Ahead of the Curve

May 9, 2016
Kenny, studio host for the MLB Network, built his career on sabermetrics, the data-based analysis of baseball statistics pioneered by Bill James. In this straight-shooting, opinionated book, he presents his lineup of pet peeves, arguing that baseball must buck century-old traditions and embrace information over ignorance. Among his suggestions: no more classifying pitchers as “starters” or “closers,” and a greater emphasis on defensive stats. He’s taken heat over the years for his unconventional views. Kenny’s not shy regarding his disdain of bunting, the batting average, the crediting of pitchers with wins and saves, and the onus of the error. Much like his on-air delivery, Kenny’s writing takes wicked hops, and he throws beanballs at fellow sportswriters. He also ranks baseball’s $100 million free-agent contracts based on the wild discrepancies between perception and reality, and takes issue with voting for candidates for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Part memoir, part baseball history, and part record book, Kenny’s debut is written for the serious fan who is prepared to consider the relevance of such new-school acronym-based statistics as WAR (wins above replacement) and FIP (fielding independent pitching). Fortunately, Kenny includes a glossary for added context. Agent: David Vigliano, AGI Vigliano.

May 1, 2016

This debut by Kenny, an MLB Network host and commentator, is not for the faint-hearted fan. His love of sabermetrics--using statistical analysis to interpret baseball records and player performance--and disdain for the thoughtless following of tradition is clear. (If any of this causes discomfort, then this is the book for you.) While Kenny advocates for a number of changes to the game that seem unrealistic, his perspectives are compelling and often supported with evidence. The author fearlessly tackles subjects such as pitcher wins as a category, starting and bullpen pitcher usage, and the uselessness of the bunt and batting average. Occasionally, Kenny comes across as unwilling to embrace custom at the expense of optimization, but he offers solid arguments and an approachable tone that result in the often intimidating complexities of sabermetrics being easy to understand. VERDICT An excellent, entertaining read for the all-around baseball fan, whether you love sabermetrics or avoid them.--Matt Schirano, Univ. of Bridgeport Lib., CT

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from May 15, 2016
When Miguel Cabrera captured Major League Baseball's elusive Triple Crown in 2012, Kenny refused to join the adulatory journalists lauding his selection as the American League's Most Valuable Player. Convinced that two-thirds of the Crown's jewels (namely, batting average and runs batted in) poorly measure a player's performance, Kenny argues that more-sophisticated metrics established Angels outfielder Mike Trout as a more deserving MVP. Nor is Cabrera the only icon Kenny challenges. Drawing on a set of statistical toolsnow widely known as sabermetricsdeveloped by Pete Palmer and others, Kenny disputes the worthiness of a number of other MVPs and Gold Glove winners, reassesses lucrative free-agent contracts, and even revisits the perennial Williams-DiMaggio comparison. But as helpful as it is for settling past baseball disagreements, sabermetrics proves even more valuable in pointing the way to revolutionary new strategies for playing the game. Recognizing Oakland's Moneyball transformation as a harbinger of things to come, Kenny predicts that as managers grow increasingly data-savvy, they will throw off the restraints of tradition when shifting infielders, setting a batting order, and using the bullpen. Perhaps unwelcome among fans who love the myth and nostalgia of the diamond, this bolt of analytical lightning will make sports talk shows crackle.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)