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Old 01-06-2015, 09:46 AM   #3
RchW
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Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Toronto ON by way of Glasgow UK
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Quote:
Originally Posted by teachermike View Post
The current root (i.e. editable) defensive ratings, IF/OF Range, Error, and Arm, and Turn Double Plays, should all become derived ratings like the Contact rating, or be merged. The error ratings should become a single rating; it seems intuitive that a player's ability to catch and hold onto the ball should translate pretty well across positions, given an equal amount of experience at each position.
Not sure I agree with the above. A lot of players have trouble catching LD at 3B and 1B even if they are accomplished middle infielders. Judging FB is different than GB and are definable IF/OF skills etc. As for errors remember that errors are judged by an official scorer so except for throwing errors they often have little to do with skill and more with circumstance. Even then a sure handed 3B may be an error prone 2B unable to make a DP. Many failed 3B fail because of throwing not fielding. Edwin Encarnacion comes to mind.

Quote:
Originally Posted by teachermike View Post
Similarly, the three arm ratings (Catcher, Infield, Outfield) could be replaced by or derived from two universal arm ratings, an Arm Strength and Arm Accuracy. (Maybe these could even tie directly into pitchers' velocity/stuff and control ratings.)
The throwing action at 3B (possibly SS) is radically different than the OF and C. Several years ago Jose Bautista took a week to get his arm ready for a move from RF to 3B to protect his arm. I'd say that 2B and 1B arms may be weaker than many OF but hard to compare with the different action.


Quote:
Originally Posted by teachermike View Post
OF Range should be largely derived from speed and a dose of intelligence (picking the right route to the ball), and also be affected by a quickness rating; IF Range should be mostly dependent on quickness. Turn Double Plays might be some combination of quickness, intelligence, and arm ratings.
Range is about getting to the ball even when it is on the edge of the normal space for a position. Speed is often not a big factor and intelligence has little to do with the geometric skills required to pick up a ball in various environments. If IQ mattered over skills I'd be waiting for my HoF vote.

Turning DP (talking 2B SS) seems to be like a ballet dance of timing and grace. Arm matters but it wouldn't be a top consideration IMO.
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