Editorial Note: The latest information graphic from the talented Craig Robinson of Flip Flop Fly Ball provides us with more evidence to suggest that the Major League Baseball playoffs are just one big crap shoot with no dependence on when a team clinches its spot in the post season [D.P.].
Because I lack basic comprehension skills I briefly misread this headline as “Is playoff success affected by Team Cliches”.
…. which would be a cool study too I guess.
If you use OPPAN GANGNAM STYLE for the playoffs, you will probably lose.
I’m not sure I follow your logic here. Assuming the sample size is large enough, your data DOES suggest that when you clinch affects your success. Consider:
Clinching with < 5 games left = 56% of teams
Clinching with 5 < games left 10 games left = 16% of teams
Compare that with the World Series winners:
Clinching with < 5 games left = 65% of World Series Winners
Clinching with 5 < games left 10 games left = 12% of teams
So overall, the number of World Series Winners is over represented in the group that clinched the latest (a 16% increase), and under represented in the group that clinched the earliest (a 25% drop). Additionally, the gains by the group that clinched the latest came more at the expense of the teams that clinched the earliest.
In conclusion, assuming that the results are statistically significant, your data implies that there is a negative effect of clinching too early and the effect is strongest for teams that clinch REALLY early.
Sorry…stupid editor. Should read like this:
I’m not sure I follow your logic here. Assuming the sample size is large enough, your data DOES suggest that when you clinch affects your success. Consider:
Clinching with < 5 games left = 56% of teams
Clinching with 5 < games left 10 games left = 16% of teams
Compare that with the World Series winners:
Clinching with < 5 games left = 65% of World Series Winners
Clinching with 5 < games left 10 games left = 12% of World Series Winners
So overall, the number of World Series Winners is over represented in the group that clinched the latest (a 16% increase), and under represented in the group that clinched the earliest (a 25% drop). Additionally, the gains by the group that clinched the latest came more at the expense of the teams that clinched the earliest.
In conclusion, assuming that the results are statistically significant, your data implies that there is a negative effect of clinching too early and the effect is strongest for teams that clinch REALLY early.
nvm…it keep deleting middle data, i.e. 27% vs. 24% for the teams clinching between 5 and 10 games.
Are you using clinched meaning “secured a playoff spot” or clinched as in won the division/wild card? Just looking at this season the Nats and Braves have already clinched playoff spots, but we might have to wait till the last day to see who wins the East and who wins the wild card.