Just how good is Michael Bourn defensively?

[oolalaa]

Just how good is Michael Bourn defensively? How does he compare to other Center Fielders in history?

The metrics say that he's been pretty darn good over the last 3 seasons....
Total zone runs above average (Rtot) = 69
Defensive runs saved above average (Rdrs) = 51
Fielding percentage = .993
Only 8 errors

But what do your eyes tell you? I havn't seen anywhere near enough of him to make any kind of judgment. From those who have watched a lot of him, do you get the sense that we are potentially witnessing one of the greatest fielders of all time, regardless of position? And, if so, what makes him so great? Just his speed? Or does he have a great arm? Does he take great routes? Or maybe you think he's overrated? Just looking for some thoughts....

[SamtheBravesFan]

Michael Bourn is not even close to Andruw Jones. However, he is fundamentally sound and makes few mistakes, and he's able to use his speed to catch up to most balls. It may be beecause I know he's gone after the season, but I don't get the impression I'm watching an all-time great fielder.

[oolalaa]

Michael Bourn is not even close to Andruw Jones. However, he is fundamentally sound and makes few mistakes, and he's able to use his speed to catch up to most balls. It may be beecause I know he's gone after the season, but I don't get the impression I'm watching an all-time great fielder.

Is anyone close to Andruw Jones?

[SamtheBravesFan]

Is anyone close to Andruw Jones?

Heck no.

Maybe I'm underestimating Bourn's abilities. If I had to compare him to someone I know I've seen, I'd say Marquis Grissom.

[brett]

Is anyone close to Andruw Jones?

Jones made something like 3.00plays per game from '97-'01 versus Bourn at 2.60 and in leagues a little over 2.50 per game per centerfielder. That means that Jones made roughly an extra play every 2.5 games, or 60 more plays per season! And Jones was only 25 at the end of that run. He went on to put up probably another 6 years at least half the difference between his '97-'01 level and what Bourn is doing now. I mean, after the best defensive run in history from '97-'01 he came down to maybe Kenny Lofton level for another 5-6 years.