Members

Moneyball – Ricardo Vaz Te

In a new series of articles for members, we explore those unfashionable, unwanted and unexciting players who don’t necessarily come with You Tube clips or Armani ads but deliver that all important quantity which drives the “Moneyball” strategy: comparative value.

The term “Moneyball” found its way across the Atlantic for many with the arrival of John Henry, whose Fenway Sports Group added Liverpool to their holdings list alongside Henry’s great pride: the Boston Red Sox. Henry’s Red Sox failed in a bid to hire Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland A’s and chief proponent of the so-called Moneyball strategy but, using Beane’s approach to player acquisitions, went on to deliver their first championship in 86 years. Henry’s attempts to replicate his success on Mersyeside by applying certain principles to player analysis under Damien Comolli failed to have the desired effect, however.

Despite popular opinion, the lessons of Moneyball do not start and end with saving money or looking for one particular attribute in players, but rather looking for players discarded by the wider market, either because they succeed in an uncommon way or because they do so in a particularly unfashionable manner.

Given that most Fantasy managers spend a large portion of our money on just a handful of players, we, too, are forced to invest for value at the bottom end of our squad and in that arena we have to accept imperfection if we’re going to achieve success. Finding the right assets to fill the budget gaps in our squads can prove vital; the Moneyball series is here to help – to investigate the lower end market and attempt to find diamonds in the rough.

Using the Moneyball concept and the data available to our Members, we’ll attempt to identify and analyse players who perhaps appear “imperfect” solutions but, in fact, offer strong potential for those with limited funds.

Chris Glover Creator of the plfantasy blog, providing a stats focused approach to fantasy football. Exiled to Canada but still prefer my sports played on grass rather than ice. Follow them on Twitter

1,540 Comments Post a Comment
  1. heco87
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Yeah Vaz Te .. full of promise ..

    Open Controls
    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I can't believe Doosra could be actually right about WHam options. He said IMO Vaz Te is the best option for investment. lol

      Open Controls
  2. alberto_gunners
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    when arsenal fixtures are easing up, best to get in Podolski or Cazorla then?

    Podolski is easiest to buy for me: can just switch fellaini to guthrie for example and then do petric to Podolski. Cazorla is trickier, because then I have to sell Ben Arfa, and I want to keep him... But Cazorla has maybe a more explosive potential?

    Open Controls
    1. floydy_floyd
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      would much much rather have jela than pod for same price chap.

      Open Controls
    2. heco87
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      From what I've seen, everything they do goes through Cazorla so he looks the best bet at the moment. If Podo takes set pieces and pens he could be a bargain though.

      Open Controls
      1. floydy_floyd
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        not totally convinced by Cazorla as can't see Arse scoring loadsa goals.

        Open Controls
    3. Balotellitubbies
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Cazorla for me, if Wenger were to drop Giroud and play Podolski through the middle he would be essential in my opinion.

      Open Controls
    4. Corrigan
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      It's certainly a head melter. Probably best to wait till GW7. Personally allows me to sort out the rest of my defence and "fight other fires" in the meantime.

      Kagawa's Pool and Spurs fix look much better than City and Chelsea atm.

      Open Controls
      1. alberto_gunners
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        agreed.. should just wait until GW7, we know more by then.

        Open Controls
  3. Samwise the Brave
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    What are peoples thoughts on szeznesy playing for arsenal????

    Open Controls
    1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      What sort of question is that?

      Open Controls
      1. Samwise the Brave
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Badly Phrased, will he start/re-earn his place

        Open Controls
        1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          Maybe not right away but possibly in a few games time, I'd be keeping an eye on him.

          Open Controls
          1. Samwise the Brave
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 6 months ago

            need a 5.6 goalie in my WC team?,Gonna have williams so don't really want to double with vorm, fredial is a risk as well

            Open Controls
            1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 6 months ago

              It's a risk getting Szczesny but might be worth it long term

              Open Controls
  4. DRIZ ✅
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    will McClean start or no??..

    Open Controls
    1. Phoenix Wright
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

      Open Controls
  5. blue cheese
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Chris Glover. Nice! 😀

    Open Controls
    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Waiting for Facer's! 🙂

      Open Controls
      1. blue cheese
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        I'm waiting for Forca's!

