Gardy doesn't understand sample size.

I was listening to the pre-game on the radio before tonights game that made me understand a little more of the brain process of Gardenhire. He just doesn't understand sample size and statistics.

He stated that he should have taken Ponson out sooner but he didn't want Guerrier to face Arod because Arod hits him so well. I knew that Arod couldn't have faced him too many times since Guerrier hasn't been around too long, so I looked it up. Arod has 4 at-bats vs Guerrier.

Now in those at-bats Arod has 2 hits that were homeruns. So yes he has hit him well. But what he must understand is that 4 ABs really doesn't tell us much of how well a hitter does against a certain pitcher.

Generally, batter vs pitcher stats are not good determining factors because the sample size is much too small. You really need a lot of plate appearances to determine how good a hitter is. That number is difficult to determine but the higher the better so 4 ABs really is not enough.

Maybe managers should have to start taking some math classes before they are given a job.