Thomas Nestico

For those who follow the world of sports, particularly baseball, there is a certain fascination with the numbers behind the game. It's about more than just who wins or loses; it's about the intricate details that make each play, each pitch, a story in itself. This interest in the finer points of athletic competition often leads folks to individuals who can make sense of all that information, someone who can pick out the important bits from a sea of facts. One such person, whose work has caught the eye of many, is Thomas Nestico. He's someone who really enjoys pulling apart the layers of baseball data, looking for what makes players tick, or what makes a particular throw stand out. His contributions help paint a clearer picture of what is happening on the field.

You know, it's almost like a puzzle, putting together all the pieces to see the whole picture of how a player performs. Thomas Nestico, in some respects, does just that, bringing a fresh outlook to how we view the sport. He's someone who has a knack for seeing patterns and connections where others might just see a bunch of figures. His efforts have helped shine a light on some interesting aspects of the game, giving fans and professionals alike new ways to think about what they are watching.

It is that kind of careful observation and deep thought that makes his work quite valuable. He takes a look at things in a way that helps people get a better grip on the game's mechanics and the skills of the players involved. So, whether you are a casual fan or someone who follows every single detail, his insights give you something new to chew on, making the experience of following baseball a richer one.

Table of Contents

Who is Thomas Nestico? The Person Behind the Numbers

Thomas Nestico, also known as tjstats, is a person who brings a rather unique combination of skills to the table. He's someone who started out as a civil engineer, which, you know, involves a lot of precise thinking and problem-solving in building things. But, somewhere along the way, he found a real spark, a strong interest in something quite different: working with data and using machines to learn from that data, especially when it comes to sports. He is, to be honest, a proud Canadian, which gives a little bit of background to his story.

It's interesting how someone can move from one field to another, yet still apply the same sort of logical thought processes. Thomas Nestico seems to do just that, taking his engineering background and putting it to good use in the world of sports information. He has a baseball blog, which he calls tjstats, and it is there that he shares a lot of his thinking and discoveries. This is where he talks about his passion for looking at numbers and what they mean for the game. He's very much into figuring out how players perform, using information to get a clearer view.

There is also information about another individual named Thomas Nestico, born on July 13, 1951, making him 73 years old. This Thomas Nestico lives in Burlington, Connecticut, and previously lived in Bristol, Connecticut. He has been known by names like Thomas S. Nestico, Thomas S. Nestica, and Thomas Nestica. It is important to note that the detailed work in sports data analytics and machine learning is associated with the Thomas Nestico who goes by "tjstats." The information provided in "My text" includes both, so it is good to clarify that the focus here is on the person behind the sports data analysis.

Personal Details - Thomas Nestico (tjstats)

NameThomas Nestico (known as tjstats)
ProfessionCivil Engineer (by trade)
Primary InterestData analytics and machine learning, particularly in sports
NationalityCanadian
Online PresenceBaseball blog (tjstats), Patreon (tj stats), Twitter (@tjstats)

What Kind of Work Does Thomas Nestico Do?

So, what exactly does Thomas Nestico get up to with all this data and machine learning? Well, he spends a lot of his time looking at baseball, specifically pitching. He's interested in things like classifying where pitches land in a baseball strike zone, and then trying to guess where pitches might land in minor league games. It is a bit like trying to predict the future based on what has happened before, using a lot of numbers to help make those predictions. He also takes a look at what he calls "under the radar" pitching prospects, which are players who might not be getting a lot of attention but could turn out to be really good.

He has a way of looking at pitchers that goes beyond just watching them throw a ball. He looks at things like how fast a pitcher's fastball is, or how one type of pitch compares to another from the same pitcher. For instance, he noticed that a pitcher named Warren had his changeup and sinker pitches looking very similar, which was a bit of a problem because they didn't act differently enough. This kind of observation, you know, helps people understand why some pitches work better than others, or why a pitcher might be struggling a little bit. It is all about getting down to the specifics of what is happening with each throw.

