursued by other organizations to run these types of initiatives — are in positions of power.

 

A lot more in the article on the folks themselves, highly recommend reading it all.

[Brian]

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[Regular Show]

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This is a good hire IMO. I don't know what impact Justin Stone or Craig Breslow will have on this organization, but this could be big.

 

I wasn't even aware this guy applied for the position. He was very highly regarded when he was in the Cards' FO. He's well-versed in analytics and is definitely more "new school" compared to Jason McLeod. Smart dude -- has a master's degree in statistics from Harvard.

 

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/a-conversation-with-oakland-assistant-gm-dan-kantrovitz/

[Bertz]

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Just on those few details I'm calling that a sneakily badass hire. The A's don't get enough credit for how physically talented and toolsy their org is

 

Yeah I know nothing about the guy but seeing early decade Cardinals and last couple years A's on his resume has me doing the Alonzo Mourning gif nod.

[UMFan83]

Speaking of rearranging deck chairs, I saw this job posting from the Cubs on LinkedIn:

 

 

JOB TITLE: Sports & Entertainment Operations Representative

 

DEPARTMENT: Human Resources

 

REPORTS TO: Assistant Director, Talent Acquisition

 

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

 

 

ROLE

 

The Sports & Entertainment Operations Representative will participate in a structured 22 month rotational program comprised of developmental roles, paired with ongoing training designed to support multiple business lines across the Ricketts’ Family portfolio (wtf?). While building key skills and gaining invaluable exposure to the commercial side of the business through hands-on experiences, training and feedback.

 

 

POTENTIAL DEPARTMENTAL ROTATIONS:

 

Ticket Service & Operations

Ballpark Operations

Community Affairs

Ticket Sales & Corporate Partnerships

Hospitality & Retail

Marketing & Social Media

Spring Training Operations (Mesa, AZ)

 

SAMPLE: ROTATIONAL TRACK

 

Fan Service Center (6 to 10 Month Mandatory Assignment)

Cubs Convention Event Planning Committee (2 month Term)

Community Affairs (5 Month Term)

Ticketing (5 Month Term)

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Participate and engage in customized sports & entertainment training and development opportunities

Complete multiple hands on developmental rotations supporting cross functional business initiatives

Create unique and personal stakeholder experiences that uphold and advance the Cubs service delivery philosophy and standards

Continuously improve upon Cubs business operations; always looking for a better way to deliver on commitments to fans, clients, and key service stakeholders

Partner with all departmental and front line associates to achieve organizational and departmental goals

Identify, communicate, and – where possible – capitalize on additional sales opportunities

Advance knowledge and understanding of the key business operations principles and tenets within sports & entertainment industry

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

Bachelor’s degree from accredited university

Minimum one year of sales, service, operations, marketing, and/or event experience (face to face or client based experience) or the completion of a college hospitality training program

Demonstrated service skills

Effective communication, time management and organization skills

Demonstrated ability to work well within a team environment

Ability to work non-standard hours including nights, weekends, and holidays

Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

Strong desire to become a sports & entertainment industry leader

Proven ability to multi-task and manage projects on strict deadlines

 

[David]

Speaking of rearranging deck chairs, I saw this job posting from the Cubs on LinkedIn:

 

 

JOB TITLE: Sports & Entertainment Operations Representative

 

DEPARTMENT: Human Resources

 

REPORTS TO: Assistant Director, Talent Acquisition

 

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

 

 

ROLE

 

The Sports & Entertainment Operations Representative will participate in a structured 22 month rotational program comprised of developmental roles, paired with ongoing training designed to support multiple business lines across the Ricketts’ Family portfolio (wtf?). While building key skills and gaining invaluable exposure to the commercial side of the business through hands-on experiences, training and feedback.

