Editorials

The Dodgers, Numbers, Change And How They’re All Connected

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw

Change is terrifying. It forces us from our comfort zone. Why change when the status quo seems to be working?



In baseball, the unstoppable force is the analytics movement and the tsunami of information it brings with it. The immovable object are those who cling to the vestiges of their childhood, when home runs, RBI and win-loss records were the only means to define quality of play.

The criticism of Andrew Friedman and his team of statistical analysts tasked with the responsibility of piecing together a competitive team with an eye on the future as well tends to verge on personal jabs. It’s the kind of visceral response typically reserved for change.

For Dodgers fans, Friedman and his team represents the movement towards numbers they may not be ready for. That said, even if Friedman doesn’t put the team together and accomplish his goals, the movement he represents isn’t going anywhere. Information and the desire for it isn’t going anywhere.

This movement should be exciting. Change should be exciting.

I’m saying this because it’s time for my own change. As of my writing this, I am stepping down from my post as Editor in Chief to get back to writing and the kind of schedule that better fits a young family.

At a time like this, there are countless people to thank. First and foremost, my wife. In this role, the hours were tough, my free time was basically non-existent and the sacrifice came mostly from her. This weekend will be my first completely free one in six months and I can’t wait to spend it with her.

Next, I’d like to thank Gary Lee, who gave me this opportunity. My career wouldn’t be where it is now without him and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.

To the writing staff, thank you for your hard work in helping get the site back to where it is. When I took over, I was the writing staff. I couldn’t be more proud of the people we brought on and the progress they’ve made. I can’t wait to watch each and every one of you grow even as our paths do in different directions.

To my right-hand-man: Justin Russo, thank you. News writing is thankless and tedious, but the site doesn’t perform without it. Anytime I needed anything, there was hardly ever a question and the site wouldn’t be where it is without him.

Lastly, to you, the fans and readers — the real Dodgers Nation: Thank you. Our relationship has grown to something I will legitimately miss. The Dodgers incite incredible passion from its immense fan base that, frankly, Dodgers Nation could not survive without. Even when we disagree, I greatly appreciate the back-and-forth. It made me better at my job and will continue to make me better moving forward.

I took over Dodgers Nation about six months ago, and the backlash was… Something. While there are a few things I would have done differently, I see that negative response as a compliment to my predecessors as much as outright dislike for how I ran things. The prior administration should be proud of the heights they took Dodgers Nation. I am proud of where I leave Dodgers Nation. I may not have built the same relationship as they have, but I do ask you give my successor (Elisa Hernandez) a fair shake.

Change is terrifying. Change is thrilling. Change is absolutely necessary. For me, that time has come and I’m ready for what comes next. I can’t wait to see what it has in store both for me and Dodgers Nation.

Have a good one, everyone. This has been @AnthonyIrwinLA and #ILoveLA.

A Letter to Dodgers Nation: From Elisa Hernandez

Staff Writer

Staff Writer features content written by our site editors along with our staff of contributing writers. Thank you for your readership.

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