Why is SS more important than 2B?

Timofmars · 12-01-2020, 10:08 PM

I have assumed SS is more important for good defense because of the number of balls going to SS. But if I'm facing a lineup with a majority of lefty batters, I would guess then that 2B would tend to be more important the SS, assuming the lefties are not spray hitters. Does that sound right?

CBeisbol · 12-01-2020, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timofmars

I have assumed SS is more important for good defense because of the number of balls going to SS. But if I'm facing a lineup with a majority of lefty batters, I would guess then that 2B would tend to be more important the SS, assuming the lefties are not spray hitters. Does that sound right?

If more balls are hit to the 2B, then, yes, the 2B is more important.
SS may still be more *difficult* because the throws are harder.

RchW · 12-01-2020, 11:16 PM

Many of the best 2B in MLB were SS in HS and College until their arms became a liability in the minor leagues.

mytreds · 12-02-2020, 05:55 PM

First base of further away from SS compared to 2B.

A SS has to have the ability to field “in the hole” between 3B and 2B. The right side of the diamond does has a “hole” but again, it’s much closer to first base.

Since a SS is right handed, it’s a harder throw to first when fielding a ground ball up the middle.

TNCubsFan · 12-03-2020, 09:18 AM

Try turning a 6-4-3 DP when you are the 4 and your back is to the runner. Yes the off hand hole is on the SS side of the infield. Yes the throws are longer. But fielding the throw, tagging the bag, pivoting or clearing the bag and runner, then making the accurate throw to the1st sacker. Then my friends you learn which position is harder.

mytreds · 12-03-2020, 10:15 PM

No one doubts turning two is a difficult task for any position. OP was questioning why in general most people put a higher importance on defense for the SS position over the 2B.

12-01-2020, 10:08 PM	#1
Timofmars Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 251	Why is SS more important than 2B? I have assumed SS is more important for good defense because of the number of balls going to SS. But if I'm facing a lineup with a majority of lefty batters, I would guess then that 2B would tend to be more important the SS, assuming the lefties are not spray hitters. Does that sound right?

12-01-2020, 11:16 PM	#3
RchW Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Toronto ON by way of Glasgow UK Posts: 15,629	Many of the best 2B in MLB were SS in HS and College until their arms became a liability in the minor leagues. __________________ Cheers RichW If you’re looking for a good cause to donate money to please consider a Donation to Parkinson’s Canada. It may help me have a better future and if not me, someone else. Thanks. “Conservatism consists of exactly one proposition …There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect.” Frank Wilhoit

12-02-2020, 05:55 PM	#4
mytreds All Star Starter Join Date: Nov 2019 Posts: 1,104	First base of further away from SS compared to 2B. A SS has to have the ability to field “in the hole” between 3B and 2B. The right side of the diamond does has a “hole” but again, it’s much closer to first base. Since a SS is right handed, it’s a harder throw to first when fielding a ground ball up the middle. __________________ “Baseball isn’t statistics; it’s Joe DiMaggio rounding second.” “Once, centuries ago, it was the beloved national pastime of the Americas, Wesley. Abandoned by a society that prized fast food and faster games. Lost to impatience.” “ The term ‘WAR’ should be replaced by ‘WAG’. WAR isn’t an actual measurement; it’s just a wild-ass guess” -Bill James RIP National League 1876-2022 Floreat semper vel invita morte. I make custom ballparks.

12-03-2020, 09:18 AM	#5
TNCubsFan Major Leagues Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 300	Try turning a 6-4-3 DP when you are the 4 and your back is to the runner. Yes the off hand hole is on the SS side of the infield. Yes the throws are longer. But fielding the throw, tagging the bag, pivoting or clearing the bag and runner, then making the accurate throw to the1st sacker. Then my friends you learn which position is harder. __________________ "If a tie is like kissing your sister, losing is like kissing your grandmother with her teeth out" George Brett HOF

12-03-2020, 10:15 PM	#6
mytreds All Star Starter Join Date: Nov 2019 Posts: 1,104	No one doubts turning two is a difficult task for any position. OP was questioning why in general most people put a higher importance on defense for the SS position over the 2B. __________________ “Baseball isn’t statistics; it’s Joe DiMaggio rounding second.” “Once, centuries ago, it was the beloved national pastime of the Americas, Wesley. Abandoned by a society that prized fast food and faster games. Lost to impatience.” “ The term ‘WAR’ should be replaced by ‘WAG’. WAR isn’t an actual measurement; it’s just a wild-ass guess” -Bill James RIP National League 1876-2022 Floreat semper vel invita morte. I make custom ballparks.