Archive for Fielding

Examining home run rates and batting average on fly balls and line drives

A special excerpt from The Fielding Bible—Volume II

Sean looks at defensive ratings for minor league players.

It doesn’t make any sense, but nobody seems to have explained that to this tiny band of rugged individualists. You can probably guess who’s been the best. But who else is on the list?

The most exclusive club we’ve yet visited features tales of strikeouts, caught stealings, lawsuits and frostbite. It also includes some of the most underappreciated talent of all time.

That a population comprising, at most, about one second baseman in five should include both of the very best at the position is quite strange. But there it is.

John gives his annual report on outfield arms. We find some new names at the top of the list and some familiar ones at the bottom.

The left turns at the hot corner include quite a few of the position’s very best, and one in particular who’s never been recognized as such.

Let’s meet the best of the southpaw-swinging backstop minority.

It’s a phenomenon with which we’re all familiar, but as Steve admits, just how often do we really think about it? And—seriously—it is kind of weird.