MLB's Best Infield 1B-2B-SS-3B for 2010

[Dogdaze]

Below are comparisons of third basemen for various teams, mentioned in this thread as being good defensively listed in the order of how they ranked in each position from their UZR/150 stats in 2009. I’ve also listed career UZR, fielding % and 2009 offense.

Third Base:

Adrian Beltre, Red Sox.
In 2009 his UZR was 14.3 with an UZR/150 of 21.0
Career UZR at 3rd base is 104.5 with an UZR/150 at 13.9
2009 Fielding percentage was .959 while the league fld% was .957
Offense in 2009: BA: .265 OBP: .304 SLG: .379 OPS: .683 OPS+: 82

Evan Longoria, Rays.
In 2009 his UZR at 2nd was 19.5 with an UZR/150 of 19.2
Career UZR at 3rd base is 33.4 with an UZR/150 at 19.6
2009 Fielding percentage was .970 while the league fld% was .957
Offense in 2009: BA: .281 OBP: .364 SLG: .526 OPS: .889 OPS+: 130

Chone Figgins, Mariners.
In 2009 his UZR was 16.7 with an UZR/150 of 18.8
Career UZR at 3rd base is 23.4 with an UZR/150 at 8.0
2009 Fielding percentage was .968 while the league fld% was .957
Offense in 2009: BA: .298 OBP: .395 SLG: .393 OPS: .789 OPS+: 108

Placido Polanco, Phillies.
In 2009 he did not play 3rd base, he last played 3rd in 2005.
Career UZR at 3rd base is 11.7 with an UZR/150 at 9.9
2009 Fielding percentage is N/A for 3rd base.
Offense in 2009: BA: .285 OBP: .331 SLG: .396 OPS: .727 OPS+: 88

Alex Rodriguez, Yankees.
In 2009 his UZR was -8.6 with an UZR/150 of -11.7
Career UZR at 3rd base is -11.5 with an UZR/150 at -2.2
2009 Fielding percentage was .967 while the league fld% was .957
Offense in 2009: BA: .286 OBP: .402 SLG: .532 OPS: .933 OPS+: 147

[Dogdaze]

Below are comparisons of catchers for various teams, mentioned in this thread as being good defensively. I’ve also listed fielding % and 2009 offense.

UZR doesn’t measure catcher defense, but I found an article thats pretty good in evaluating Catchers defense, where they total various catcher stats to create a runs above/below averages ranking. Here’s a link; http://www.drivelinemechanics.com/20...nse-filling-in

Here’s how the catchers ranked in 2009 based on the above article.

Carlos Ruiz, Phillies
Ranks # 8 in catchers defense per above article. Total runs above/below average saved = 5.4
2009 Fielding percentage was .995 while the league fld% was .993
Offense in 2009: BA: .255 OBP: .355 SLG: .425 OPS: .780 OPS+: 104

Dioner Navarro, Rays
Ranks # 45 in catchers defense per above article. Total runs above/below average saved = 0.4
2009 Fielding percentage was .994 while the league fld% was .992
Offense in 2009: BA: .218 OBP: .261 SLG: .322 OPS: .583 OPS+: 52

Victor Matinez, Red Sox
Ranks # 85 in catchers defense per above article. Total runs above/below average saved = -1.6
2009 Fielding percentage was .992 while the league fld% was .992
Offense in 2009: BA: .303 OBP: .381 SLG: .480 OPS: .861 OPS+: 127

Rob Johnson, Mariners
Ranks # 87 in catchers defense per above article. Total runs above/below average saved = -1.8
2009 Fielding percentage was .993 while the league fld% was .992
Offense in 2009: BA: .213 OBP: .289 SLG: .326 OPS: .615 OPS+: 65

Jorge Posada, Yankees
Ranks # 109 in catchers defense per above article. Total runs above/below average saved = -5.9
2009 Fielding percentage was .990 while the league fld% was .992
Offense in 2009: BA: .285 OBP: .363 SLG: .522 OPS: .885 OPS+: 133

[Dogdaze]

Based on the 2009 UZR/150 figures for each infielder and adding up their defensive runs saved or lost and totaling for each teams infield, here’s how they rank;

Mariners = +50
Red Sox = +46.2
Ray’s = +37.4
Phillies = +30.7 (Used Polanco’s career UZR/150)
Yankees = -12.5

[SamtheBravesFan]

The strange thing about the Yankees UZR/150 is that Derek Jeter has the only positive ranking. That's creepy.

[Cubsfan97]

Deciding on offense, I totally take the Phillies. The Yankees are a close close 2nd. Boston has a good right side, but Scutaro and Beltre do not scare me like Philly and NYY does. As far as defense, I did not pay close enough attention.

[Dogdaze]

The strange thing about the Yankees UZR/150 is that Derek Jeter has the only positive ranking. That's creepy.

The Yankees did finish with a -12.5 defensive runs lost in 2009, but spread out over 162 games isn't a big deal, and with their potent infield offense, they more then made up for any liability on defense.

[Zagi-CRO]

Zagi, where in the world do you get the idea that Omar Infante is going to be Atlanta's starting second baseman??? I don't think you have any excuses now for these kinds of mistakes.

hahahaha.... I dont know!!! A terrible mistake, I must to admit - but it's not MY IDEA ---> look at:

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/atl/depthchart

Who is gonna be the 2B?

[dominik]

The Yankees did finish with a -12.5 defensive runs lost in 2009, but spread out over 162 games isn't a big deal, and with their potent infield offense, they more then made up for any liability on defense.

Yeah defense is not so much of a factor(if it isn't atrocious like adam dunn). Offense is much more important and in this department the yankees are clearly ahead. In fact the IF is the best part of the yankees(and their pitching and OF ist also good).

combined ops+(w/o catcher)
Yankees: 139
Rays: 133
sox:112
philly:112

[Imgran]

hahahaha.... I dont know!!! A terrible mistake, I must to admit - but it's not MY IDEA ---> look at:

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/atl/depthchart

Who is gonna be the 2B?

If they don't have an in-house candidate better than Infante, last time I checked Felipe Lopez was still looking for a job.

[gman5431]

Cincy's starting shortstop is almost certainly going to be Orlando Cabrera.

Right and Drew Sutton is a second baseman anyway.

Never the less i voted the Phils.

G Rizzle