Mark Simon (he/him)
@marksimon.bsky.social
Editorial at Sports Info Solutions
Host: The Journalism Salute pod.link/journalismsalute
Formerly, ESPN, Baseball Tonight.
Mets notes writer. Wrote "The Yankees Index" book.
Play-by-Play: Muhlenberg/DeSales
Creator- A Lasting Legacy documentary
Host: The Journalism Salute pod.link/journalismsalute
Formerly, ESPN, Baseball Tonight.
Mets notes writer. Wrote "The Yankees Index" book.
Play-by-Play: Muhlenberg/DeSales
Creator- A Lasting Legacy documentary
Pinned
The Journalism Salute
The Journalism Salute is a journalism appreciation podcast. We interview working journalists about who they are and what they do.Our aim is to have diverse guests, thoughtful questions, and interestin...
pod.link
Hello people. I suppose I shall be here some now.
For those unfamiliar, I'm Mark. I like baseball, the New York Rangers, Seinfeld, Peanuts comics, documentaries, thoughtful-stand up comedy, good writing & Division III sports.
Also, once a week I interview a journalist - pod.link/journalismsalute
For those unfamiliar, I'm Mark. I like baseball, the New York Rangers, Seinfeld, Peanuts comics, documentaries, thoughtful-stand up comedy, good writing & Division III sports.
Also, once a week I interview a journalist - pod.link/journalismsalute
A little thing in their banter here that I feel strongly about. @megrowler.fangraphs.com said she regrets not taking Spanish in college.
Me too!!
If you want to work in baseball, I strongly recommend doing what you can to be at least minimally bilingual
Me too!!
If you want to work in baseball, I strongly recommend doing what you can to be at least minimally bilingual
Effectively Wild Episode 2424: The Perfect Fits for Free Agents blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-...
Effectively Wild Episode 2424: The Perfect Fits for Free Agents
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about how the on-ramp for learning about sports analytics has changed since they were students, follow up on players who unretired after becoming coaches, break down...
blogs.fangraphs.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:40 PM
A little thing in their banter here that I feel strongly about. @megrowler.fangraphs.com said she regrets not taking Spanish in college.
Me too!!
If you want to work in baseball, I strongly recommend doing what you can to be at least minimally bilingual
Me too!!
If you want to work in baseball, I strongly recommend doing what you can to be at least minimally bilingual
Reposted by Mark Simon (he/him)
well, @davyandrewsdavy.bsky.social wrote a perfect blog
January 8, 2026 at 7:46 PM
well, @davyandrewsdavy.bsky.social wrote a perfect blog
Stat of the Week
Made a list of New Year's resolutions for players and teams
But I didn't pick superstars. Instead, I focused on good/ everyday players, like Joey Ortiz and CJ Abrams, pitcher Nick Martinez, as well as 3 teams (Twins, Marlins, Phillies)
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2026/01/08/s...
Made a list of New Year's resolutions for players and teams
But I didn't pick superstars. Instead, I focused on good/ everyday players, like Joey Ortiz and CJ Abrams, pitcher Nick Martinez, as well as 3 teams (Twins, Marlins, Phillies)
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2026/01/08/s...
Stat of the Week: New Year’s Resolutions
Some players and teams have pretty obvious points of focus in looking ahead to 2026…
www.sportsinfosolutions.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Stat of the Week
Made a list of New Year's resolutions for players and teams
But I didn't pick superstars. Instead, I focused on good/ everyday players, like Joey Ortiz and CJ Abrams, pitcher Nick Martinez, as well as 3 teams (Twins, Marlins, Phillies)
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2026/01/08/s...
Made a list of New Year's resolutions for players and teams
But I didn't pick superstars. Instead, I focused on good/ everyday players, like Joey Ortiz and CJ Abrams, pitcher Nick Martinez, as well as 3 teams (Twins, Marlins, Phillies)
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2026/01/08/s...
Reposted by Mark Simon (he/him)
Chase Utley has gotten 26 of 30 votes from first-time Hall of Fame voters this year.
We made the case for Utley last year and his Defensive Runs Saved (2nd among 2nd basemen) were a big part of that
read @marksimon.bsky.social (who votes next year)
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2025/01/02/s...
We made the case for Utley last year and his Defensive Runs Saved (2nd among 2nd basemen) were a big part of that
read @marksimon.bsky.social (who votes next year)
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2025/01/02/s...
