Soriano Best LF Arm in '07

[sneakypower]

Did you read the article? It's not about who has the biggest "gun" or whatever. It would be like if some random scrub hit .380 last year over 700 at bats, then showed up at the top of a "Best Hitters 2007" list. Sure, he's probably not the best hitter, but in the past year, he produced the most (or whatever).

Yes, but the article claims to adequately quantify which arms are the best by absurd measures. Runners will test Cuddyer more than the RF with respected "cannons". So he's going to be put in easier situations to record assists, which helps him in this manipulation. Infielders cutting off the throws aren't considered, his practice in skipping the ball off the turf not taken into account. At least he's aware of all some of the flaws in his method.

[haltz]

What are you talking about? Does it matter that someone hit a homer because of a hanging slider? Who cares about why? It's a stat that counts something that happened, not writes a thesis about it.

 

I read the article, realize that it's based on holds, kills and a park factor and that's that. And what's with the anecdotal MLB.com garbage? Opportunities are included.

 

EDIT: And an actual entire section on turf. Just read it again and stop freaking out because of what you saw when you watched Cuddyer throw.

[sneakypower]

What are you talking about? Does it matter that someone hit a homer because of a hanging slider? Who cares about why? It's a stat that counts something that happened, not writes a thesis about it.

 

I read the article, realize that it's based on holds, kills and a park factor and that's that.

I was simply pointing out the considerable difference between "Best outfield arms" and "guys whose arms baserunners underrate".

 

EDIT: And an actual entire section on turf. Just read it again and stop freaking out because of what you saw when you watched Cuddyer throw.

I read the whole thing. Because the away team or other fielders don't utilize the turf as much on their throws doesn't mean the benefit for him has been marginal. Jacque Jones is the perfect example of this.

[haltz]

I was simply pointing out the considerable difference between "Best outfield arms" and "guys whose arms baserunners underrate".

I told you that it was a stat based on what happened and not to take the title literally in my first post. If that's your point I have no idea why this exchange is taking place.

 

I read the whole thing. Because the away team or other fielders don't utilize the turf as much on their throws doesn't mean the benefit for him has been marginal. Jacque Jones is the perfect example of this.

So he should get demerits if, over and above how it helps all players, he adapts to his surroundings and learns how to throw out runners in his home park? (If that's even true.) I'm pretty sure all players play better at home anyway.

Edited January 9, 2008 by haltz

[sneakypower]

No, but it'd obviously be a flaw in the study given his advantage.

[haltz]

What study? The seven years of park factors?

 

It's a statistic about what happened. If you don't think he gets discredited, then we agree.

[frostwyrm]

With Fukudome and Pie in the OF Soriano might actually deserve some kudos for his arm. In 2007 he only had the best arm for his position because his team was dumb enough to put their most athletic outfielder in the position that requires the least athleticism. The Mariners could have put Ichiro in LF and had the best arm, but they weren't that stupid.

[CubColtPacer]

With Fukudome and Pie in the OF Soriano might actually deserve some kudos for his arm. In 2007 he only had the best arm for his position because his team was dumb enough to put their most athletic outfielder in the position that requires the least athleticism. The Mariners could have put Ichiro in LF and had the best arm, but they weren't that stupid.

 

If teams continue to run on him, putting him in LF where you get the most chances by far to throw people out at the plate (and at 2nd base) might actually be worth it. I agree though that the athletic issue won't be much of an issue anymore when Pie and Fukudome are the other two outfielders. Soriano will be slotted correctly then, with his bad outfield instincts but his great arm.