Interview With Jon “Boog” Sciambi
January 16, 2012 at 11:50 am by Ben Duronio under Atlanta Braves
Jon Sciambi, former Braves broadcaster and current ESPN commentator, was kind enough to answer a few questions for the site. As many know, Jon is partial to sabermetrics and is not shy to admit it. He contributed a guest post to Baseball Prospectus in 2010, which is certainly a worth while read (some funny stuff about Chipper Jones is included). Anyway, here is our Q&A. Enjoy.
———————————————————————————————————————————
1) Jon, we know you are a saber-friendly broadcaster and we are a saber-friendly site. Research is a big part of sabermetrics and I am sure it is a big part of announcing as well. What do you typically do to research a game you’re scheduled to announce? How far in advance do you start?
The research part of the process really never stops because I’m doing stuff almost every day. I think sometimes people in the saber-world forget that I am not an analyst; I’m a play-by-play guy who likes to analyze. Overall, I’m doing two types of research—first, I’m trying to find stories and nuggets that are entertaining, enlightening and help humanize the players. Also, I’m doing specific statistical research that is more straight-up informational. The people at ESPN research provide amazing support on both ends. For my Sunday games I usually begin on Tuesday with the starting pitchers (who are usually going that night) and I see what peripherals jump out to me. I’ll look at stuff like run differential, DE, OBP, SLG and just get a basic idea of strengths and weaknesses and go from there. Ultimately, I have a pretty good idea of what I want and the themes I’m going to hit on. I know going into a Braves game that it seems one of the consistent issues over the last 5 years has been lack of offensive production from the outfield and so I’ll do work on that and see if that’s correct(last in MLB in outfield OPS since ’07).
2) With that said, which stats do you think are the most misleading for other broadcasters?
I can’t speak for other guys, I just try to avoid “the noise” as I call it—RBIs or wins if at all possible, stuff like that. I don’t like using RISP much because I think it misleads the average fan into thinking that it has predictive value. I despise team batting average because the game is not a hitting contest, it’s a scoring contest. If a guy has a low ERA but a high FIP, I’ll mention both and how they relate. I try to stay away from team record in 1-run games…I think there’s a ton of stuff that leads people to think, “hey, they’re good at this,” when it’s not really reflective of skill.
3) You manage to make advanced statistics comprehensible to the average fan, what do you think is the key to using the advanced metrics, but in a way that your audience can digest?
I think one of the fundamental issues with sabermetrics is that people on the “outside” think it’s about stats as opposed to knowledge. I’m never thinking in terms of explaining a stat, it’s more about relating a concept. I will rarely say, “this guy has a good FIP, here’s what FIP is.” I think it works best with some context or a specific example—If a guy has pitched poorly according to ERA, I’ll talk about how there are factors that go into that stat outside of a pitcher’s control and that can give me an entrée to FIP. So, the specific intent isn’t to explain FIP as much as it is to show that a guy has had some bad luck or at least been affected by things outside his control…but I am using the opportunity to explain FIP. I’m always wary of lulling people into a coma with too many stats and if I can’t explain it in an efficient way, It’s probably not going to get used much.
4) With the Hall-of-Fame vote just closing, and many of next year’s group of eligible players having ties to performance enhancers, what is your stance on putting players tied to PEDs in the hall of fame?
The Hall of Fame is a joke. Start with this…How about the fact that no one has ever been elected unanimously? It’s absurd. If you didn’t vote for Mike Schmidt or Babe Ruth or Willie Mays, you should have your vote taken away. The whole “first ballot” thing is just ridiculous. Everybody has a different feel on the PED thing but I’d put them in. Do I want people to cheat? No. But I get it. I think more than anything, I despise how sanctimonious some writers are on the topic. The Bagwell thing is especially galling—never been linked in any way and guys won’t vote for him because his body got bigger? Look, I’m not naïve but c’mon, that’s the evidence? The best player I’ve ever seen is Barry Bonds and if he had a press conference tomorrow admitting PED use, I wouldn’t change my answer. The game is really difficult, I’m just not “offended” by the cheating.
