UZR Tidbits Through 5/24

by
May 25, 2009

Same format as last week, but first to address the corner outfield question. Both have equal positional adjustments, hence why I lumped them together. I understand some people would rather have separate the two positions listed separately, so heading forward that’s what I’ll do.

1B
Best: Chris Davis (3.4), Ryan Howard (3.3), Lyle Overbay (3.2)
Worst: Jason Giambi (-5.3), Prince Fielder (-3.3), Aubrey Huff (-3.2)

2B
Best: Brandon Phillips (6.6), Placido Polanco (6), Howie Kendrick (5.1)
Worst: Dan Uggla (-8.1), Chris Getz (-5), Jose Lopez (-2.9)

3B
Best: Adrian Beltre (7.7), Joe Crede (7.4), Evan Longoria (5.3)
Worst: Michael Young (-7.9), Josh Fields (-5.4), Chipper Jones (-4.6)

SS
Best: J.J. Hardy (5), Ryan Theriot (4.2), Marco Scutaro (4.2)
Worst: Yuniesky Betancourt (-9.1), Miguel Tejada (-6.9), Orlando Cabrera (-2.4)

LF
Best: Nyjer Morgan (10.9), Juan Rivera (4.9), Raul Ibanez (4.6)
Worst: Jason Bay (-6.4), Jeremy Hermida (-4.7), Carlos Lee (-4.2)

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CF
Best: Matt Kemp (7.4), Mike Cameron (6.6), Franklin Gutierrez (5.7)
Worst: Vernon Wells (-10.3), Shane Victorino (-8.1), Carlos Beltran (-4.8)

RF
Best: Nelson Cruz (6.3), Hunter Pence (5.4), Ichiro Suzuki (4.2)
Worst: Andre Ethier (-9.4), Brad Hawpe (-7.6), Jermaine Dye (-7.2)

The Mariners have three players rank amongst the “best” at their position, which appears to be the most of any team in the league. Unfortunately, they also have two of the worst at the middle infield positions, including Betancourt, who stakes claim of the worst individual infield defender to date. Oddly the Mariners have chosen against using Ronny Cedeno in place of either Betancourt or Lopez despite the defensive upgrade.

Vernon Wells’ days as a good center fielder might be over. Over the last three years: -14.3, -1.1, 7.5, so far this year Wells is showing no signs of bouncing back, and actually seems to be getting worse. Whether that holds up or not is another story.





 

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Kincaid
16 years ago

They were talking on the national broadcast of the Brewers game last night about how Fielder was more focused on being a better defender this year, and how he was turning his glove around and becoming a better all-around player. It reminded me a lot of what I’ve heard about Ryan Howard this year, so it’s funny to see they’re pretty much in opposite positions so far. Of course, the play that prompted the discussion was a hot shot right at Prince: a tough play to be sure, but not exactly a display of any new range.

I kind of feel bad for Michael Young for still being this bad even after leaving short.

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theraysparty
16 years ago
Reply to  Kincaid

I doubt fielder can get some more range without losing some pounds. And that won’t happen since he will lose some power with all that weight. Ryan Howard is as big weight wise, except five inches taller so he has more reach. Fielder has only on error this season compared to last season in which he had 17, so saying his glove work improved is believable (need a Brewers fan to confirm that).

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