Tigers GM Avila plans to expand use of analytics
The Tigers' front office under new general manager Al Avila is already shaping up to look much different than it did during Dave Dombrowski's tenure.
Not only has Avila made a number of personnel changes, but he's planning to change the way the team operates from a decision-making standpoint.
"One thing I will bring different is expanded analytics," Avila said in an interview with The Detroit News. "I will tell you that I feel that we have a ways to go to catch up with the industry. We have been making some strides, but we'll fast-forward a little bit and add to that department.
"You'll see a big difference there."
However, as a former director of pro scouting, Avila knows you can't replace traditional scouting with advanced analytics and sabermetrics.
"The combination is what works, the scouting with the analytics," Avila said. "You have to have one balance out the other -- the opportunity to use both in order to put together the team.
"It's not going to take over," Avila said of the expanded analytics. "It's going to help us make what I think are better decisions."
(h/t The Detroit News)