        Open Controls
        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          That would be quite something! 😆

          Open Controls
    2. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Agreed. Was contemplating that move myself as I seek to upgrade YaYa to Cazorla in a couple of weeks time

      Open Controls
  6. Spoiler
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    draft wc team.. thoughts? 1.8 mill in bank

    Foster
    Cole | Demel | Hughes
    Cazorla | Hazard | Pienaar | Michu
    RVP | Tevez | Lambert

    Jaask, Maloney, Cuellar, Gorkss

    Open Controls
    1. Corrigan
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      looks great. I would perhaps reshuffle your defence a touch. Not sure Cole is great value for just clean sheets and Gorkks could become Wilson or a 5 option.

      Open Controls
      1. Spoiler
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        thanks, if i can get 3 price risers tonight. i might be able to afford at 6.0 defender.

        cant think of any good 5.0 options?

        Open Controls
        1. Corrigan
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          There's rich tap of 5 options. I would say Ridgewell is my favourite. The options at 5.5+ are actually a bit lacking all things considered.

          I also still like Rangel. Can be played every week till GW9 and then rotated from then on.

          Open Controls
  7. sandwich man
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    On my wildcard and I'm having trouble deciding, which one do people think:

    A) Nolan & A. Cole
    B) Yaya & Figueroa / Hughes / Cuellar

    Open Controls
    1. Sidd5
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Yaya and cuellar , But option A gives you better defence...........

      Open Controls
  8. Hazard267
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    All set to go

    -4

    Ruddy(Jussi)

    Hangeland, Ivanovic, Rangel (Demel, Clyne)

    Bale, Barfa, Pienaar, Larsson(VC)(Britton)

    Podolski(C), Torres, Tevez…...

    Open Controls
    1. big oak
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      iva is a question mark for rotation with the new guy to get some playing time

      Open Controls
  9. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Alright chaps/chapettes

    Foster (Begovic)

    Davies Baines Cuellar (Demel, Clyne)

    Michu Hazard Y Toure Santi Cazorla (Guthrie)

    RVP Tevez Fletcher

    0.0m in bank
    wild card played

    a) downgrade fletcher, beef up defense?
    b) downgrade hazard (shock horror) to lampard, beef up defense?
    c) anything else?
    d) do nothing?
    e) change the team for the billionth time in this int. break?

    cheers

    Open Controls
    1. llamaZA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I'd be worried about the forced sub that is Davies, I can't see him holding that spot for a sustained period.

      Open Controls
  10. Tatty Bojangles
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Great article, thanks Chris.

    Open Controls
  11. COMH
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Has anyone read Moneyball? Really enjoyed the film.

    Open Controls
    1. King Nil Miss ✩
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Me too, and I´m not even a fan of baseball...

      Open Controls
      1. COMH
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah I have no interest in Baseball either but it's a great story. The story itself is very un-baseball like anyway as he completely went against the grain.

        Open Controls
  12. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    who are bego/jussi combo owners starting this gw?

    3/3 cleansheets so far playing the home keeper but this gw im unsure

    Open Controls
    1. COMH
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Jussi imo.

      Open Controls
    2. Van Dal
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      good question!

      Open Controls
    3. llamaZA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Jussi

      We also have an issue in GW7

      Open Controls
  13. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Who is most nailed on ? Mc Auley or Ridgewell or Olsson

    Open Controls
    1. Corrigan
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      All 3 won't be touched in their current form and state.

      Open Controls
    2. COMH
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Hard to say. They are ere until Popov signed so it's remains to be seen what Clarke does. He might leave it alone as the team is performing well and Popov needs to bide his time or Ridgewell moves into CB to accommodate Popov. TBC at the minute.

      Open Controls
    3. floydy_floyd
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      was just about to ask this myself chap. Think i'm going with Ridge, if not Culkin.

      Open Controls
  14. Locarno
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Right, you clowns. Paddy Power have just given me a free £50 bet (no idea why). Has to be used in one go (i.e. not ten £5 bets) and has to be used by Monday.

    Knock me dead with your gambling wisdom...

    Open Controls
    1. King Nil Miss ✩
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      RvP to score! 😉

      Open Controls
      1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        BOOM

        Open Controls
    2. COMH
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      A single bet or maybe a double/treble to increase the odds?

      Open Controls
      1. Locarno
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Depends. I'm looking around the 4/1 or 5/1 mark. So either a single at those odds or a treble of 5/4's.

        Open Controls
    3. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      suarez to not hit the post must be huge odds as well as been a safe bet

      Open Controls
    4. heco87
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Depends on if there's any withdrawal limits / wagering requirements.

      If we're not being boring, £50 on Vermaelen to score anytime tomorrow.

      Open Controls
      1. Locarno
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        4/1... hmmmmmm. Like it.