January 6, 2026 at 8:53 PM
Chase Utley has gotten 26 of 30 votes from first-time Hall of Fame voters this year.
We made the case for Utley last year and his Defensive Runs Saved (2nd among 2nd basemen) were a big part of that
read @marksimon.bsky.social (who votes next year)
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2025/01/02/s...
We made the case for Utley last year and his Defensive Runs Saved (2nd among 2nd basemen) were a big part of that
read @marksimon.bsky.social (who votes next year)
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2025/01/02/s...
Reposted by Mark Simon (he/him)
New year, new website design!
We've remodeled our website to make it easier for you to find what you're looking for, whether it's information about our business, our consumer offerings, our research & content, or anything else
Check it out on your computer or mobile device sportsinfosolutions.com
We've remodeled our website to make it easier for you to find what you're looking for, whether it's information about our business, our consumer offerings, our research & content, or anything else
Check it out on your computer or mobile device sportsinfosolutions.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:49 PM
New year, new website design!
We've remodeled our website to make it easier for you to find what you're looking for, whether it's information about our business, our consumer offerings, our research & content, or anything else
Check it out on your computer or mobile device sportsinfosolutions.com
We've remodeled our website to make it easier for you to find what you're looking for, whether it's information about our business, our consumer offerings, our research & content, or anything else
Check it out on your computer or mobile device sportsinfosolutions.com
Reposted by Mark Simon (he/him)
New journalist interview: David Covucci, @foiaball.com
For the college football fans, the investigative journalists, and those looking to find their niche
We talk investigative reporting on everything from alleged tax fraud to how much schools spend on balloons & bundt cake
tinyurl.com/foiaball
For the college football fans, the investigative journalists, and those looking to find their niche
We talk investigative reporting on everything from alleged tax fraud to how much schools spend on balloons & bundt cake
tinyurl.com/foiaball
January 6, 2026 at 5:00 AM
New journalist interview: David Covucci, @foiaball.com
For the college football fans, the investigative journalists, and those looking to find their niche
We talk investigative reporting on everything from alleged tax fraud to how much schools spend on balloons & bundt cake
tinyurl.com/foiaball
For the college football fans, the investigative journalists, and those looking to find their niche
We talk investigative reporting on everything from alleged tax fraud to how much schools spend on balloons & bundt cake
tinyurl.com/foiaball
New journalist interview: David Covucci, @foiaball.com
For the college football fans, the investigative journalists, and those looking to find their niche
We talk investigative reporting on everything from alleged tax fraud to how much schools spend on balloons & bundt cake
tinyurl.com/foiaball
For the college football fans, the investigative journalists, and those looking to find their niche
We talk investigative reporting on everything from alleged tax fraud to how much schools spend on balloons & bundt cake
tinyurl.com/foiaball
January 6, 2026 at 5:00 AM
New journalist interview: David Covucci, @foiaball.com
For the college football fans, the investigative journalists, and those looking to find their niche
We talk investigative reporting on everything from alleged tax fraud to how much schools spend on balloons & bundt cake
tinyurl.com/foiaball
For the college football fans, the investigative journalists, and those looking to find their niche
We talk investigative reporting on everything from alleged tax fraud to how much schools spend on balloons & bundt cake
tinyurl.com/foiaball
I have a newsletter. It's about journalism, not sports.
I recap the weekly interviews I do with journalists.
I've interviewed more than 250 - a diverse group in so many ways.
You can find it at journalismsalute.beehiiv.com
All issues are free to read - and it's free to subscribe.
Try us!
I recap the weekly interviews I do with journalists.
I've interviewed more than 250 - a diverse group in so many ways.
You can find it at journalismsalute.beehiiv.com
All issues are free to read - and it's free to subscribe.
Try us!
The Journalism Salute Newsletter
A newsletter providing updates on The Journalism Salute podcast
journalismsalute.beehiiv.com
January 5, 2026 at 12:34 AM
I have a newsletter. It's about journalism, not sports.
I recap the weekly interviews I do with journalists.
I've interviewed more than 250 - a diverse group in so many ways.
You can find it at journalismsalute.beehiiv.com
All issues are free to read - and it's free to subscribe.
Try us!
I recap the weekly interviews I do with journalists.
I've interviewed more than 250 - a diverse group in so many ways.
You can find it at journalismsalute.beehiiv.com
All issues are free to read - and it's free to subscribe.
Try us!
Reposted by Mark Simon (he/him)
Our annual year-end awards!
