The pitfalls of incomplete statistical inquiry

Photo by Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesWhen the Yankees traded for Rougned Odor last week, it spurred a whirlwind of discussion in the PSA Slack. First, we tried to make sense of the acquisition of a seemingly washed-up player signed to a prohibitive contract. When more details came out about the effective zero cost to the team, conversation turned to speculation over what value — if any — he could provide the Yankees, given his frightening offensive decline and average-ish glove. Finally, some of us dreamed of a scenario where the same batting department that tapped the offensive potential in Luke Voit, Gio Urshela, and Mike Tauchman could work its magic on the previously power-hitting Odor.

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