5) Now we will get into more Braves related questions. What did you make of Fredi Gonzalez’ first year in Atlanta?
I thought it was fine. I thought he bunted a little too much and the lineup criticisms were probably fair but man, people love to complain about the manager. It probably won’t go over well in these parts but I think a manager’s biggest impact is intangible, it’s managing and leading people. I say that in part because I think tactically, the vast majority of managers are the same. The one area where I thought Fredi was in a tough spot was the bullpen because it’s easy to say you have to rest those guys but sorting out how to do that and still win games isn’t so easy. Ultimately, I don’t think a manager has a huge effect on wins and losses.
6) What do you think fans should fans expect from Jason Heyward this season?
I’m still a believer. I was amazed last year how quickly people jumped off the Jason Heyward bandwagon and onto the Freddie Freeman bandwagon. I think his numbers will be similar to his first year with a tad more power and maybe less OBP. Talking to scouts last year, multiple guys said they didn’t think he could succeed with that swing because it’s so different…and I didn’t hear that once in 2010. I just think we have a tendency to get caught up in short term results.
7) Do you feel the Braves need to do anything to remain competitive for the NL East this year?
I think the pitching keeps them competitive but they need to score and I don’t love the defense. It’s hard to imagine them being an above average offensive team because I think you know what you’re getting from 3 spots—CF, 2B and C. To say you know what you’re gonna get from Freddie after 650 PA is a stretch to me (please see Jason Heyward). There are obviously payroll constraints, so adding a bat seems unlikely and I worry about Chipper’s durability/ production and to a lesser extent, Prado’s too.
8) What was your favorite part about broadcasting Braves games?
Working with Joe Simpson. We had fun every single game. Joe’s got the best laugh and a great sense of humor and I loved our old school/new school discussions. I’d also have to say the fans were (and still are) so amazing to me, it just blows me away.
9) Do you recall how heavily sabermetrics are weighed in the Braves’ front office?
I really couldn’t say. John Capolella, the Braves Director of Pro Scouting is extremely savvy in regards to advanced metrics but I couldn’t really give you an idea as to how they are put to use in the organization.
10) Lastly, what was your favorite call for a Braves game, or your most memorable moment during a broadcast?
Not to take the air out of the balloon but in my 3 years we didn’t make the playoffs and I swear, on FSN or SS games I think I called like 5 walk-off wins over that whole period. There just weren’t many really dramatic, crazy games that I did—I can remember feeling multiple times that the few big comebacks or wild games were always on Peachtree or TBS. As far as a call…Yunel Escobar hit an absolute bomb in Arizona that landed on the Fridays porch near the tables and I randomly shouted, “Mind your nachos!” I believe that was my proudest moment.
Loading ...
Great interview, great guy. Wish I had enjoyed him more when he was with the Braves.
yess… “Mind your nachos!” Absolutely love it, great interview.
Great guy, great personality. Joe and Boog were always a pleasure to listen to. I miss him more now that we have to listen to Chip. My how far the apple has fallen from the tree.
Thoughful and informative, just like his broadcasts. Nothing would improve the Braves’ TAR (Telecasts Above Replacement™) more than replacing Chip with Boog.
Really liked Boog when he was calling Braves games… really miss him
hated boog when he called games, but I’m likely influenced by the greats of the 90s who called our games on TBS every night.
i miss listening to him call braves games
Nice post– an interesting interview from one of my favorite broadcasters I’ve listened to. I’d have to disagree a bit with “it’s hard to imagine them being an above average offensive team.” I think at this point it is hard to predict their offense one way or another.
Great interview. I always enjoyed Boog on the Braves games and like his work with ESPN. Even though he knows a lot about the game, he’s not afraid to poke fun at himself, and treat the fans with respect. When you invite someone into your living room several dozen times a year, that’s sort of self-awareness is important.
OK Seth Smith is gone ok Frankie who is up your sleeve to say your going to go after and just wind up sitting on your ass. Wake the F*ck Frank and the Braves are going to be a last place team.
