Outside of eyewitnesses and anecdotal accounts, how are 19th century players evaluated defensively? Though fielding percentage may be more indicative (errors without gloves are more blatant), is it reliable because of the lack of umpiring/scorekeeping? Can we trust TZR and dWAR, already controversial in modern times, to tell us? Do we go by RF to see how many outs a player contributed? Do putouts, assists, errors tell how who was good at making plays?
1800s guys don't get a lot of attention around here. Is it possible to objectively assess a player's defense with reasonable accuracy?
1800s guys don't get a lot of attention around here. Is it possible to objectively assess a player's defense with reasonable accuracy?
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