9781422285237 - Analytics: Sports Stats & More

The Nitty-Gritty The beauty of analytics, former Dodgers’ GM Fred Claire says, is that “unlike scouting, analytics is not someone’s opinion, it is fact based.” The need to be able to think outside the box is imperative if you want to be involved in analytics. Case Studies To look at how analytics impacts sports, here are some examples of data in action.

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During the 2011 NFLDraft, the Atlanta Falcons traded two first-round draft picks, one second-round pick, and two fourth- round choices to move up and select wide receiver Julio Jones (pictured at left) with the sixth overall pick. It was amove that was questioned by many, but the Falcons had used analytics to help determine the value of the draft picks they traded. The Falcons

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