Optimal Strategies in Sports

American League analysis approximation attempt base on balls baseball batter batting average batting order calculated Cin Atl Cin Hou clubs coach curve decision determine difference distribution double plays effect equation error estimated evaluate example expected number expected value extra field goal Figure football frequent given half-inning handicap Hit by Pitch hitters home run Hou Cin important increase intradivisional kick lineup losing score Machol major-league manager match mean National League negative binomial distribution number of runs opponent optimal policy p-hits performance Pha Mtr pitch pitcher players points possible prediction prob probability of scoring probability of winning runs batted runs scored S F S D sacrifice sample schedule season sequence simulation situation standard batting order standard deviation statistics StL Pit stolen base strategy success Table team scores tion touchdown variables win the game World Series yards