tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2954316780753605566.post4700758316865133483..comments2023-04-09T06:15:41.549-04:00Comments on One If By Land: Red Sox defense still an issue in some waysBrian MacPhersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04815720003083578987noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2954316780753605566.post-85081094155088195172009-10-06T21:41:56.117-04:002009-10-06T21:41:56.117-04:00Classifying the bullpen as "tremendous" ...Classifying the bullpen as "tremendous" seems a bit aggressive. Aside from Papelbon, who has been tremendous since reverting back to his old delivery, the rest of the corps has serious warts. <br /><br />Dan Bard: Since August 4, the flamethrower has a 6.50 ERA with 12 BB's in 18 IP. Opposing batters, specifically LHH's, have pummeled him to the tune of a .983 OPS against. <br /><br />(Razor) Ramon Ramirez: Has battled command issues all season, as evidenced by his 4.15 BB/9, and doesn't miss a lot of bats. <br /><br />Manny Delcarmen: Unmitigated disaster. Can't harness his fastball, relies on his change up far too often and hasn't snapped off a decent breaking ball since Cinco de Mayo (at least it feels that way). <br /><br />Okajima: RHH's hammer him (.906 OPS). <br /><br />Saito: Like his fellow countryman, RHH's have crushed him (.905 OPS). <br /><br />Wagner: No complaints from me. <br /><br />When discussing defensive acumen I think it's dangerous to rely on UZR. First, the metric doesn't adjust for The Monster, which underrates Jason Bay, at least at home. When away from Fenway, especially in the AL West's spacious ballparks, Bay is pretty solidly below average. IMO, any GM in his right mind would jettison Bay in favor of the younger Matt Holliday, who's a superior defender and baserunner, and at least as good a hitter. <br /><br />Back to the foibles of UZR. From what I understand, ratings are based on a myriad of factors -- ball speed, hit type, positioning -- determined by guys watching replayed broadcasts. Clearly, there's a good chunk of subjectivity involved in the process. I prefer Dewan's +/-, though it's hardly perfect. <br /><br />More importantly, I nearly fell out of my chair when I realized you're a baseball writer. An addiction to Fangraphs? Proven knowledge of practical statistics? Eschewing RBI's? What's gotten into you?<br /><br />Keep up the good work.Johnny Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15850709449683283862noreply@blogger.com