His work also touches on how different pitches create value in a game. He has a system called "tjstuff+" which figures out the expected run value of a pitch. This is a way of putting a number on how good or bad a pitch was, based on how likely it was to lead to runs being scored. It is a pretty clever way to look at things, giving a concrete way to talk about the impact of each throw. He has even made the code for his pitching summaries public, which is, honestly, a generous thing to do, allowing others to see how he does his work and maybe even learn from it. This sharing of information is something he believes helps others get better at understanding these things.

How Does Thomas Nestico Look at Pitching?

When Thomas Nestico considers pitching, he does not just see a ball being thrown. He sees a lot of information contained within that single action. He's quite keen on the idea of pitch zones, which are like specific areas where a pitcher aims to throw the ball. He looks at how pitchers manage to hit these zones in the major leagues and then tries to figure out how that might translate to players coming up through the minor leagues. It's a bit like mapping out a strategy for where the ball should go, and then seeing how well pitchers actually follow that plan.

He also pays close attention to the characteristics of different pitches. For example, he has looked at how a pitcher's fastball speed compares to others. There was a time when a pitcher named Degrom had his fastball averaging a certain speed, and Thomas Nestico pointed out that this was a speed he had not averaged since an earlier successful season. He also noted that this pitcher was having some trouble getting batters to miss his pitches. This kind of detail, you see, helps to explain what might be going on with a pitcher's performance, giving a deeper picture than just looking at the final score.

Then there's the idea of how different pitches from the same person interact. He noticed with a pitcher named Warren that two of his pitches, a changeup and a sinker, were very much alike in how they moved. This sameness was an issue because these pitches were supposed to be different enough to trick batters. When they looked too similar, they lost some of their effectiveness. Thomas Nestico's work, more or less, helps to uncover these kinds of subtle points that can make a big difference in a game, showing how even small variations can have a large impact on how a pitcher performs.

What is Expected Run Value and How Does Thomas Nestico Use It?

Expected Run Value, often called xRV, is a concept that Thomas Nestico uses to put a number on how much a single pitch contributes to or takes away from a team's chances of scoring runs. It's a way of looking at each throw and saying, "Based on what usually happens from this kind of pitch in this situation, how much did it change the likelihood of runs being scored?" So, a pitch that makes it much more likely for a team to score would have a high positive xRV, while a pitch that gets an out and reduces scoring chances would have a negative xRV. It is a pretty sophisticated way to evaluate individual pitches.

Thomas Nestico's "tjstuff+" system calculates this expected run value. This means he has built a way to process a lot of information about pitches – things like their speed, how much they spin, where they cross the plate, and what the situation in the game is – and then use that to figure out the xRV. This is, actually, a very helpful tool for understanding the true worth of each pitch thrown in a game, moving beyond just whether it was a strike or a ball. It gives a deeper sense of a pitcher's effectiveness and a batter's ability to make something happen.

By using xRV, Thomas Nestico can give a more detailed picture of a pitcher's performance than traditional statistics might offer. It helps to identify pitches that are particularly good or bad, even if the immediate outcome wasn't obvious. For example, a pitch that looks like a ball might still be a good pitch if it sets up the next one perfectly. This kind of analysis helps fans and teams get a clearer view of what's working and what's not, allowing for more informed decisions about players and strategies. It is, you know, a way to add more depth to how we think about the game.

Can We Learn From Thomas Nestico's Work?

Yes, absolutely, there is a lot to take away from the kind of work Thomas Nestico puts out. One of the most important things is how he approaches making his code public. He believes that making his code available for others to see is the best way for people to learn and improve their own understanding of data analysis in sports. It's a very open way of sharing knowledge, which is, honestly, quite refreshing. This means that if you are interested in how he gets his results, you can actually go and look at the underlying processes he uses.

This openness also helps to build a community of people who are interested in the same things. When someone shares their methods, it allows others to check the work, ask questions, and even build upon it. It's a bit like a collaborative effort, where everyone can learn from each other's insights. Thomas Nestico's approach shows that there's value in transparency, especially in fields where data and complex calculations are involved. It encourages a deeper look into how conclusions are reached, rather than just accepting them at face value.

