Atkins is the main player here who should be accountable. It’s pretty clear they’re politicians and are nuanced and carefully curate what they say and don’t, but I don’t believe there was a call from above as that article alludes to. There was likely immense pressure pregame to follow the plan, and do what the boss would want - to follow the analytics department. If there was a stronger manager with a track record of employment he could refuse but there’s a need to self preserve and he did what his bosses would want him to do.
Anyway, I think much too much has been made from “the decision”. The bigger issue is the
team assembled who just couldn’t bat. That’s the biggest issue, and this was plaguing the team all season.