 

 

POTENTIAL DEPARTMENTAL ROTATIONS:

 

Ticket Service & Operations

Ballpark Operations

Community Affairs

Ticket Sales & Corporate Partnerships

Hospitality & Retail

Marketing & Social Media

Spring Training Operations (Mesa, AZ)

 

SAMPLE: ROTATIONAL TRACK

 

Fan Service Center (6 to 10 Month Mandatory Assignment)

Cubs Convention Event Planning Committee (2 month Term)

Community Affairs (5 Month Term)

Ticketing (5 Month Term)

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Participate and engage in customized sports & entertainment training and development opportunities

Complete multiple hands on developmental rotations supporting cross functional business initiatives

Create unique and personal stakeholder experiences that uphold and advance the Cubs service delivery philosophy and standards

Continuously improve upon Cubs business operations; always looking for a better way to deliver on commitments to fans, clients, and key service stakeholders

Partner with all departmental and front line associates to achieve organizational and departmental goals

Identify, communicate, and – where possible – capitalize on additional sales opportunities

Advance knowledge and understanding of the key business operations principles and tenets within sports & entertainment industry

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

Bachelor’s degree from accredited university

Minimum one year of sales, service, operations, marketing, and/or event experience (face to face or client based experience) or the completion of a college hospitality training program

Demonstrated service skills

Effective communication, time management and organization skills

Demonstrated ability to work well within a team environment

Ability to work non-standard hours including nights, weekends, and holidays

Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

Strong desire to become a sports & entertainment industry leader

Proven ability to multi-task and manage projects on strict deadlines

 

Guessing that mainly just means they might occasionally throw them in to do something at the hotel or the rooftops or something.

[jersey cubs fan]

Speaking of rearranging deck chairs, I saw this job posting from the Cubs on LinkedIn:

 

 

JOB TITLE: Sports & Entertainment Operations Representative

 

DEPARTMENT: Human Resources

 

REPORTS TO: Assistant Director, Talent Acquisition

 

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

 

 

ROLE

 

The Sports & Entertainment Operations Representative will participate in a structured 22 month rotational program comprised of developmental roles, paired with ongoing training designed to support multiple business lines across the Ricketts’ Family portfolio (wtf?). While building key skills and gaining invaluable exposure to the commercial side of the business through hands-on experiences, training and feedback.

 

 

POTENTIAL DEPARTMENTAL ROTATIONS:

 

Ticket Service & Operations

Ballpark Operations

Community Affairs

Ticket Sales & Corporate Partnerships

Hospitality & Retail

Marketing & Social Media

Spring Training Operations (Mesa, AZ)

 

SAMPLE: ROTATIONAL TRACK

 

Fan Service Center (6 to 10 Month Mandatory Assignment)

Cubs Convention Event Planning Committee (2 month Term)

Community Affairs (5 Month Term)

Ticketing (5 Month Term)

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Participate and engage in customized sports & entertainment training and development opportunities

Complete multiple hands on developmental rotations supporting cross functional business initiatives

Create unique and personal stakeholder experiences that uphold and advance the Cubs service delivery philosophy and standards

Continuously improve upon Cubs business operations; always looking for a better way to deliver on commitments to fans, clients, and key service stakeholders

Partner with all departmental and front line associates to achieve organizational and departmental goals

Identify, communicate, and – where possible – capitalize on additional sales opportunities

Advance knowledge and understanding of the key business operations principles and tenets within sports & entertainment industry

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

Bachelor’s degree from accredited university

Minimum one year of sales, service, operations, marketing, and/or event experience (face to face or client based experience) or the completion of a college hospitality training program

Demonstrated service skills

Effective communication, time management and organization skills

Demonstrated ability to work well within a team environment

Ability to work non-standard hours including nights, weekends, and holidays

Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

Strong desire to become a sports & entertainment industry leader

Proven ability to multi-task and manage projects on strict deadlines

 

Guessing that mainly just means they might occasionally throw them in to do something at the hotel or the rooftops or something.

Probably have to take Todd and Laura out on pretend chores so the board can have meetings without them getting in the way

[ConstableRabbit]

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This is a good hire IMO. I don't know what impact Justin Stone or Craig Breslow will have on this organization, but this could be big.