What category did Riley Greene lead the majors in? How about Fernando Tatis Jr., Bryson Stott, Joey Ortiz, Alex Bregman, and Matthew Boyd?
read from @marksimon.bsky.social to find out
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2025/12/31/s...
What category did Riley Greene lead the majors in? How about Fernando Tatis Jr., Bryson Stott, Joey Ortiz, Alex Bregman, and Matthew Boyd?
read from @marksimon.bsky.social to find out
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2025/12/31/s...
Stat of the Week: Our Year-End Awards
We share who were the best at robbing homers, framing pitches, making barehand plays, and other things we track…
www.sportsinfosolutions.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Our annual year-end awards!
What category did Riley Greene lead the majors in? How about Fernando Tatis Jr., Bryson Stott, Joey Ortiz, Alex Bregman, and Matthew Boyd?
read from @marksimon.bsky.social to find out
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2025/12/31/s...
What category did Riley Greene lead the majors in? How about Fernando Tatis Jr., Bryson Stott, Joey Ortiz, Alex Bregman, and Matthew Boyd?
read from @marksimon.bsky.social to find out
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2025/12/31/s...
Reposted by Mark Simon (he/him)
New podcast episode: Nihar Maskara, Twins Pro Personnel analyst
What does an R&D analyst for a baseball team do? What are some of the future trends to follow in the industry? What advice does he have for those entering these sorts of jobs
LISTEN:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
What does an R&D analyst for a baseball team do? What are some of the future trends to follow in the industry? What advice does he have for those entering these sorts of jobs
LISTEN:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
Twins Pro Personnel Analyst Nihar Maskara On What It's Like To Work In Baseball
Podcast Episode · The SIS Baseball Podcast · 12/30/2025 · 29m
podcasts.apple.com
December 30, 2025 at 3:23 PM
New podcast episode: Nihar Maskara, Twins Pro Personnel analyst
What does an R&D analyst for a baseball team do? What are some of the future trends to follow in the industry? What advice does he have for those entering these sorts of jobs
LISTEN:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
What does an R&D analyst for a baseball team do? What are some of the future trends to follow in the industry? What advice does he have for those entering these sorts of jobs
LISTEN:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
Reposted by Mark Simon (he/him)
Alex Gordon isn't going to get elected to the Hall of Fame. But we're glad to see him on this year's ballot. As @marksimon.bsky.social notes, there were a lot of things that Gordon was good at defensively.
www.sportsinfosolutions.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Alex Gordon isn't going to get elected to the Hall of Fame. But we're glad to see him on this year's ballot. As @marksimon.bsky.social notes, there were a lot of things that Gordon was good at defensively.
Diehards in the house tonight. I have seen a Barry Beck, Pat Hickey, and Jamie Lundmark jersey tonight
December 22, 2025 at 12:59 AM
Diehards in the house tonight. I have seen a Barry Beck, Pat Hickey, and Jamie Lundmark jersey tonight
Let’s go Rangers?
December 22, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Let’s go Rangers?
Reposted by Mark Simon (he/him)
Garrett Crochet could have been even better than he was
Aaron Nola and Dylan Cease weren't as bad as they looked
Our Stat of the Week looks at expected stats vs actual stats for pitchers ... and which pitchers underperformed
READ:
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2025/12/17/s...
Aaron Nola and Dylan Cease weren't as bad as they looked
Our Stat of the Week looks at expected stats vs actual stats for pitchers ... and which pitchers underperformed
READ:
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2025/12/17/s...
Stat of the Week: Who Were MLB’s Most Underachieving Starting Pitchers in 2025?
We look at OPS and compare it to an expected OPS to see which pitchers had the biggest differentials.
www.sportsinfosolutions.com
December 17, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Garrett Crochet could have been even better than he was
Aaron Nola and Dylan Cease weren't as bad as they looked
Our Stat of the Week looks at expected stats vs actual stats for pitchers ... and which pitchers underperformed
READ:
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2025/12/17/s...
Aaron Nola and Dylan Cease weren't as bad as they looked
Our Stat of the Week looks at expected stats vs actual stats for pitchers ... and which pitchers underperformed
READ:
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2025/12/17/s...
Reposted by Mark Simon (he/him)
A deep dive on the defensive differences between Adolis García and Nick Castellanos, looking at what makes García so good (and Castellanos ... not).
Phillies fans should be excited for their new right fielder.
via @marksimon.bsky.social
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2025/12/16/p...