@10
what question was Seth Smith the answer to, besides “how can we trade away Martin Prado or Jair Jurrjens for less than they’re worth?”
I think some Braves fans didn’t like Boog because he wasn’t a homer, he was a very objective broadcaster. Others didn’t like him because he didn’t just follow the traditional tired story lines, but brought some fresh analysis to the table.
I mean the sad state of affairs is that a lot of your every day braves fans probably preferred chip to boog. the average fan doesn’t like to learn anything when they’re watching. They want to hear the same things over and over and they want the announcer to be a glorified cheerleader.
I don’t hate Chip as much as a lot of people seem to. I don’t think he brings very much to our broadcasting table though. I really do miss Boog. I considered him and Joe to be wonderful complimentary play-callers together. @10; I don’t have any clue what you are even referencing. Do you really think we’ll finish behind the Mets?
@12 I imagine some of the less thoughtful fans also had fewer positive memories of Boog simply because the Braves weren’t making the playoffs at the time he was broadcasting. It’s easier to be a popular announcer when the plays you are calling are ones that make people happy. That said, most people I’ve talked to about the Braves say that they miss having him call games.
@14
The AJC blog commenters used to slam boog constantly. I think a lot of it was what you mentioned. Almost seems like people thought if they got the old TBS crew back together the Braves would start winning again.
@13
I don’t hate Chip by any means. he’s more or less what you’d get if you had an average fan with a pretty good voice call games.
It still amazed me that after years in the booth, he still couldn’t tell the difference between a pop fly to shallow center and a no doubt home run.
I remember once him saying “a drive and deep” and Yunel ended up catching the ball in shallow center, haha.
I never watched a game with Boog so he couldn’t have been bad as an announcer so kudos making it to the big show. My favorite announcer to hate is Hawk Harrelson of the White Socks I cannot stand him he is the biggest homer I have ever listened to.
@15 /Franklin
Do you expect anything less from the random AJC commenters? They make run of the mill trolls look like baseball gurus.
@17 bobby
Tell me about it. Hawk is the worst. I don’t even understand how Sox fans can enjoy that guy.
Really enjoyed this. Boog, you are awesome. CAC, you are also awesome.
Keep up the good work fellas.
BOOOOOG! I miss hearing you in the booth.
I also don’t hate Chip as much as most seem to, but he is a pretty pedestrian announcer who really doesn’t add anything to the broadcasts. And in regards to his inability to differentiate a pop up vs a homer.. haha! I always thought he was trying to add a little more drama to the game, but more than half the time i think “wtf? The ball didn’t even make it close to the warning track!”
@10
“Wake the F*ck Frank and the Braves are going to be a last place team.”
The “Fuck Frank”?
@17
“White Socks”
Boog was pretty good, but chip is as good or better. He is obviously not as good as his dad or grandpa, but he is a very good complement to Joe who is very good.
@22 /kpo
The only person who thinks Chip is as good as Boog is Chip himself.
Oh, BTW- Hi Chip. You suck. :)
Still waiting for someone to tell Chip what “fisted” means.
IMO, Chip is the worst. He must have the job because of his father and grandfather. Fortunately, not being in the area, I don’t have to listen to him often. I expect a broadcaster to be a professional and to be able to call the plays correctly-something Chip struggles to do. I would have liked to have heard Sciambi in 2006-2007 when the other announcers, especially Chip, were talking about how great Francouer was and how idiotic it was to criticize him.
Personally, I like Chip better than Boog.
ABSOLUTELY CANNOT STAND CHIP, its very boring and very dry..chip has zero sense of humor and makes the Braves games drag by, rather have my tv on mute to be Honest….It’s almost like since his dad and grandfather are legends, them Chip gets to piggy back off them..__GUARANTEED if chip was had no family ties to the business, he wouldn’t even call minor league games…
Boog & Joe IMO, was awesome team, fed off each other and kept the commentary interesting,.informative, and hilarious…I swear I could just listen to those guys all day long..there was a certain chemistry BTW the two that came out every night…
Also, absolutely correct…chip cannot tell the difference BTW routine fly vs.no doubter… His calls are ridiculous….”And he hits a long drive, deep, deep, way back and its caught by a running in Martin Prado Lmaoooooo or A Gonz running to shallow CF….GTFOH chip and stop riding the coat tails of ur family legacy because quite frankly u are hurting it more then helping…Maybe its hard to live up to his skip and harry comparisons but man he is absolutely horrible…I rather hear the Hawk and his picks to click than chip any day….