 

I wasn't even aware this guy applied for the position. He was very highly regarded when he was in the Cards' FO. He's well-versed in analytics and is definitely more "new school" compared to Jason McLeod. Smart dude -- has a master's degree in statistics from Harvard.

 

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/a-conversation-with-oakland-assistant-gm-dan-kantrovitz/

He probably didn't apply.

[Regular Show]

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This is a good hire IMO. I don't know what impact Justin Stone or Craig Breslow will have on this organization, but this could be big.

 

I wasn't even aware this guy applied for the position. He was very highly regarded when he was in the Cards' FO. He's well-versed in analytics and is definitely more "new school" compared to Jason McLeod. Smart dude -- has a master's degree in statistics from Harvard.

 

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/a-conversation-with-oakland-assistant-gm-dan-kantrovitz/

He probably didn't apply.

 

Ah, I guarantee he did. This isn't really a promotion and I don't think the Cubs asked for permission to interview him. The scouting director job for the Cubs isn't more prestigious than being an AGM (I'm sure the pay is better though). Especially this role with the Cubs because the autonomy he will have is less than most scouting directors have with their clubs (Kiley McDaniel was alluding to this).

 

This new guy is not the de facto #3 in the organization like McLeod used to be (maybe he still is).

[Regular Show]

[d_money]

McLeod's still the defacto #3, that new title's fancy. I wouldn't be surprised if his promotion was Harris' cue that the Cubs see McLeod as a GM or higher candidate post-Theo

God help us. Once the 2015 IFA take a horsefeathers, it’s time for McLeod to hit the bricks.

[Sammy Sofa]

Dude should have been fired after last season.

[Cubswin11]

Dude should have been fired after last season.

Eh, he essentially was with the new role. He went from heading player development to working below guys and being tasked work to do some major league scouting, game planning and maybe finding DFA’d/Non-tendered guys to target. He also got a contract extension in the last few years and is compensated well, he’s worth keeping until that expires and giving him some sort of work. Even if it’s just busy work.

[Cubswin11]

I think it was Tom, but someone mentioned when he got the new role that being in charge of finding post hype guys, DFA’d/Non-tendered guys, like Muncy, etc. could actually be a good task and job for him since a lot of these guys currently hitting that point of their careers were draft prospects he scouted and is familiar with. Seems like decent work to throw his way and tell him to stay away from most of the other work.

[Bertz]

I'm okay with them making the change with McLeod, it's probably time, but the animosity towards him is real weird, and I've yet to hear anything intelligible behind it.

It's always "BUT WHERE'S THE PITCHING" while ignoring a) the vast majority of resources were poured into bats b) McLeod's track record with bats is incredible and c) the pitching ship seems to have mostly been righted in ~2016 and we're beginning to see the results.

[Cubswin11]

I'm okay with them making the change with McLeod, it's probably time, but the animosity towards him is real weird, and I've yet to hear anything intelligible behind it.

It's always "BUT WHERE'S THE PITCHING" while ignoring a) the vast majority of resources were poured into bats b) McLeod's track record with bats is incredible and c) the pitching ship seems to have mostly been righted in ~2016 and we're beginning to see the results.

Yeah I agree with this. Sure it’s frustrating things haven’t broken better with the drafts/IFA. But there is some context with how they decided to go about things and how they’ve used prospect resources for trades and like you said there isn’t hard evidence he’s some bumbling oaf and incompetent. I mean the 2018 draft is looking like it could be the best draft we’ve had in some time. Hoerner, Davis, Roederer top 3 then Richan was used for Castellanos, Kohl Franklin, Riley Thompson and I’m sure I’m missing a guy or two. That’s shaping up to be a draft to give us multiple useful MLB pieces, whether playing directly for us or used as capital in trades.

[Cubswin11]

Yeah, this seems like a really solid hire.

 

[Sammy Sofa]

Guys, stop; the only real argument in his favor is that he looks kind of like a bro-y version of Sal from Mad Men.

[Banedon]

Guys, stop; the only real argument in his favor is that he looks kind of like a bro-y version of Sal from Mad Men.

 

I always thought he looked like a clean cut Pat Smear.