Request to Crash Davis: Defensive Stats

[KG Erwin]

Defensive stats (double plays, errors, fielding percentage etc) often get overlooked. To me, a solid defensive team is as valuable as a solid rotation. If those guys can't make the plays, then you're in trouble.

No, these aren't sexy stats, but, to a manager, they are supremely important.

In PS terms, those range and arm ratings generate many outs, and can make a crucial difference in a close game.

Defense isn't talked about much, but IMHO it should be given its due. For me, personally, a solid defense has saved my ass on countless occasions, but I don't write about this in my locker reports.

A great throw to get an advancing runner out at the plate is sometimes shown on TV, but not very often, unless it's the World Series.

When your pitcher loads the bases, and your defense prevents any runs from scoring, that's something worth writing about. However, I seldom mention these things. It's the same in real-life reporting, unless it's a spectacular catch at the wall.

[motnahp]

Right you are, KG. The walk-off homer and the 95 MPH fastball get all the glory. Over a long season, a team's defense at C, SS, 2B, and CF will determine the outcome of many games. Most of this can be measured in one way or another, with one rarely-mentioned exception.

A pitcher on the mound is more likely to succeed if he knows he can count on the guys behind him to make the plays.

When I was 12 years old, I played on a team that finished 2-10. I was the primary pitcher and ended up with a record of 0-8 with an ERA below 3.00. Go figure. I would give up a couple hits per game, walk 2 or 3 more, and maybe hit a batter along the way.

The coach's son was the "catcher". Unless the ball stuck in his mask, it was an automatic passed ball. Since none of the pitches stuck in his mask, the best chance of getting any runner out was if I threw a pitch that struck the aluminum pole part of the backstop, caromed past the catcher (who probably never saw the pitch, anyway), then landed in my glove as I straddled home plate. Alas, this never happened either.

Gary, if you're out there anywhere, I forgive you. Your older brother Greg (our 1B) was the real athlete of the family. Gary probably went on to get his PhD and/or work for NASA.

No one can truly measure the mental impact of a woeful defense on a pitcher. I can only speak for myself. Even at the tender age of 12, I felt that I would lose unless I struck out every batter, or got them to pop it up on the infield.

[CrashDavis]

HI KG,

I want to get an idea of what you have in mind, so that I have an idea whether this is something for a new addin or something that can be added to an already existing addin.

I think the best place to start is with the Team Errors addin. That addin has many of the defensive stats you spoke of. If you haven't already, can you try that one out on an association with games played (can't use that addin during the offseason). Let me know how/what you would like to see done differently.

CrashDavis Addins

[LetsPlay2]

I have added all 3 error add-ins

I will see what happens

[KG Erwin]

Ok, the Team Errors add-in is a good one. That's pretty much everything I was looking for. Sorry for the oversight, Crash. I had not previously run that utility.

[LetsPlay2]

Here are some examples of all 3 Add-Ins :