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146th issue. I took last week off; welcome back!
Willie Mays, who passed away at 93, is hailed as the greatest baseball player ever, leaving an unparalleled legacy in the sport. The 2024 MLS Analytics Survey reveals Colorado as a leader in analytics use among 24 clubs, while the Celtics of 2023-24 are shown to be one of the best NBA teams historically, and the NHL's most successful teams are the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings. Jordan Westburg of the Orioles has defied conventional metrics with strong performance despite poor plate discipline, termed "The Westburg Paradox."
This Week's Lineup
Willie Mays Was the Greatest Baseball Player Who Ever Lived
The legendary center fielder, who died Tuesday at age 93, was more than just one of baseball’s all-time greats. He was the best of them. The legacy he leaves behind—in every aspect of the game—has no equal.
2024 MLS Analytics Survey
The State of MLS Analytics update surveyed analytics staff from 24 clubs to assess their analytical advancement, incorporating insights into decision-making, with Colorado identified as most effectively using analytics despite broader improvements across the league, while Toronto, New York Red Bulls, and Seattle remain top-tier in analytical advancement.
Are the 2023-24 Celtics a Paper Champion or Historically Great?
Despite criticisms regarding the legitimacy of their path to the title, data shows the 2023-24 Boston Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, as one of the greatest teams in NBA history, achieving a top-tier postseason win percentage and excelling in both offensive and defensive metrics.
NHL Teams With the Most Stanley Cup Wins & Appearances
The article highlights the historical significance and achievements of NHL teams with the most Stanley Cup wins and appearances, emphasizing the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings as the most successful franchises in NHL history.
The Westburg Paradox
Jordan Westburg's breakout season for the Baltimore Orioles features impressive hitting and defense despite poor plate discipline, creating a statistical anomaly where his high whiff rates coexist with low strikeout rates, a phenomenon dubbed "The Westburg Paradox."
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Unexpected Points Added is curated and maintained by Patrick Hayes.
I completed a Master of Applied Data Science from the University of Michigan; let's connect.
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