Fielding ratings: Utley = best defensive player in baseball in 2008

by RememberthePhitans on Jul 22, 2009 10:08 AM EDT

Fielding ratings discussed here at CNNSI. The winners? Rollins, Utley, Victornio, Feliz, and...Ryan Howard. Please...please...Howard was not a "winner" per se, but his improvement from his rookie year, year over year, was noticed. I've sort of "felt" this from watching him over the last half of last year and the first half this year, but seeing the validation in a more formal model is good -- unlike Obi Wan, I do not trust my instincts.

The Phillies' better fielders were no surprise -- Utley ("relies on positioning" in essence), Rollins, and Victorino. Feliz has the reputation, and the UZR seemed to bear out the reputation, as he scored highly as well.

The article is a great read in a major media outlet with non-traditional (i.e. not just "# of errors") analysis prevailing. If you wondered why the Phillies did well last year, the following facts may be big reasons: 3 of the 4 infielders were at/near the top of defensive ratings and the first baseman (much maligned) is average. The outfielder that matters the most (center) is at the top of his game, too (Rowand gets a mention for his erratic defense, btw).

I don't have time today to do more with this, but I at least wanted to bring it to the attention of the rest of you in case you did not see it.

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REALLY?

i mean, REALLY?

by jamiethekiller on Jul 22, 2009 3:51 PM EDT reply actions

WOW

if anything, i would say that utley is our WORST defensive player. not trying to say that he is awful, but compared to the rest of this team, and 2nd basemen in the mlb, id say that he is average at best. he does make some god awful plays out there sometimes.

by JpH89 on Jul 22, 2009 5:34 PM EDT reply actions

Today is a bad day to discuss this but...

Seriously?

Utley is a terrific defensive second baseman, notwithstanding the “He needs to work on his defense!” excuse-making that kept him in the minors while David Bell was gobbling up outs on the big league roster.

http://www.thegoodphight.com

by WholeCamels on Jul 22, 2009 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions

im not comparing utley to david bell, that would be unfair to anybody in the league. all im saying is that he isnt amazing, and compared to this team(the starters), id put him at the bottom. great hitter, but suspect at D.

by JpH89 on Jul 23, 2009 12:37 AM EDT up reply actions

WOW

I disagree. He is constantly praised for his defense since he has arrived in the majors. Its the thing he has worked so hard at. Do you remember that play in the World series last year where he faked the throw to first and then threw to the plate? I would say he is definitely above average compared to other second basemen and that he is one of the top defensive second basemen.

by Ben16 on Jul 22, 2009 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Do you watch the Phillies??

Utley is phenomenal at 2b.

by BreckBirds20 on Jul 22, 2009 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions

is utley in the top 3 2nd basemen in the league, yes and its fair to say that he could be the best(id say that kinsler is the best, just being fair, but i think that utley is better the pedroia). but i think that if you took all 8 everyday starters on the team, can you honestly say that Utley is better then the 3 outfilders, pedro, jimmy, howard and ruiz……cause i cant. remember this is for defense, on offense he is our best player.

by JpH89 on Jul 23, 2009 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Yes

I can honestly say the only players on the Phillies who MIGHT be better defensively at their respective positions are Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino. And even that is debatable. Werth is a good right fielder, too.

Ryan Howard better than Utley? Really?

And yes, I’m just talking defense here.

I don’t even know why I’m taking part in this argument, it’s simply dumb.

http://www.thegoodphight.com

by WholeCamels on Jul 23, 2009 7:12 AM EDT up reply actions

My read on Utley is that he’s really excellent at positioning and is quite quick so he has great range. His glove has gotten more reliable as he’s gained experience too. His major weakness is throwing, and he’s pretty awkward turning double plays. He doesn’t particularly look graceful out there in general, which contributes to his negative reputation in certain circles.

But overall, he’s very, very good. Great range and good hands trump weak throwing.

by phatj on Jul 22, 2009 8:30 PM EDT reply actions

i agree. His “smarts” make up for some of his weak spots. It seems anytime someone involved in MLB talks about Utley eventually they mention how much he studies game film. That, combined with his relentless drive, allows him to position himself to make the play.

by Ben16 on Jul 22, 2009 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions

let me rephraise my comment above^^^

i was just stating that its hard for me to believe that Utley is our teams best defensive player. im not trying to trash the guy or say hes a bad ball player, its just that his D is average, and i think that we have other players who are better, imo.

by JpH89 on Jul 23, 2009 12:51 AM EDT reply actions

Maybe...

I could see arguing for Rollins (also a smart player, great foot speed, good arm, good glove) or Victorino (my buddies who are Mets and Braves fans complain about his range every series).

Feliz is also a very, very good defensive player, but I think playing alongside Jimmy makes him look a little better than he “really” is.

Werth is good, but every so often his path to the ball has me scratching my head. Ibanez…is not a great fielder. He’s better in Philly than he was in Seattle, but he’s still average at best.

Howard? Well, he’s not really a liability any more, but I’m not sure he’ll ever be a great fielder.

Overall, though, Utley is a very good fielder who plays the odds and makes up for average physical ability (at fielding) with above-average intelligence. It’s hard to say whether anyone’s a “best” defensive player, since meshing with teammates makes a difference, but he’s certainly above average.

"When you make your final stand
I'll be right there
I'll never leave
And all I ask of you is
Believe"

by The Dark on Jul 23, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions