Predicting Career Wins Above Replacement from Rookie Stats in Baseball: Addressing the Esteban German Dilemma, by Jack Blumenstein, University of Pennsylvania (Moneyball Academy), Josh Braverman, University of Pennsylvania (Moneyball Academy), Lekh Murthy, University of Pennsylvania (Moneyball Academy), and Wilson Wendt, University of Pennsylvania (Moneyball Academy)…Read More
In baseball it is commonly believed that throwing harder, pitches of higher velocity, leads to more whiffs, a batter’s swing and miss at a pitch. In this study, we investigate if pitch spin rate and velocity affect the whiff rate. MLB pitcher pitch data was from baseball savant’s statcast. However, we observe a weak correlation between velocity and whiff rate. If more velocity doesn’t lead to more whiffs, then is spin the key factor that affects a pitcher’s ability to miss bats?…Read More
In the NFL, on average passing plays generate more yardage than rushing plays – 6.7 compared to 4.4 yards/play over the 2019 season. Why don’t teams pass more? Does the value of passing diminish as you throw more often? Also, does passing efficiency increase if you have a more even play distribution?…Read More
In Major League Baseball, starting pitchers and relief pitchers have different value equations, and teams allocate financial resources separately to those positions. In this study we explore if for already-contending teams, is it smarter to invest in a starting rotation or a bullpen? Should a team invest to improve their starting pitchers or relief pitchers, assuming they have the opportunity to do so? …Read More
