Simon: So much to learn from new ‘Fielding Bible’ book
From SABR member Mark Simon at ACTA Sports on March 5, 2020:
We’re very excited about the release of The Fielding Bible – Volume V, which is available from ACTA Sports and wherever you buy your books. This edition of the book is a defensive analytics encyclopedia with something for everyone.
The book features essays on your favorite teams and players as well as statistical studies on defense-related subjects. Here are a few of our favorite tidbits:
* Paul DeJong tied Javier Baez for the MLB lead in Defensive Runs Saved by a shortstop with 26 in 2019. DeJong didn’t do this with flash. He ranked last among shortstops in Good Fielding Plays per 1,000 innings (in other words, he didn’t have a lot of Web Gems).
But DeJong rated very well on balls hit to his left (in other words, usually up the middle), showing good anticipatory instincts and a quick first step. He made 22 plays more than expected on balls hit to that area. DeJong greatly benefited from the introduction of the PART system, our new methodology for calculating how well an infielder turns batted balls into outs. Under our previous calculation system, he totaled 14 Runs Saved.
Read the full article here: https://www.statoftheweek.com
Originally published: March 5, 2020. Last Updated: March 5, 2020.