Quote:
Originally posted by Wabner
Also, why isn't defense emphasized more than it is in the scouting reports and in the new star system? A player like Ozzie Smith is pretty much considered a bum in OOTP. If you edit a rookie SS and make him a fair hitter (fair hitting with good at drawing walks and avoiding Ks). If you do that and then make the guy an A runner, A stealing, A SAC, A bunting and A range with a .999 fld %---he's still considered a 2 to 2.5 star prospect. Shouldn't this guy be considered a defensive wizard with great potential despite his lackluster hitting? It makes one question just how important things like range, throwing arms, etc actually impact the game.
|
Let me point out one real-life specimen...Gookie Dawkins. Baseball America rated him as the Reds' top prospect 2 or 3 years in a row because of his defensive tools and above average speed. The Gookie-Monster sports a career MINOR league average of .251, in 3 big league stints he's hitting closer to .200. Mr. Dawkins just recieved his walking papers Monday, and will be whiffing away for the Dodgers come April.
I think in retrospect, Baseball America would've gave Gookie a maximum of 2 stars.
Granted, Ozzie Smith isn't remembered for his offensive prowess, but he wasn't exactly a liability at the plate either, at least not to the degree that many slick fielders are.
I know there are loads of examples of guys who were 'hot prospects' based on their gloves that ended up being great at the plate too, but scouting is scouting. You've got to weight it somehow. I view this as a can of worms that we could debate till the cows come home and not find a solution.
Personally, when I'm evaluating talent either for draft or trade, defense is usually one of the last things I look at. I almost never take a guy with 'E' range, but I've made some 'D' rated players into serviceable starters.
In the end it all comes back to the style of team you like. I tend toward a high-powered offense/great rotation. Some prefer speed/average/defense. Whatever your style, that's going to dictate your bias as to what you want to see in the scouting.