I agree. Lots and lots of fans would disagree though. Guys like Freel were almost always viewed as good OF defenders based solely on their speed.Originally Posted by WilyMoROCKS
I agree. Lots and lots of fans would disagree though. Guys like Freel were almost always viewed as good OF defenders based solely on their speed.
Speed is big contributor to range and range is an important attribute for outfielders.
"This isn’t stats vs scouts - this is stats and scouts working together, building an organization that blends the best of both worlds. This is the blueprint for how a baseball organization should be run. And, whether the baseball men of the 20th century like it or not, this is where baseball is going."---Dave Cameron, U.S.S. Mariner
Routinely running into immovable objects also helps with that perception.
All models are wrong. Some of them are useful.
Yes, running fast is nice, but it's important to actually know where you are going.
"I prefer books and movies where the conflict isn't of the extreme cannibal apocalypse variety I guess." Redsfaithful
No doubt. However, poor reads and bad routes will negate quite a bit of that speed.
And speed can negate quite a bit of the poor reads and bad routes....
The fastest player isn't the better defender by default but there is a reason speed is considered a tool.
"This isn’t stats vs scouts - this is stats and scouts working together, building an organization that blends the best of both worlds. This is the blueprint for how a baseball organization should be run. And, whether the baseball men of the 20th century like it or not, this is where baseball is going."---Dave Cameron, U.S.S. Mariner
Never said it shouldn't be considered a tool. Just think speedy guys automatically get a rap as good defensive outfielders, regardless of all else.
Case in point: Willy Taveras.
"I prefer books and movies where the conflict isn't of the extreme cannibal apocalypse variety I guess." Redsfaithful
Taveras is probably something akin to a neutral defender in center.
As defense goes that means he should be grouped among the better defenders in the game skill wise. It's just that in the population of only CFers, he's roughly average (though he's been below average as a Rockie). If his routes/reads are awful, then he has his speed to thank for the honor.
"This isn’t stats vs scouts - this is stats and scouts working together, building an organization that blends the best of both worlds. This is the blueprint for how a baseball organization should be run. And, whether the baseball men of the 20th century like it or not, this is where baseball is going."---Dave Cameron, U.S.S. Mariner
I think a real case in point is Norris Hopper. Pretty speedy, terrible defender.
“And when finally they sense that some position cannot be sustained, they do not re-examine their ideas. Instead, they simply change the subject.” Jamie Galbraith
I agree with that. He rated as below average in Colorado because even with his tremendous speed, he couldn't overcome his poor routes/reads in that big outfield. Hopefully the smaller dimensions of GABP help him out in that regard.
I wouldn't say your eyes, my eyes or anyone else's eyes are reliable indicators of ability in the field.
Right, but the general perception of Taveras is that he is a *good* defender, not just adequate.
His speed makes him better in CF, that point is undeniable. But it still doesn't make him good.
Also, if he played in a corner OF spot where his speed couldn't cover up his shortcomings, then he might not be a plus defender at all.
Last edited by Johnny Footstool; 01-29-2009 at 05:19 PM.
"I prefer books and movies where the conflict isn't of the extreme cannibal apocalypse variety I guess." Redsfaithful
Wrong. A good scout who sees enough of a player will be a reliable judge of the player's defensive ability.I wouldn't say your eyes, my eyes or anyone else's eyes are reliable indicators of ability in the field.
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