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While, for the most part, it is rare to see a player move to the right across the defensive spectrum, it's not unheard of, and does not defy any specific sabermetric theory. The defensive spectrum is really more of a concept of offensive value.
Basically, as you go to the left of the spectrum, it becomes easier to find a good hitter. As you go to the right, good hitters are more difficult to find, and thus, more valuable. Alex Rodriguez is not as good a hitter as Jim Thome, but since the 30th best first baseman in baseball is a lot better hitter than the 30th best shortstop, A-Rod's overall value is more than Thome's, even before you consider that A-Rod is a Gold Glover.
Basically, it's a good idea to sacrifice some defense on the right side for offense, and a horrible idea to sacrifice any offense for defense on the left side.
And Bill James came up with the concept, if anyone's wondering.
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