        Open Controls
        1. heco87
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          Baines anytime on Monday? At work so can't check odds

          Open Controls
          1. Locarno
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 6 months ago

            Baines 5/1. Vertonghen a juciy 8/1.

            Open Controls
            1. heco87
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 6 months ago

              3 way treble a juicy 160-1 returns £8k

              Open Controls
    5. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Rvp to score

      Open Controls
    6. roscola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Hay number 2 had an interesting accumulator earlier. That would almost be lifechanging if it came in.

      Open Controls
    7. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Fellaini to score anytime if bet available for the MNF game. If not go Podolski anytime

      Open Controls
    8. Crouch Potato!
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      QPR to win the handshake standoff prior to game.

      Open Controls
      1. QPR expects... glory!
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Depends whether Cisse starts. If he does he'd probably miss the handshake as well 😉

        Open Controls
        1. Crouch Potato!
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          😉

          Open Controls
    9. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      If you go for a 5-game accy and one lets you down, PP are refunding the bet this weekend. Not sure how that works with free bets, though.

      Open Controls
    10. Efan Ekoku Pops
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Fulham, Arsenal and Spurs treble.

      Open Controls
  15. King Nil Miss ✩
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    "Moneyball"

    Nice name for this articles indeed, players that deliver but are underated...

    Open Controls
    1. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Yep, I was reading the book last weekend and thought the article concept suited Chris down to the ground with his view from across the pond and love of stats analysis.

      Open Controls
      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Check the movie instead of the book. Way much interesting.

        Open Controls
        1. Mark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 17 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah, I normally go the other way around but this time I tried to be worthy 😉

          Open Controls
      2. Connor's Calling
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Great article.

        love the moneyball concept. ashamed to say i watched the film, rather than read the book!

        Open Controls
    2. Phoenix Wright
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I agree. Very interesting...

      Open Controls
  16. hazza44
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Hey lads

    Open Controls
    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Hey Harry!

      Open Controls
      1. hazza44
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        thats creepy!

        Open Controls
        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          What is?

          Open Controls
          1. hazza44
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 6 months ago

            your trying to figure out my name..

            Open Controls
            1. Billy Gilmore
              • 11 Years
              11 years, 6 months ago

              Not too hard 😕

              Open Controls
    2. blue cheese
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Missed you in the DZ today.

      Open Controls
      1. hazza44
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        dz??

        Open Controls
        1. blue cheese
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          DeadZone.

          Open Controls
          1. hazza44
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 6 months ago

            ahaha yeh

            Open Controls
  17. hazza44
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    any news if kagawa is playing this week??

    Open Controls
  18. kaz 96
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    if u bought michu at 7.1 and dyer at 5.5, who would u kick out first?

    Open Controls
    1. Djerbil
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Michu

      Open Controls
    2. heco87
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Depends what the move is for ... probably Dyer for me though

      Open Controls
      1. Connor's Calling
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        I've got the same dilemma. Dyer prob going to go first. Keeping both for this week though i think

        Open Controls
      2. kaz 96
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        my other mids are pienaar,hazard and cazorla. to have both michu and dyer will create an unwanted bench dilemma(may be not this week as i could bench lambert)

        Open Controls
  19. Live4pool
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Will there be another price rise/fall before deadline?

    Open Controls
    1. heco87
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, 3-4am UK time

      Open Controls
      1. Live4pool
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        So now?

        Open Controls
        1. heco87
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          Currently 3-4pm UK time so approx 12 hours.

          Open Controls
          1. Live4pool
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 6 months ago

            Ah ok thx
            Who do you expect to rise?

            Open Controls
            1. heco87
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 6 months ago

              Keep checking here:

              http://development.totalfpl.com/pricechanges

              Anyone who goes over 100% will rise tonight... expecting a few more to break that mark with the mass influx of some players tonight.

              Open Controls
        2. Hyperion
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          AM.

          Open Controls
        3. A.
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          no, in 12 hours

          Open Controls
  20. QPR expects... glory!
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Hideous choices in defence this week. Which are least likely to concede or get assists out of Gallas, Rangel, Boyce and Cuellar? Jags had better get enough points to offset their single pointers!

    Open Controls
  21. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Double on Sunderland or WBA defence:

    Cuellar, Mc Auley +

    A) Foster
    B) Mignolet

    Open Controls
  22. Hooper is a Bull.
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Anybody playing the t20 world cup game?

    Open Controls
    1. Locarno
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Lots of teams, I'm guessing. It's a World Cup.

      Open Controls
    2. blue cheese
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Yep. Demi, Priest, Parm, LateRiser, Kaz, myself...

