Defensive CF & Pinch Runner

[the54effect]

I was just promoted to bronze, and am really enjoying PT.

In my entry League I had gone a little wild on quality multi position infielders, rendering Trea Turner redundant, except as my pinch runner.

Since my outfielders (Harper, Acuna, Hicks, Pederson) are all pretty weak defensive centerfielders, I figured that was the spot to target a pinch runner for cheap.

I took Kenny Lofton Rookie (72 OVR) because of his 84 defense in CF and his wheels, though I am concerned his 36 baserunning might undermine his speed (95) and steal (93) ratings.

Does anyone have a suggestion on another quality centerfielder to target specifically for defense and running?

I have considered going with Ichiro or Ricky Henderson, but as neither has a CF rating I am concerned that I'll see a bunch of errors due to playing them out of position. Which is the opposite of what I want as a defensive replacement!

THOUGHTS?

[DonkeyKongSr]

Victor Robles or Garry Maddox. Bonus for Robles is he comes fully trained at all 3 OF spots, so makes an ideal backup. I just got 2 straight Gold Gloves out of him in Diamond leagues, starting him in RF.

EDIT: Holy smokes, look at that defense last season (and the rest, too).

[mess]

I'm biased because I love any player who played for the Blue Jays... but Kevin Pillar and Devon White are both premier CFs.

Pillar is a little weak with the bat though.

[chazzycat]

On the cheaper side might I suggest Billy Hamilton. Elite basestealing and CF defense. No bat.

[DonkeyKongSr]

Originally Posted by chazzycat

On the cheaper side might I suggest Billy Hamilton. Elite basestealing and CF defense. No bat.

Yup, probably should be set to Defense Sub for CF, Pinch Runner #1, and then Never for all 3 outfield utility positions. If you have the roster space, he'll help you with his D and legs in late innings, but you don't want him to bat.

[the54effect]

Oh that sounds perfect- if anyone has Hamilton or Robles sitting in their reserves somewhere, I'd be happy to buy it on the auction house, 100 over the average sale price!

[bailey]

for pinch running you can't get better than Terrance Gore. 115 speed and 105 stealing, no bat. I've posted mine for 100 over the last 5 and it's available for the next 12 hours.
edit: SOLD!!

[whobob]

Originally Posted by bailey

for pinch running you can't get better than Terrance Gore. 115 speed and 105 stealing, no bat. I've posted mine for 100 over the last 5 and it's available for the next 12 hours.

That is hilarious

[Mizzery]

There are a lot of inexpensive silver and bronze cards with speed and high defensive ratings that can fill that super sub spot- Harrison Bader, Mickey Rivers, Kevin Pillar, Kevin Kiermaier.

Backup CF and backup SS that are excellent defenders, can run, and offer multi position flexibility and quick learning at new positions are IMO the most underrated cards in the game, since most can be had for less than 50 points in the AH.

[Dogberry99]

When we talk about pinch runners (or just players who "can run" in general), what kind of ratings are most people looking for?

For example, I fully expect for Paul Blair, my current starting CF, to eventually transition to a full time bench role, in large part due to his combination of defense and speed. His speed ratings slash is only 72/77/55 though, which is lower than what most are recommending here it seems.

[CrazyWR]

I second Terrance Gore. Guy single handledly won me a WS game in my perfect WS last season. steal 2nd, steal 3rd, score on WP, gg.

[bailey]

For me, 100+ stealing are the only guys I give the green light to. Which is to say, +1 on the strategy tab (from the mid-point). For others, I move the strategy tab all the way to the left (no steals) and add 2 clicks for 90-99 and 1 click for 80-89. It's gonna take me weeks, now, to replace my favorite tin player, Terrance Gore, because few people post their tins.

[DonkeyKongSr]

Originally Posted by Dogberry99

When we talk about pinch runners (or just players who "can run" in general), what kind of ratings are most people looking for?

For example, I fully expect for Paul Blair, my current starting CF, to eventually transition to a full time bench role, in large part due to his combination of defense and speed. His speed ratings slash is only 72/77/55 though, which is lower than what most are recommending here it seems.

For a pure pinch runner, you want at minimum elite speed + baserunning so get a guy who can score from first on a good hit. Then, if you can get elite basestealing with that so they can move up the bases on their own, even better. The 55 in baserunning means he's not going to make very good reads or get very good jumps. So, your 72 & 77 are even less valuable in a pinch runner whose job it is to get those extra bases the replaced hitter wouldn't.

There are plenty of guys with 90+ across the board, so if you are looking for a pure pinch runner (i.e. you aren't looking for a bat), Blair wouldn't be the best option. However, if you want someone who can still run better than your starting lineup, can play high level D, and occasionally bat, then Blair isn't a bad choice at all.

[zrog2000]

I find stealing to be pretty unreliable. When every catcher has a 100+ arm, anyone who is trying to frequently steal is going to get thrown out way too often to be worth it.

[chazzycat]

Originally Posted by zrog2000

I find stealing to be pretty unreliable. When every catcher has a 100+ arm, anyone who is trying to frequently steal is going to get thrown out way too often to be worth it.

I would agree this is true at high levels, but OP is in bronze. The catchers aren't that great yet, and a lot of popular pitchers have low HLD ratings too.

[Mudster]

I second Devon White...trains up well and occasionally finds a way to hit his weight.