I’d Trade chip to White sox for the Hawk any day of week of any month of any year without a second thought..LOL
Honestly Joe is good….Boog was good…Chip horrible. And only because of his dad, granddaf.has he lasted this long….I rather listen to Joe by himself then to hear Chip voice….Chip could never ever do radio, too much dead air and brings nothing informative….did yall notice how Joe and Glavine would simply carry the broadcast by themselves w/on chip?? Sometimes you wouldn’t even realize chip was there until end of inning, chip gives score..honestly I rather hear Glavine and Joe all year long, hell bring back Boog and the red hair , I’d take anybody else over Chip.. and I think what would make it better?? Nothing within chip power could change my opinion..from his annoying voice to dumb azz calls….I remember wanting to shoot the DAMN tv…praying 4 mercy, make chips voice please stop pretty please….this season I’ll go with subtitles only..or hey Joe Simpson can u please disconnect chip headset pls every game..let him talk to himself…rather have Joe ALONE or Glavine and Joe…no more chip..
Boog was pretty awesome IMO and i wish Braves could’ve retained him longer.but when the big boy ESPN comes calling, u pack up & take the money.
Sorry chip but ur garbage play by play but I’m sure as a person ur a great guy as man and father but u suck big time in the booth…embarrassing really
If you want to compare Boog vs Chip….1.would ESPN EVER hire chip?? Absolutely not…but they hired Boog, saw his talent..2.if you need an objective opinion on chip, please reference TBS playoffs games chip butchered and embarrassed the Braves to a national audience…chip sorry buddy but u shouldn’t call minor league games…if chip was on radio. I’d just miss all the Braves games….I wish I could set my DVR to only record what Joe has to say only.
Anybody remember game 163 in 2009 between Detroit and Minnesota? Chip’s awesome call of Nick Punto’s game winning base hit that was actually a line drive double play to the LFer? It was a line drive that was clearly going to hang up enough to be caught. Chip gets too invested in the drama and excitement.
@12 (and other’s insulting people who didn’t like Boog) – Sorry, but I just wasn’t a fan of his commentating, and it’s not because I wanted the same stuff regurgitated to me over and over. It’s just simply because I didn’t find him very entertaining and somewhat annoying. I honestly wasn’t impressed with most of commentary, and I tired of the constant jokes about his superhero alterego or whatever they liked to call it. I was not sad to see him go, and whenever he calls a game on ESPN (especially when he does college B-ball games) I generally frown. Yes, he was better than Chip (who makes me cringe at least once a game with an awkward call), but that doesn’t mean I’m an idiot for not liking him.
That all being said, this interview was entertaining, and gives me a new found respect for him as an analyst, though I doubt it’ll change my fandom of his announcing.
@31
I was mostly speaking to the average Braves fan on the street. Of course we will all have our own opinions, but there are those that didn’t like boog because they felt like he didn’t understand baseball and was from New York. Say what you will about him, but he knew what he was talking about.
If you just didn’t like his style, I disagree with that, but at least understand it. I was very careful to say these were reasons that ‘some’ people didn’t like Boog as an announcer. However, I can’t understand those that think that Chip understood the game of baseball better than Boog, which was mostly what I was speaking towards.
Damn you Boog, I miss you. Why must you force me follow you from afar?
I love Chip and will always tune in when he is announcing. His family connections may be what brought him to Atl. but his great announcing is what keeps him here. Boog was good but I like a Braves fan in the booth. Joe would be OK if he turned his mike up so I could hear him. He seems to speak in a low voice for most of the games except for the commercials.
Boog was the man I really miss him in the booth. I can’t believe people actually like chip he is horrible.