Braves: OF of both extremes?

[Enscheff]

FG just did some work with the OF defensiuve numbers:

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/lets-...efensive-data/

The data shows Inciarte as one of the Top 10 OFers defensively over the last 2 seasons (no surprise), while both Kemp and Markakis are Bottom 5 in total plays not made. Kemp is quite possibly the worst defensive OFer currently in the game (Hanley and Trumbo won't be given as many chances to hurt the team in the OF), while Markakis is merely bad (not Bottom 10 in Plays/1200) but gets a lot of innings out there to rack up missed plays.

So knowing this, where are the defensive replacements for Kemp and Markakis? How is a genius GM planning to let these butchers hurt the team defensively to such a huge extent? Why are the Braves going with a 3 man bench with no good OF defender when they have 2 of the worst OF defenders in MLB in everyday roles?

What in the HELL is the Genius doing? Why weren't any of the many RHed 4th OF types brought in to fill this glaring need?

[ramadon101]

I don't purport to know what Coppy is thinking of at the moment, but I do think they thought they would be able to nab Pagan on the cheap. He's reportedly asking for a MLB deal with $5M in guaranteed dollars (or incentives to reach $5M). He also reportedly failed a physical with the Orioles so who knows what the issue may be on that front.

[bravesfanMatt]

Kemp and Markickass will have the team up by 6 runs every night to negate any runs lost. Genius~~

[chop2chip]

What in the HELL is the Genius doing? Why weren't any of the many RHed 4th OF types brought in to fill this glaring need?

I think this certainly qualifies as screaming into the void.

[thethe]

The plan was that this player would be Rodriguez.

[smootness]

Sup Niners.

[Enscheff]

The plan was that this player would be Rodriguez.

So SRod was going to be the defensive replacement at 3B for Garcia while also covering for RF and LF? This roster has 3 of the worst defenders in the game, and SRod was going to fix all 3 at once?

He was a tremendous signing indeed!

[chop2chip]

I can't think of a single type of player easier to find in baseball than a late-innings defensive replacement outfielder, so excuse me as I thumb my nose at this "glaring" (!) need.

[thethe]

So SRod was going to be the defensive replacement at 3B for Garcia while also covering for RF and LF? This roster has 3 of the worst defenders in the game, and SRod was going to fix all 3 at once?

He was a tremendous signing indeed!

No - Jace Peterson/Chase Darnaud could fill in at 3B. Its still very possible that they sign a player. Nothing to get heated about yet sir.

[thethe]

I can't think of a single type of player easier to find in baseball than a late-innings defensive replacement outfielder, so excuse me as I thumb my nose at this "glaring" (!) need.

Exactly.

[Enscheff]

I don't purport to know what Coppy is thinking of at the moment, but I do think they thought they would be able to nab Pagan on the cheap. He's reportedly asking for a MLB deal with $5M in guaranteed dollars (or incentives to reach $5M). He also reportedly failed a physical with the Orioles so who knows what the issue may be on that front.

They need to just offer Pagan a $2M MLB deal with incentives. Why offer him a MiLB deal? Is there really any doubt he would make the MLB roster of a team that employs only 1 good OFer?

[Enscheff]

I can't think of a single type of player easier to find in baseball than a late-innings defensive replacement outfielder, so excuse me as I thumb my nose at this "glaring" (!) need.

Kindly point out a few that are available then. Should be easy, right?

[ramadon101]

Reports are that the Braves are willing to offer Pagan a MLB contract; I think the issue is the dollars now (and perhaps a physical issue ... of course we're also talking about the Os, who have had a less than stellar reputation within the industry with respect to their "physicals" - see, e.g., Gallardo, Balfour, Colvin, Burnitz, Sele, etc. the list goes on and on... so take it for what it's worth).

[chop2chip]

Kindly point out a few that are available then. Should be easy, right?

I don't usually have my ears to the ground on the defensive replacement OF market, so feel free to bump this thread at the end of spring training cuts and I'll take my pick of the myriad of fast players that are literally available every single year.

[thewupk]

I think the real issue is that Coppy doesn't believe in the publicly available defensive stats.

[thethe]

I think the real issue is that Coppy doesn't believe in the publicly available defensive stats.

Has he said this or even hinted as much?

[thewupk]

Has he said this or even hinted as much?

Not at all. But looking at some of the moves recently makes me raise my eyebrow about it. Mainly Kemp and Simmons.

[Southcack77]

FG just did some work with the OF defensiuve numbers:

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/lets-...efensive-data/

The data shows Inciarte as one of the Top 10 OFers defensively over the last 2 seasons (no surprise), while both Kemp and Markakis are Bottom 5 in total plays not made. Kemp is quite possibly the worst defensive OFer currently in the game (Hanley and Trumbo won't be given as many chances to hurt the team in the OF), while Markakis is merely bad (not Bottom 10 in Plays/1200) but gets a lot of innings out there to rack up missed plays.

So knowing this, where are the defensive replacements for Kemp and Markakis? How is a genius GM planning to let these butchers hurt the team defensively to such a huge extent? Why are the Braves going with a 3 man bench with no good OF defender when they have 2 of the worst OF defenders in MLB in everyday roles?

What in the HELL is the Genius doing? Why weren't any of the many RHed 4th OF types brought in to fill this glaring need?

Oh no. How we will win the World Series ?

[thewupk]

One thing this does show is that the publicly available stats for the most part agree with the good and bad OF defenders. But I doubt that will change many opinions around here.

[Southcack77]

I think the real issue is that Coppy doesn't believe in the publicly available defensive stats.

Or that he isn't immediately concerned with defense as an immediate priority anyway. They get more credit for trying to contend with showy offense than they would with defensive metric moves that also would not actually make them a contender.

I agree with the decision they made to trade Simmons. I don't know if they got the best package back, but if Newcomb and/or Blair actually do hit, it will be fine I suppose.