Moreover, his work highlights the value of looking at details that might not be immediately obvious. The idea of "under the radar" pitching prospects, for example, tells us that there are hidden gems out there if you know how to look for them. It suggests that traditional ways of evaluating players might miss some important things, and that data analysis can help uncover those overlooked talents. So, his work teaches us to question what we see on the surface and to dig a little deeper for a fuller picture, which is, quite frankly, a good lesson for many areas of life, not just baseball.

Connecting with Thomas Nestico and His Insights

If you are someone who finds this kind of detailed sports analysis interesting, there are ways to keep up with what Thomas Nestico is doing. He has a presence on platforms where he shares his thoughts and findings. You can find him on Twitter, where he posts updates and comments under the handle @tjstats. This is a pretty common way for people to share quick bits of information and engage with others who have similar interests. It is a good spot to catch his latest observations and see what he is thinking about the current baseball happenings.

He also has a Patreon page, which is a place where people can support creators they appreciate, and in return, often get access to more content or deeper insights. This suggests that his work is valued enough that people are willing to contribute to help him continue his analysis. Getting more from tjstats on Patreon likely means getting a more in-depth look at his calculations and thoughts, perhaps even early access to some of his research. It is a way to get closer to the source of his information and really understand his methods.

And, of course, there's his baseball blog, tjstats. This is where he introduces himself and explains his passion for data analytics and machine learning in sports. It is the central hub for his more detailed writings and explanations. So, if you are looking for a comprehensive view of his projects and analyses, his blog is probably the best place to start. He has also been a guest on discussions, like when Van and Steve talked about SPS with Thomas Nestico, which means his ideas are being discussed and shared in wider circles, which is, you know, a sign that his contributions are seen as valuable.

Spring Scouting with Thomas Nestico

Thomas Nestico has a series called "Spring Scouting," which is a pretty cool idea for anyone who follows baseball prospects. Spring training is a time when new players and those coming up through the ranks get a chance to show what they can do before the regular season begins. This series, in a way, aims to give people a heads-up on what to look for during this important period. It is about spotting talent and potential when it is still early, which can be very exciting for fans and teams alike.

The idea behind "Spring Scouting" is to provide insights into players who might be making a name for themselves, or who are showing new aspects of their game. It is not just about the big names everyone already knows. It is about those players who might be quietly putting together impressive performances, or who have made adjustments that could lead to a breakthrough season. This kind of forward-looking analysis helps people get a jump on understanding who to watch as the season unfolds. It is, more or less, a guide to finding future stars before they become household names.

For example, one of his observations from this kind of scouting mentioned a top prospect for the Pirates who was throwing the ball incredibly fast, reaching speeds of over 101 miles per hour. This kind of specific detail, you know, is exactly what "Spring Scouting" is about – highlighting remarkable performances and giving a sense of what to expect from promising players. It helps to set the bar for what people consider a truly fast thrower, showing that Thomas Nestico is always on the lookout for standout performances and significant developments in player skills.

The Passion for Data Analytics with Thomas Nestico

It is clear that Thomas Nestico has a deep love for working with data and using machine learning, especially when it comes to sports. This is not just a hobby for him; it is a real passion that he talks about on his blog. He takes a lot of joy in digging into numbers and finding patterns that help explain what is happening on the field. This kind of dedication is pretty evident in the detailed analysis he provides, from classifying pitch zones to calculating expected run values. It is, truly, a drive to understand the game at a deeper level.

His background as a civil engineer, while seemingly different, might actually contribute to his methodical approach to data. Engineers, you see, are trained to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts and to use data to make informed decisions about structures and systems. This way of thinking could easily transfer to analyzing sports data, where you are also dealing with complex systems (the game of baseball) and trying to understand their components. It is, in a way, about building a framework for understanding performance, just as an engineer builds a framework for a structure.

This passion also drives him to share his work and help others. The fact that he makes his code public for his tjstats pitching summaries shows a desire to contribute to the wider community of sports analysts and enthusiasts. He believes it is the best way for others to learn and grow in their own understanding of these analytical methods. This spirit of sharing and collective learning is a strong part of his approach, showing that his passion is not just for the numbers themselves, but for what those numbers can teach us all about the game we love. It is, quite simply, a love for the game expressed through the lens of data.

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