Predictive Versus Descriptive Observations

The detailed quantification and numerical dissection of sports started in the US long before it started here in Australia, one result of which has been a modern-day ability to produce statistics so obscure and specific that their half-life is measured in seconds - until the next play, the next pitch, the next batter, the next down, or even just the next statistic. It might well be the case that the Cubs are 7-0 when leading by 3 or more at the Bottom of the 6th when facing a left-handed pitcher at home but what, really, does that tell us about their chances in the current game? Not much, if anything, I'd suggest.

Read More