Phillies fans should be excited for their new right fielder.
via @marksimon.bsky.social
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2025/12/16/p...
Phillies Make A Massive Defensive Upgrade With Adolis García
The acquisition shores up what has been a major defensive issue for the Phillies the last several years.
www.sportsinfosolutions.com
December 16, 2025 at 3:15 PM
A deep dive on the defensive differences between Adolis García and Nick Castellanos, looking at what makes García so good (and Castellanos ... not).
Phillies fans should be excited for their new right fielder.
via @marksimon.bsky.social
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2025/12/16/p...
Phillies fans should be excited for their new right fielder.
via @marksimon.bsky.social
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2025/12/16/p...
Reposted by Mark Simon (he/him)
Guys, I was on a podcast! Huge thank you to @marksimon.bsky.social for letting me talk for way too long. Give a listen to hear how I approach stupid questions and what it's like to pursue journalism while working a full-time job. Crazy, but it can be done I think. open.spotify.com/episode/7wmT...
Jules Roscoe, Freelance Journalist (404 Media, Matter News, The Boston Guardian)
open.spotify.com
December 16, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Guys, I was on a podcast! Huge thank you to @marksimon.bsky.social for letting me talk for way too long. Give a listen to hear how I approach stupid questions and what it's like to pursue journalism while working a full-time job. Crazy, but it can be done I think. open.spotify.com/episode/7wmT...
Reposted by Mark Simon (he/him)
Here's a weird coincidence
One of the most amazing catches last season (at least on a shallow fly ball) was by new Phillies right fielder Adolis García.
It came against the guy he's likely replacing, Nick Castellanos!
One of the most amazing catches last season (at least on a shallow fly ball) was by new Phillies right fielder Adolis García.
It came against the guy he's likely replacing, Nick Castellanos!
December 15, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Here's a weird coincidence
One of the most amazing catches last season (at least on a shallow fly ball) was by new Phillies right fielder Adolis García.
It came against the guy he's likely replacing, Nick Castellanos!
One of the most amazing catches last season (at least on a shallow fly ball) was by new Phillies right fielder Adolis García.
It came against the guy he's likely replacing, Nick Castellanos!
Reposted by Mark Simon (he/him)
If we look at last 5 seasons
Adolis García 36 (2nd-most in MLB)
Nick Castellanos -51 (fewest)
Adolis García 36 (2nd-most in MLB)
Nick Castellanos -51 (fewest)
Defensive Runs Saved as a Right Fielder - 2025 Season
Adolis García 16 (most in MLB)
Nick Castellanos -11 (tied for 3rd-fewest)
Major defensive upgrade for the Phillies
Adolis García 16 (most in MLB)
Nick Castellanos -11 (tied for 3rd-fewest)
Major defensive upgrade for the Phillies
December 15, 2025 at 5:39 PM
If we look at last 5 seasons
Adolis García 36 (2nd-most in MLB)
Nick Castellanos -51 (fewest)
Adolis García 36 (2nd-most in MLB)
Nick Castellanos -51 (fewest)
Reposted by Mark Simon (he/him)
Defensive Runs Saved as a Right Fielder - 2025 Season
Adolis García 16 (most in MLB)
Nick Castellanos -11 (tied for 3rd-fewest)
Major defensive upgrade for the Phillies
Adolis García 16 (most in MLB)
Nick Castellanos -11 (tied for 3rd-fewest)
Major defensive upgrade for the Phillies
December 15, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Defensive Runs Saved as a Right Fielder - 2025 Season
Adolis García 16 (most in MLB)
Nick Castellanos -11 (tied for 3rd-fewest)
Major defensive upgrade for the Phillies
Adolis García 16 (most in MLB)
Nick Castellanos -11 (tied for 3rd-fewest)
Major defensive upgrade for the Phillies
Jorge Polanco will be the 3rd person to play for the Mets who had a postseason series walk-off plate appearance
The others are Todd Pratt (who did it for the Mets) and everyone's favorite, Jed Lowrie (2008 ALDS- Red Sox vs Angels)
The others are Todd Pratt (who did it for the Mets) and everyone's favorite, Jed Lowrie (2008 ALDS- Red Sox vs Angels)
December 14, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Jorge Polanco will be the 3rd person to play for the Mets who had a postseason series walk-off plate appearance
The others are Todd Pratt (who did it for the Mets) and everyone's favorite, Jed Lowrie (2008 ALDS- Red Sox vs Angels)
The others are Todd Pratt (who did it for the Mets) and everyone's favorite, Jed Lowrie (2008 ALDS- Red Sox vs Angels)
Reposted by Mark Simon (he/him)
Maikel Garcia's improvement as a hitter came from his driving the ball much more often on pitches that were over the middle of the plate and vs inside pitches.
