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136th issue.
One analysis critiques the limitations of Expected Goals (xG) models in evaluating soccer finishing ability, while another evaluates outlier hitting performances in MLB history using weighted on-base percentage (wOBA). Additionally, discussions arise regarding the effectiveness of inverted fullbacks in modern football tactics, insights into Champions League penalty records are shared, and the impact of the pitch clock on pitchers in 2023 is examined, revealing a slight negative correlation between tempo changes and pitchers' wOBA.
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This Week's Lineup
Biases in Expected Goals Models Confound Finishing Ability
Examines the limitations of Expected Goals (xG) and its derivative metric Goals Above Expectation (GAX) in accurately assessing finishing skill in soccer, highlighting issues with stability across seasons, sample size limitations, biases in the training data, and the complexity of defining an "average player."
Outlier wOBA Seasons
Evaluate the hitting performance of MLB players throughout history using weighted on-base percentage (wOBA), distinguishing between hitting performance and ability, and employing a multilevel model to identify outlier seasons based on predictive residuals.
Are Inverted Fullbacks Becoming a Hindrance to Ideal Possession Principles?
Analyzes the increasing discussion surrounding inverted fullbacks in modern football, highlighting their tactical intricacies and contrasting effectiveness with conventional fullbacks, as demonstrated through examples from teams like Manchester United and Chelsea, ultimately suggesting that while inverted fullbacks offer certain tactical advantages.
How Did the Pitch Clock Affect Pitchers in 2023?
There were all sorts of adjustments with the new rules in 2023; teaser, there was a slight negative correlation between tempo changes and pitchers' wOBA, suggesting that pitchers who were quicker in their deliveries tended to improve their results.
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Unexpected Points Added is curated and maintained by Patrick Hayes.
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