Position players are sorted by positions and ranked based on overall production (runs created +/- runs saved) except for catchers, where they are rated on offensive production but their defensive contribution is discussed.
For the runs created values, I use Bill James’ original runs created methods that includes stolen bases, and make modifications based on the park in which the player plays. Let’s face it – it is simple and it works.
For runs saved values, I first calculate a player’s range per 800 balls in play (modified by ground ball/fly ball tendencies of the pitching staff). The reason I settled on 800 is because for every 1000 at bats, the average batter will likely hit a homer or strikeout 200 times. So, if a fielder makes one play more per 800 balls in play than the average fielder at that position, in theory that player reduces the batting average of the hitter by a point. Then, I have assigned a certain number of hits to each position – and from there, calculated the number of runs added/saved based on run values assigned to each hit type created by Pete Palmer and discussed in an old Total Baseball (about 1989, I think). Extend the values for the number of innings the player was on the field and there you have it.
The one thing you will notice is that the defensive highs and lows for players who get at least 500 innings in the field are the widest at first base, and I have tried to think of any number of ways to account for this. But, I think the reason for the heavy swing from the best fielders to the worst fielders is due to the fact that first base (and possibly right field) is the one position where there is likely the greatest swing in athletic ability between the most and least athletic players at that position.
Think about it – the worst centerfielder or shortstop is still a pretty good athlete. Not picking on Derek Jeter, but even at 36 he’s still a VERY good athlete though he doesn’t have the youthful range of someone like Elvis Andrus or Erick Aybar. However, let’s look at some of the guys who play first base. Albert Pujols and Kendry Morales are marvelous athletes. Meaning no disrespect, but Andy LaRoche and Prince Fielder are not. The range of athleticism contributes to this.
That being said, I came up with this idea about ten years ago trying to find a system to rate players for a board game (Superstar Baseball) that I was going to convert into an online version of the game. I like it a lot – but I’ve modified it over the years. If you think I should add or consider something else, let me know and I’ll give it fair consideration.
Pitchers are rated based on runs saved over a three year period, giving greater weight to more recent seasons.
PLAYERS BY POSITION
Catchers
AL / NL
First Basemen
AL / NL
Second Basemen
AL / NL
Third Basemen
AL / NL
Shortstops
AL / NL
Left Fielders
AL / NL
Center Fielders
AL / NL
Right Fielders
AL / NL
Designated Hitters
Total Production Data for All Players
Starting Pitchers
AL / NL
Relief Pitchers
AL / NL
All Pitchers ranked by Runs Saved
Defensive Award Winners (Gold Gloves and Brick Gloves)
AL / NL
2009 Data Links:
PLAYERS BY POSITION
Catchers
First Basemen
Second Basemen
Third Basemen
Shortstops
Left Fielders
Center Fielders
Right Fielders
Designated Hitters
Total Production Data for All Players
Starting Pitchers
Relief Pitchers
All Pitchers ranked by Runs Saved
Defensive Award Winners (Gold Gloves and Brick Gloves)
