Statistically-inclined teams use analysis not just to value players but to dictate strategy (less sacrifice bunting, less base stealing), which lets the front office intrude on the manager's traditional turf, leaving the manager a more recessive figure whose diminished authority is visible to players—making his people-management job harder and less pleasant.

causalpending

Speaker

Michael Lewis

Evidence Quote

the players quickly figure out that the manager doesn't have the same sort of power clout that he had... so it makes it harder for the manager to exert his authority over the players

Source

Michael Lewis on the Hidden Economics of Baseball and Football 1/29/2007EconTalk
Created: 6/17/2026, 12:12:19 AM

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