How Much Do Stats Matter?

The 2009 PECOTA projections by Baseball Prospectus was the big topic on MLB Network recently, and a lively debate ensued on the decade old argument of how big a role stats play in the game.

Harold Reynolds and Sean Casey stand up for the old standbys “touch and feel” and “heart”, with Reynolds going so far as saying that stats are ridiculous.

I’m a little shocked at Reynolds’ position on statistics and he really comes off as being a little too naive on the subject in my opinion. It’s too bad because I find him to be one of the more knowledgeable and entertaining analysts on the young network.

I personally believe that there is too much of a black or white divide on both sides, and feel that both schools of thought should allow for gray areas or at least meet somewhat in the middle.

Hat tip to MetsGeek for the video that was left by one of their commenters.