Here is a thread from v25 that I found quite helpful in giving me a better understanding of fielding.
https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...d.php?t=358875
After reading that last year I came away looking at Efficiency first which is kept track of by position (at least with high detailed stat tracking). Next I look at the player's BIZ made play percentage by position played. How many "even" balls do they field and then expand up and down the scale to other made plays to try to get an understanding of a player's range ability.
I pretty much only give ZR a glance and don't base much on it. Perhaps that is a mistake on my part? IDK. I find Efficiency (outs relative to league avg) and BIZ (% of balls fielded per zone) stats easy to understand and use to get a picture of my players. I'm never quite sure how to understand/value ZR in OOTP.
Again maybe I'm missing the boat by not using ZR? Sorry with my lack of understanding ZR in OOTP I'm not answering or opining on your specific situation. My hope is you find some value in the linked thread.
