I think this is what that earlier quote about analytics and cutbacks was about - this group of 13 has already seen three to five of their co-workers, maybe more, let go over the past few seasons in favor of expanding the analytics department, and they are probably expecting larger cuts among their ranks compared to analytics this time too. I am actually surprised the pro scouting department is that big (and they certainly aren't great at their job lately, though I suppose they'd tell you their insights were overlooked in favor of the computers).
Ned Rice, the interim general manager, hosted a video chat Monday afternoon with the team’s scouts. The call included Matt Klentak, who was demoted from the GM role over the weekend. Rice told them a reduction to the scouting group was inevitable.
The Phillies employ eight special assignment scouts and five pro scouts, all of whom are tasked with big-league and minor-league coverages. They have trimmed at least one scout from the organization in each of the previous few seasons. Their scouting staff’s size might be a tick above the league’s average.