      Demi's league code - 4135

      Open Controls
    3. kaz 96
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      yup. there seem to be too many rules regarding the scoring system so i've just gone with the players who i think will do well and avoided any tactical strategies e.g the formations

      Open Controls
    4. Van Dal
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      na whats the link mate?

      Open Controls
      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        What is it?

        Open Controls
        1. Van Dal
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          fantasy cricket 🙂

          Open Controls
  23. DRIZ ✅
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    who is nailed on in Fulham's Mid??

    Open Controls
    1. Phoenix Wright
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Duff

      Open Controls
    2. SW6
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      in the long term probably only diarra, maybe duff. i can see dejagah ruiz and frei starting when they are all fit

      Open Controls
  24. In Tommy We Trust
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Am I scratching the wrong nuts when considering transferring out Tevez for Ade with a short term target to bring Aguero or Silva in once fit and back up to speed?

    Open Controls
    1. Conrad.
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      yea Tevez will be good to go for the long-term, imo. only prob i would see is rest for him before UCL matches...

      Open Controls
    2. BootlegRascal
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Haha, read 2 posts down

      We're both scratching the same nut 😉

      Open Controls
      1. In Tommy We Trust
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Get of my nuts 😉

        Open Controls
    3. heco87
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, I wouldn't touch those nuts personally

      Open Controls
  25. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    This man is a machine. Outstanding. Completely changed my view of FF. Its a science after all. And one of the favorite movies in the headline.

    Well done mate. Revolution IMO

    Open Controls
  26. BootlegRascal
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Insane to consider going without Tevez (had him thus far, on a WC atm)? I like the idea of Adebayor over Tevez, then RVP>Aguero possibly in a couple of weeks time

    Open Controls
  27. pjomara
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Play Graham (avl) or Guthrie (TOT)?
    I already have Rangel and Michu playing.

    Open Controls
    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Amen, Graham plz. he will score 15 goals this season

      Open Controls
  28. Conrad.
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Sit Ade or Nolan this weekend? I'm leaning Ade, as we haven't heard if he'll start, and also, everyone scores on Norwich...

    Open Controls
  29. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Guardian Squad sheets have gone with Carrick to start centre back...Ferdinand nowhere to be seen even on their injury list...whats up with this?

    Open Controls
    1. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Mmm...an early entry to the "Do they know something we don't?" award for the Preamble.

      I wouldn't read much into it - particularly with Evans fit. An oversight on the Guardian's part I would say.

      Open Controls
      1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Ok they've fixed it now, I've refreshed the page and Ferdinand has magically appeared at Centre back...I should learn not to look at these too early!

        Open Controls
    2. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      where's Evans?

      Open Controls
    3. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Guardian squad sheets are often rubbish. I wouldn't take them seriously.

      Open Controls
  30. Nibbsy
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Nice article.

    Sorry if I'm being thick, but what does the 94% relate to? Is it that 94% of goals came from shots on target last season?

    Open Controls
    1. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      No, there's a 94% between shots on target and goals in terms of their statistical relationship. In other words, shots on target is a very strong indicator of the likelihood of scoring.

      Chris can explain it better I'm sure - he'll be up soon 😉

      Open Controls
      1. Nibbsy
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Ok thanks, still don't really get it though. Maths and statistics have never really been my thing! I'll just take your and Chris's words for it that it's important.

        Open Controls
        1. gebb
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          Well, I'm guessing what Chris is calling strength of correlation is just the correlation coefficient "r". Basically it is a number between -1 and 1 that describes how something varies in comparison to something else. In this case, r = 0.94 means that if have one more shot at target you should have 0.94*a more goals scored, where a is 'a' is some constant number (in this case Chris says it is 33%, though that number is just based on empirical evidence from last year so it is not the "real" number.).

          r=0.94 is ALOT, so if you want more goals, you gotta get more shots on target 😉

          Open Controls
          1. Chris Glover
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 6 months ago

            Absolutely right Gebb, and better explained than I normally manage! My stats knowledge is basically gleaned from sports rather than the classroom but the correlation I was referring is is essentially just the relationship between two sets of data. If, for example, you wanted to see whether height led to more goals you could plot every player's height against his goals tally and you basically just plot a line of best fit like we used to do in science class. Excel can do this for us with the 'correl' function. Shots on target is unsurprisingly the strongest available metric but things like touches in the final third also show promise if used with caution

            Open Controls
    2. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Nice grav Nibbsy, I love Burial's albums, he's unbelievable

      Open Controls
      1. Nibbsy
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers mate, yeah he is amazing.

        Open Controls