Dewan: Cannon arms in 2014
From SABR member John Dewan at ACTA Sports on June 10, 2014:
Last season, two players separated themselves from the field with their excellent outfield arms. Gerardo Parra saved the Diamondbacks 12 runs with his arm, part of his combined 41 Defensive Runs Saved season across all three outfield positions. That tied him with Andrelton Simmons for the most in 2013 and most by a player in a season in the DRS era (2003-present). Meanwhile, Juan Lagares saved 11 runs with his throwing arm in only 108 games played.
Expectations were high for both players entering 2014, but neither makes the list of most Outfield Arm Runs Saved so far this season. Parra has just one Outfield Arm Run Saved and three Defensive Runs Saved total. He is part of a major defensive decline in Arizona from last year to this one. In contrast, Lagares remains one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball. His 14 Defensive Runs Saved leads all center fielders, but he has yet to record an Outfield Arm Run Saved in part because so few runners are willing to run on him after 12 Baserunner Kills (direct throw to a base to nab the runner) last season.
Read the full article here: http://www.statoftheweek.com
Originally published: June 10, 2014. Last Updated: June 10, 2014.