1B defensive question

GreenTeapot · 10-13-2018, 08:46 AM

So - I can assume that in purely defensive terms, having good infield arm/error/range attributes isn't as important at 1B as it is for 2B, 3B and SS, due to the fact that you get people such as Ewan Hayes here (below) that are 4.5-star rated 1B's, obviously hugely talented hitters, but still not all-that defensively.

First of all, why is this the case? Secondly, is it better to keep 1B playing at 1B and only play 'natural' 1B players on 1B - or is it arguably better to get another player with solid batting attributes, a bit of height, but far better defensive attributes and get him familiar on 1B (creating a kind of infield super-utility)?

I suspect there may be a reason for not having anyone that isn't a 'natural' 1B on first, particularly as the AI generates players like Gideon Fox here (seen below), a versatile defensive god that is still very weak at playing the position. If there IS a reason, though, I'd love to know what it is.

Harry Hibbs · 10-13-2018, 12:15 PM

I can't answer your question but I'm impressed that you've built a UK baseball universe complete with home-grown players down to minor leagues...or so it seems

Nice work!

Harry Hibbs · 10-13-2018, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harry Hibbs

I can't answer your question but I'm impressed that you've built a UK baseball universe complete with home-grown players down to minor leagues...or so it seems

Nice work!

Well actually, I can sort of answer it. The skills and demands for a first baseman are certainly not as high as for a shortstop or second baseman due to the types of plays that the infielders are typically involved in. It helps to be tall at 1B, to stretch out for throws in the dirt, but a shortstop has to be much more agile, have a great arm and be able to hurdle runners to complete double plays, etc.

BaseballGoodToMe · 10-13-2018, 12:24 PM

As far as I know the only factors in position rating are fielding ratings and experience. Gideon Fox probably has little experience at First, and would rate perfectly there if you got it to 200 using spring training innings. But it really wouldn't be worth it to pull him away from a skill position he can play, when you could get acceptable use by hiding a weak glove hitter there.

Silfir · 10-13-2018, 01:46 PM

Just generally it just doesn't matter all that much how good your first baseman is at defending. Statistically speaking, it's the position with the smallest defensive impact. Therefore, a "natural" first baseman is very good at hitting and is mediocre at best at defending - even defending first base, sometimes. Being short is not a dealbreaker.

10-13-2018, 08:46 AM	#1
GreenTeapot Bat Boy Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 17	1B defensive question So - I can assume that in purely defensive terms, having good infield arm/error/range attributes isn't as important at 1B as it is for 2B, 3B and SS, due to the fact that you get people such as Ewan Hayes here (below) that are 4.5-star rated 1B's, obviously hugely talented hitters, but still not all-that defensively. First of all, why is this the case? Secondly, is it better to keep 1B playing at 1B and only play 'natural' 1B players on 1B - or is it arguably better to get another player with solid batting attributes, a bit of height, but far better defensive attributes and get him familiar on 1B (creating a kind of infield super-utility)? I suspect there may be a reason for not having anyone that isn't a 'natural' 1B on first, particularly as the AI generates players like Gideon Fox here (seen below), a versatile defensive god that is still very weak at playing the position. If there IS a reason, though, I'd love to know what it is.

10-13-2018, 12:15 PM	#2
Harry Hibbs Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: San Jose Posts: 199	I can't answer your question but I'm impressed that you've built a UK baseball universe complete with home-grown players down to minor leagues...or so it seems Nice work!

10-13-2018, 12:24 PM	#4
BaseballGoodToMe Minors (Single A) Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 97	As far as I know the only factors in position rating are fielding ratings and experience. Gideon Fox probably has little experience at First, and would rate perfectly there if you got it to 200 using spring training innings. But it really wouldn't be worth it to pull him away from a skill position he can play, when you could get acceptable use by hiding a weak glove hitter there.

10-13-2018, 01:46 PM	#5
Silfir Minors (Double A) Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 138	Just generally it just doesn't matter all that much how good your first baseman is at defending. Statistically speaking, it's the position with the smallest defensive impact. Therefore, a "natural" first baseman is very good at hitting and is mediocre at best at defending - even defending first base, sometimes. Being short is not a dealbreaker.