ST. LOUIS -- In an effort to improve the synergy between the baseball analytics group and field staff, the Cardinals have hired Joey Prebynski to serve as a game-planning coach.
Prebynski comes from Milwaukee, where he has spent the last three seasons as a pro scout. Prior to joining the Brewers, Prebynski worked with the Rangers as a video coordinator, research analyst, advanced scout and assistant in Minor League operations and player development. Prebynski's diverse background made him an attractive candidate as the Cardinals began creating the job description for this new hybrid role.
"The game has evolved, and you see all the information and the increase of more departments, especially on the development and analytical side," Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said. "We looked up and realized we could use some more help. The staffs have grown, the information has grown, and that's healthy. It's already shown to be valuable. We need someone like Joey to help."
The intention is to have Prebynski available to relay analytics information to the staff in a way that's easily digestible. And while he won't necessarily spend much time directly interacting with players, Prebynski will be taking player requests back to the baseball operations departments.
Prebynski's task will be to organize, streamline and simplify data so it's relevant for the modern player. The Cardinals will also put an emphasis on individualizing information on a per-player basis.
"We need to take all this information and then parcel it in simple, understandable, relatable terms and forms," Shildt said. "Because the last thing I want is just a lot of inertia or white noise, numbers, charts, and peoples' heads spinning off. We want to create clarity for the player so they can relax and execute and perform and use their talents to the best of their ability."
Prebynski won't be in uniform, but will travel with the club, Shildt confirmed. He might also handle some instant-replay duties while on the road. Other details surrounding Prebynski's role are still being sorted out, but his addition further highlights the emphasis Shildt has put on constructing a staff with an eye for analytics.
New hitting coach Jeff Albert is considered progressive in his philosophy to incorporate data into getting his position players ready to compete. He has previously described hitting as a combination of art and science, and his modern way of thinking will offer a different approach to the position than the one brought by his predecessor.
"We're trying to make sure that we're catching our blind spots and then also creating our sweet spots," Shildt said. "Listen, we just want the best practices to be able to make the best decisions and provide the best information to our players. I'm really pleased with our field staff in the sense that they've been open-minded about what that looks like."