Zelus Analytics Revealed as the Company Hired by the New York Yankees
The New York Yankees have finally disclosed the identity of the company they have hired to assist them with their analytics operations. Zelus Analytics, a sports analytics company, will provide the Yankees with insights into player performance, in-game decision-making, and more. The company has previously worked with several Major League Baseball teams and other professional sports organizations.
Zelus Analytics has an impressive team of experts, including co-founders Doug Fearing and Dan Cervone, who both have experience working in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ front office. Fearing founded the Dodgers’ research and development department, while Cervone served as the team’s former director of quantitative research. The company’s website showcases its 70 employees, many of whom hold titles such as “scientist.” Notably, Andrew Hopen, Zelus’ senior data scientist, has previously worked in the Yankees’ analytics department.
Vince Gennaro, the associate dean of the Preston Robert Tisch Institute for Global Sport at New York University, described Zelus’ employee list as a “dream team of analytics.” With such a talented group of individuals, it appears that Zelus will bring a significant focus on analytics to the Yankees’ operations.
Zelus recently announced that it secured $3.6 million in investments from various companies, including RedBird Capital. RedBird Capital is an investment firm that partnered with the Yankees to acquire Italian soccer club AC Milan last year. This funding will undoubtedly contribute to Zelus’ ability to provide top-notch analytics services to the Yankees.
Zelus’ mission, as described by CEO Doug Fearing in a recent interview with TechCrunch, is to help teams utilize their data to improve their performance and win more games. The company achieves this by leveraging complex proprietary data sources to build models that analyze historical performance and project future performance. These models assist teams in making strategic decisions regarding player acquisition and in-game tactics.
The Yankees are in need of a turnaround after a disappointing season. General manager Brian Cashman even admitted that it was a “disaster.” The team finished with an 82-80 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Despite high expectations following significant signings, such as Aaron Judge and Carlos Rodón, the Yankees struggled with injuries to key players and underwhelming performances.
Aaron Judge, the team’s captain, expressed his belief that the front office should reevaluate the statistics they use to evaluate players. He suggested that certain metrics may hold more value than others, even if they are not traditionally considered important. This sentiment aligns with the Yankees’ decision to bring in Zelus Analytics to enhance their analytics capabilities.
To address their shortcomings, the Yankees’ department heads and decision-makers convened at the team’s player development complex in Tampa. Owner Hal Steinbrenner acknowledged that discussions were intense and thorough, leaving no stone unturned. Steinbrenner hinted at potential changes in practices and communication within the organization, emphasizing the need for improvement.
The partnership with Zelus Analytics represents a significant step forward for the Yankees as they strive to regain their winning ways. By leveraging advanced analytics and data-driven insights, the team hopes to make better decisions on player acquisitions and in-game strategies. With Zelus’ expertise and experience, the Yankees are poised to optimize their performance and return to championship contention.
In conclusion, Zelus Analytics has been revealed as the company hired by the New York Yankees to bolster their analytics capabilities. With a talented team of experts and a focus on utilizing data to improve performance, Zelus is well-equipped to assist the Yankees in their quest for success. The partnership between the two organizations marks an important step towards revitalizing the Yankees’ operations and returning to their winning ways.