ANALYTICS IN SPORTS: SABERMETRICS 101

Lesson Plan

Week 1- Introduction, Syllabus, the History and Ideas behind Sabermetrics

HW: My top five AL/NL hitters 2007, with brief explanations (use hitting stats file posted below for reference)

Readings: Sabermetrics101 by Dan Agonistes, Sabermetric Manifesto, BP Basics “Measuring Offense”

Week 2- Basic Sabermetrics, Hitting Presentation (Part I: traditional stats, OPS)

HW: Familiarize yourself with Hitting Stats file

Readings:

Extra: Tim Raines article from 1987 Bill James Abstract

Week 3- Hitting (Part II: Runs Created, Linear Weights, Base Runs, VORP, and WPA)

Files: 2007 Hitting Stats with formulas; correlations by decade

HW: My 2007 AL/NL Cy Young Ballot (1-5) with brief explanations (pitching stats)

Readings: Voros McCracken article, David Gassko DIPS article, and DIPS 3.0 (read in order)

Week 4- Pitching Stats (Peripheral Stats, DIPS Theory), Pitching Presentation

In Class Handouts (from THT 2006): DIPS Correlations, Batted Balls Data

Readings: “With or Without… Derek Jeter” by Tom Tango (from The Hardball Times 2008),

Plus/Minus Explanation by John Dewan (from The Fielding Bible)

Week 5- Defensive Stats (Range Factor, Zone Rating, DER, UZR, Plus/Minus)

HW: Paper on Sabermetrician or Statistic due Feb 27

Readings: BP Basics “How to Run a Bullpen”, BP Basics “Stolen Bases and How to Use Them”

Week 6- Strategy and Baserunning; Run Expectancy

In Class Handout: Strategy- Run and Win Expectancies

HW:

Readings: Park Factors (from BBTN)

Week 7- Context: Park Factors, Trends, Eras, Opportunities

Week 8- Guest Speaker: former Astros pitcher and manager Larry Dierker

SPRING BREAK

Week 9- Willy Week (no class)

HW: My 2007 AL/NL MVP Ballot (1-5)

Week 10- Putting It All Together (WARP, Win Shares)

Week 11- SABR 101 Fantasy League Draft

Week 12- Spring Recess (no class)

Week 13- MLB Salary System, Competitive Balance, and the Value of a Win

Week 14- Rule 4 Amateur Draft

Week 15- Last Day of Class (no class)