AFL Results Oct. 30
- Thread starter rico43
- Start date
msstate7
Well-known member
Dansby was an error machine this year, but overall he was a good SS. Hard to read much on riley’s defense from an error count at the afl imo
Yes, I'm sure Riley's range at 3B covers up his error issues in the same way Swanson's range at SS covered up his.
bravesfanMatt
Steve Harvey'd
Of all people, you know errors defensive ability.
footwork, arm strength, range, reflex, route, instincts, etc are all part of the equation. a few silly errors doesn't make him a bad defender just like going 25 games without an error doesn't makes him a good defender. Stop being silly.
Errors don't make a player a bad defender per se, but 4 in 8 games for a non-rangy 3B is definitely not a good sign.
bravesfanMatt
Steve Harvey'd
I have no clue what type of defender he is. But if scout(s) say he looks good over there, then I will take that over a few bad games. I have a feeling he is avg to below avg defender, but I really don't know because I haven't seen him nor have I read much scouting on him. Errors could be caused by a lot of different factors. Hell, a good 1B saves a lot of errors alone.
msstate7
Well-known member
In 2015, he had 16 errors in 53 games (.302)
In 2016, he had 30 errors in 122 games (.246)
In 2017, he had 20 errors in 127 games (.157)
I think this shows a positive trend and is a much better representation of his error rate than 8 games, but hey, you and enscheff can continue to go full freak out
BeanieAntics
Arbitration Eligible
Its true that fielding % and errors are a terrible way to judge defense generally, but I think Enscheff has a point. If Riley was known for his excellent range, footwork, instinct, and reflexes then the errors wouldn't be a big deal. Since all of these things have been heavily scrutinized in Riley's defense, then he HAS to be sure handed to even come close to competence. The 4 errors in 8 games calls that into question as well.
msstate7
Well-known member
Yeah, use the 8 game sample rather than the 127 game sample this season. For you stat guys that complain about SSS, you sure love to use SSS
I don't disagree. And he could just be tired. It's a very SSS (which enscheff hates until one benefits him). My point was that errors are usually excused for rangy defenders, which I'm fairly certain Riley is not considered.
Whoa dude. I went full freak out? I think his defense is probably fine.
msstate7
Well-known member
I find it hilarious enscheff hates the idea of Riley getting some positive hype (and an impressive rating at BA) so much that he uses this SSS to tear down Riley.
msstate7
Well-known member
BeanieAntics
Arbitration Eligible
This is a bit of a strawman. I wasn't using an 8 game sample size to illustrate he is poor defender. I was saying that, given the concerns about his range, reaction, etc., that he has to be sure handed in order to be a competent defensive 3rd baseman, and even then he would be below average. And this "positive" trend that you spoke of led to a Fielding % of .939, which is definitely not a positive in any way. Granted fielding position is a poor measurement. The problem is that even the better measurements aren't super high on Riley's defense. So, yeah, 4 errors in 8 games is not a positive sign.
msstate7
Well-known member
How many of his errors were fielding and throwing?
BeanieAntics
Arbitration Eligible
To put a .939 fielding % into perspective, that is the same as Nick Castellanos' in his time at 3rd base this past season. In previous seasons his was a good bit better than .939, but he was still a pretty awful defender. Other than what scouts say using the "eye test", there is really not a whole lot to indicate Riley will be anything but a poor defensive 3rd baseman without some significant improvements.
BeanieAntics
Arbitration Eligible
I'm not sure, fangraphs doesn't keep track of that for minor leaguers to my knowledge. Maybe there is somewhere you could find it
msstate7
Well-known member
I think it’s pretty relevant. If a good percentage are throwing, then there’s not really any reason to worry considering his arm is considered great.
ETA... pretty crazy you and enscheff consider this awful, but haven’t seen him at all out there. The reports from the ones that have seen him were good
It is odd. And we're not allowed to talk about him or be excited about him; we must immediately be talked down to and ridiculed for thinking he may be a decent defender. Bizarre.