Wharton Moneyball

Neil Payne, freelance data journalist, analyst, joins Cade Massey, Eric Bradlow, Shane Jensen, and Adi Wyner to discuss current debates in baseball WAR, surprising developments in the NBA, the evolution of quantitative storytelling, and how emerging stars like Connor Bedard and innovative teams such as the Los Angeles Rams illustrate shifting dynamics across major sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eric Bradlow, Cade Massey, Shane Jensen, and Adi Wyner explore how advanced analytics are influencing modern sports—from reshaping baseball’s Gold Glove selections to refining NFL power rankings and playoff projections—while dissecting how the new 12-team College Football Playoff format heightens uncertainty and reshapes championship probabilities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dean Oliver, ESPN sports analyst, joins Adi Wyner, Shane Jensen, and Cade Massey to explore Victor Wembanyama’s game-changing impact on defense, the development curve of elite rookies, and how analytics are influencing strategy across the NBA—from the Spurs’ ceiling to the Lakers’ evolving dynamics and the rise of data-driven player evaluation. Cade, Adi, and Shane also unpack the analytics behind Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s World Series dominance, the Carolina Panthers’ surprising success, and NFL trade logic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bill Connelly, ESPN staff writer and author, joins Cade Massey, Eric Bradlow, and Shane Jensen to discuss his innovative “Chaos Superfecta” approach, the growing role of uncertainty in college football analytics, and how factors like NIL, transfers, and conference realignment are transforming the game’s competitive balance. Plus, Eric and Shane analyze one of the longest World Series games in history, discuss Shohei Ohtani’s extraordinary two-way performance and his place among baseball’s all-time greats, and reflect on how today’s game and analytics are redefining greatness across sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane Leavy, an acclaimed baseball biographer known for her works on legends like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle, shares fascinating insights on how analytics have reshaped baseball. She argues that data-driven decisions have stripped the game of its traditional narratives and fan connection. Leavy proposes reforms, such as allowing longer pitching starts and improving marketing strategies to re-engage younger fans. She also discusses the impact of technology on game pace and player access, offering bold ideas to revitalize the sport.

Dan Szymborski, Senior Writer at FanGraphs and the mastermind behind the ZiPS projection system, dives into the art of forecasting player performance and team dynamics. He compares his projections to weather forecasting, explaining the inherent uncertainties in predicting outcomes. The discussion also touches on unexpected playoff team performances and the nuances of measuring forecast accuracy. Additionally, the conversation shifts to sports analytics in tennis, highlighting a surprising victory by 204th-ranked Valentin Vacherot against elite competitors.

Daniel Beringer, Global Head of Technology and Innovation at SAP, partners with Chris Foster, VP of Digital Business Development at the NHL. They delve into the NHL's tech evolution, including the Coaching Insights app for real-time data across teams. Hear about player and puck tracking challenges and how teams use metrics for instant coaching decisions. They also discuss the NHL Venue Metrics System aimed at reducing sustainability footprints. AI applications and player fatigue measurement round out this tech-savvy conversation, revolutionizing hockey.

James Smoliga, Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Director of Research for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Tufts University School of Medicine, joins Cade Massey, Eric Bradlow, Shane Jensen, and Adi Wyner to discuss the quest for a women’s sub-four-minute mile, the influence of super shoes and other technologies, and how marketing, science, and athletic performance intersect on the world stage. Cade, Eric, Shane, and Adi also dive into the evolving playoff structures in Major League Baseball, the statistical weight of home-field advantage, and current storylines in the NFL and college football, blending analytics with real-time sports narratives. Plus, in an overtime interview, Cade and Eric speak with Joseph LaMagna, analyst at Fried Egg Golf, about the Ryder Cup, including the role of pairings, course setup, crowd behavior, and the contrasting approaches of Team USA and Team Europe in leveraging data and preparation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ananya Raghavan, a sports trends analyst at Google, discusses how search data reveals fan engagement trends, particularly in the WNBA, highlighting spikes tied to playoffs and players' cultural moments. Dave Dassey from Goldman Sachs elaborates on sports as an investable asset class, covering team financing and the rise of institutional capital. They delve into how analytics and modern strategies influence sports valuation, while also touching on new trends in monetization and fan engagement strategies.

Kevin Cole, creator of Unexpected Points and former PFF analyst, joins Cade Massey, Shane Jensen, and Adi Wyner to share insights on how advanced models reveal hidden truths about NFL teams, quarterbacks, and coaching decisions, offering a sharper perspective on what early-season performance really means. Cade, Shane, and Adi also discuss how predictive models sometimes miss unique advantages like the Eagles’ “tush push,” why metrics such as EPA per play may misrepresent team value, and how player evaluation in baseball—including Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh—challenges conventional measures of MVP worth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.