The Houston Astros have been known for their analytical approach to baseball, but new general manager Dana Brown is focused on finding a balance between scouting and statistics. Brown, who spent most of his career as a scouting director, has made a key addition to the Astros’ amateur scouting department by hiring Deric Ladnier as the senior director of amateur scouting.
Ladnier, a former player and experienced scout, brings a traditional scouting background to the Astros. He believes in the importance of watching players in person and relying on his instincts, while also using data to support his evaluations. Ladnier’s approach is complemented by Cam Pendino, a 28-year-old scouting analyst who will be overseeing the day-to-day operations of the department.
Pendino, who has been with the Astros since 2019, has a deep understanding of the team’s data-driven scouting model. He has learned from some of the best in the industry and has been instrumental in helping develop the team’s draft strategy. Now, as the head of amateur scouting, Pendino will play a crucial role in rebuilding the Astros’ farm system.
Houston’s farm system currently ranks near the bottom of the league, but Pendino is optimistic about the team’s ability to find talent in the upcoming draft. The Astros have the smallest bonus pool in the league, but Pendino believes that focusing on drafting players who can contribute to the major league club is more important than spending big money on prospects.
Ladnier, who has overseen successful drafts in his previous roles with the Diamondbacks and Royals, understands the importance of finding talent at all levels of the draft. He believes in a collaborative approach, where scouts and analysts work together to make informed decisions based on all available information.
The Astros’ scouting department has undergone some changes in recent years, with Pendino being a rare constant amidst the turnover. He has worked under multiple general managers and scouting directors, and his leadership abilities and work ethic have been praised by both Brown and Ladnier. Pendino’s promotion to scouting director was a natural progression for him, and he is excited to continue working with the team’s talented group of scouts.
While the Astros’ data-driven approach is well-known, Pendino emphasizes the importance of the team’s area scouts and cross-checkers. He believes that their evaluations are the “lifeblood” of the scouting department and that their expertise is crucial in making the best possible decisions on draft day.
Under Brown’s leadership, the Astros are looking to strike a balance between scouting and analytics. They believe that by incorporating both approaches, they can make more informed and successful decisions when it comes to draft picks. With Pendino leading the way, the Astros are confident in their ability to find and develop talent for the future.