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Enhancing strategic defensive positioning and performance in the outfield

Author

Listed:
  • Alan T. Murray

    (University of California at Santa Barbara)

  • Antonio Ortiz

    (University of California at Santa Barbara)

  • Seonga Cho

    (University of California at Santa Barbara)

Abstract

Over the past 20 years, professional and collegiate baseball has undergone a transformation, with statistics and analytics increasingly factoring into most of the decisions being made on the field. One particular example of the increased role of analytics is in the positioning of outfielders, who are tasked with tracking down balls hit to the outfield to record outs and minimize potential offensive damage. This paper explores the potential of location analytics to enhance the strategic positioning of players, enabling improved response and performance. We implement a location optimization model to analyze collegiate ball-tracking data, seeking outfielder locations that simultaneously minimize the average distance to a batted ball and maximize the weighted importance of batted ball coverage within a response standard. Trade-off outfielder configurations are compared to observed fielder positioning, finding that location models and spatial optimization can lead to performance improvements ranging from 1 to 3%, offering a significant strategic advantage over the course of a season.

Suggested Citation

  • Alan T. Murray & Antonio Ortiz & Seonga Cho, 2022. "Enhancing strategic defensive positioning and performance in the outfield," Journal of Geographical Systems, Springer, vol. 24(2), pages 223-240, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jgeosy:v:24:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s10109-021-00367-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10109-021-00367-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Jiwon Baik & Alan T. Murray, 2022. "Locating a facility to simultaneously address access and coverage goals," Papers in Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 101(5), pages 1199-1217, October.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Location modeling; Spatial optimization; Sports analytics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C61 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Optimization Techniques; Programming Models; Dynamic Analysis
    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism
    • O21 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - Planning Models; Planning Policy

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