HOW DO YOU FAN? - THE GAME INSIDE THE GAME

Faust Ruggiero, Phillies Fan Central


     We tend to put so much emphasis on being number one, that is, the first with the story.  Breaking news; 
the big story; we have it first.  They're all examples of what we expect from someone we think is in the know.  
Unfortunately, that first initial breaking story usually holds nothing more than an extended headline.  If we're 
going to be intelligent fans, it's not about having the story first; it's about getting it right.

     There is a simple formula for getting a story right.  It usually has to do with having enough patience to 
examine the facts.  It also has to do with understanding the system as comprehensively as we can.  With 
this in mind, we turn to what we need to be doing as Phillies fans so that our information is correct, and our 
conclusions are intelligent.

     If we want to talk about what the Phillies organization does, then we should have enough information 
about that organization and the manner in which they are executing their business plan to make our 
discussions intelligent discussions.  On the operation end, we need to know about the scouting program 
and how it operates.  We need to understand the various drafts the Phillies will participate in.  There is the 
first player draft, supplemental drafts, Rule V drafts, and free agency.  We need to understand all the 
procedures that are involved in making these drafts happen, and happen efficiently.

     We also need to understand the baseball rulebook.  You can find the entire rulebook on our Baseball 
Today page.  Learn the rules.  Understand what applies on and off the field.  With this in mind, we also 
need to become knowledgeable regarding the field of sabermetrics, something that we are told is going to 
be incorporated more efficiently into the Phillies operational design.  We also suggest understanding how 
major-league baseball operates.  There's a wealth of information on the MLB website, and there are several 
other pages which discuss how major-league baseball does business.  Get the facts.

     After a player is scouted and drafted, it makes sense to understand the organizational flow from the 
rookie leagues, the Gulf Coast league, single A, AA, and AAA.  It's a good idea to follow these teams, learn 
what happens at each level, and follow a player through their development.  This may change the way you 
think about what the Phillies should be doing with their prospects.  Become acquainted, not only with the 
minor leagur players, but also with their coaches and their manager.  Spend less time complaining, and more 
time researching.  It's a great formula for intelligent conversation.

     It's also makes good sense to understand both the job descriptions and the individuals in the various 
operational positions.  Research what the president of the organization does, and become acquainted with 
his pedigree.  Do the same for the general manager, and his staff.  Understand what's involved in negotiating 
contracts, financial flexibility, and the limitations that these people have when it comes to making deals and 
developing talent.

     We also need to learn more about the business and of baseball.  Like any good business, there needs to 
be a plan.  Ask the questions.  Understand the plan.  There is a huge game inside of the game we are all 
watching.  What we read in the paper, hear on the radio, and find on the Internet with regard to Phillies sources, 
usually represents about 20% of the picture.  Press sources need to grind out stories quickly, and they often 
don't have enough time to go in depth and present all of the information.  By the time they do, the story becomes 
old.  Go beyond the initial reports.  Be your own baseball researcher.  Understand how the business operates.

     It won't be long until the 2016 baseball season unfolds.  The players will be in Clearwater starting in February.  
Two months later, the games will begin in Philadelphia.  The advice this year is, instead of simply relying on small 
rapid pieces of information; take a look at the big picture.  Make your goal for 2016 to understand the game 
inside the game.  Learn about the business.  Understand scouting and player development.  Acquaint yourself 
with major-league baseball and its rulebook.  Follow the flow as a player is scouted, drafted, developed, and finally 
promoted to the big club.  Understand how all this happens.  We are the best fans in baseball, and let's make sure 
that we are the most informed, and subsequently, the most intelligent.  Learn everything you can, but be patient 
enough to make this happen.  Then, when those quick stories are being blasted in your direction, you will have 
enough understanding to discard what is not essential, and to further develop what is.