He halved his rate of missed swings vs "middle" pitches from 2023-24 and he increased his slugging pct vs inside pitches by 154 points.
He halved his rate of missed swings vs "middle" pitches from 2023-24 and he increased his slugging pct vs inside pitches by 154 points.
Maikel Garcia's 13 Defensive Runs Saved in 2025 ranked 2nd among third basemen.
He made great strides the last 2 seasons in his defensive play at that position.
He made great strides the last 2 seasons in his defensive play at that position.
Royals sign Maikel Garcia to five-year contract extension
December 12, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Maikel Garcia's improvement as a hitter came from his driving the ball much more often on pitches that were over the middle of the plate and vs inside pitches.
He halved his rate of missed swings vs "middle" pitches from 2023-24 and he increased his slugging pct vs inside pitches by 154 points.
He halved his rate of missed swings vs "middle" pitches from 2023-24 and he increased his slugging pct vs inside pitches by 154 points.
Wrote this …
Our Stat of the Week looks at pitchers who most outperformed their expected stats.
Trevor Rogers of the Orioles heads the list ...
Also within the article, some tidbits on how much new Braves P Robert Suarez has benefited from good defense (a lot)
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2025/12/12/w...
Trevor Rogers of the Orioles heads the list ...
Also within the article, some tidbits on how much new Braves P Robert Suarez has benefited from good defense (a lot)
www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2025/12/12/w...
Who Were MLB’s Most Overachieving Starting Pitchers in 2025?
Not surprisingly, Trevor Rogers leads the way. We offer a Top 10 list, plus a note on a reliever who signed a big contract.
www.sportsinfosolutions.com
December 12, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Wrote this …
This is a great movie about the perils of war journalism if you have Hulu/Disney+
Glad to see @samfragoso.bsky.social (perhaps a future heir to Terry Gross) get a crack at doing a Fresh Air interview.
Stay to the end for a 'war photogs are just like us' moment in which Lynsey impersonates her mom
Glad to see @samfragoso.bsky.social (perhaps a future heir to Terry Gross) get a crack at doing a Fresh Air interview.
Stay to the end for a 'war photogs are just like us' moment in which Lynsey impersonates her mom
"Images can move people, can educate people, can enlighten people, can flip misconceptions, can bridge people. I still believe in photojournalism," @lynseyaddario.bsky.social tells contributor @samfragoso.bsky.social.
Photojournalist Lynsey Addario on balancing work and family — when work is a war zone
The Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist has been kidnapped and thrown from a car. Still, Addario says, parenting two young kids can be more challenging than war reporting.
www.npr.org
December 8, 2025 at 3:49 AM
This is a great movie about the perils of war journalism if you have Hulu/Disney+
Glad to see @samfragoso.bsky.social (perhaps a future heir to Terry Gross) get a crack at doing a Fresh Air interview.
Stay to the end for a 'war photogs are just like us' moment in which Lynsey impersonates her mom
Glad to see @samfragoso.bsky.social (perhaps a future heir to Terry Gross) get a crack at doing a Fresh Air interview.
Stay to the end for a 'war photogs are just like us' moment in which Lynsey impersonates her mom
Francisco Lindor is going to probably be #1 on this list in about 12 years or so
Most bWAR as Mets Position Player
Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
Mike Piazza 24.6
Gary Carter 11.4
Jeff Kent 8.4
Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
Mike Piazza 24.6
Gary Carter 11.4
Jeff Kent 8.4
December 8, 2025 at 2:33 AM
Francisco Lindor is going to probably be #1 on this list in about 12 years or so
Most bWAR as Mets Position Player
Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
Mike Piazza 24.6
Gary Carter 11.4
Jeff Kent 8.4
Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
Mike Piazza 24.6
Gary Carter 11.4
Jeff Kent 8.4
December 8, 2025 at 1:47 AM
Most bWAR as Mets Position Player
Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
Mike Piazza 24.6
Gary Carter 11.4
Jeff Kent 8.4
Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
Mike Piazza 24.6
Gary Carter 11.4
Jeff Kent 8.4