Span's Positional Numbers

by 33MorneauMVP on Aug 18, 2009 10:46 AM EDT Comment 41 comments

I am the moderator over at Twins Territory, now A Voice From Twins Territory, and I realized that this blog, which is well put together with great content, does not get very many views from Twins fans. So, fulfilling my duties as moderator in trying to promote this blog, which has run for quite a while, I thought I would bring to light something TT wrote about Span's positional numbers:

While Minnesota Twins' outfielder Denard Span has found his spot in the team's lineup as the leadoff hitter, his true position in the team's outfield has remained a question in his first full season as a major league player.

After making his debut last season as a replacement for then injured right fielder Michael Cuddyer, Span consistently took the field in right. In a total of 104 defensive games last season, Span was in right field for 85 of them and in centerfield for the other 19.

This season that consistency has been unfound. With four outfielders, including one whose primary position iscenterfield, Span has found himself hitting leadoff everyday and playing musical chairs in the field.

So far this season, Span has been the starter in left field 39 times, centerfield 42 times, and right field only 12 times. For now, Span will play anywhere so long as it's a starting role. In time however, even as soon as next season, Span will be looking to remain in one full time location.

What position Span will field is still in question, but there is one of the three that Span fields best, and it just might work perfectly. According to the numbers, Span's best defensive position is left field; with 23-year old Carlos Gomez the hopeful future in centerfield and Michael Cuddyer currently a mainstay in right, the question may answer itself.

via voicefromtwinsterritory.mlblogs.com

The UZR takes into account several different factors including a fielder's range. Each player has a positive or negative number which shows how many runs above or below average a fielder is at a given position.

This season Span has a UZR of 7.0 in left field, -3.5 in centerfield, and -1.2 in right field. With only 12 starts in right this season, his right field statistic may not be accurate (he had a rating of 7.1 in right field last season), but his numbers in center and left have a much larger sampling.

Span's UZR/150 for left field, which shows how many runs a fielder saves or costs his team over 150 defensive games, is 17.6 -- seventh best among players with at least 350 innings.

Span has been greatly valued this season as a leadoff hitter and table-setter for All-Stars Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. He's found his position in the lineup, and finally maybe, in the field as well.

If you enjoy reading blogs, I honestly urge you to go on over to A Voice From Twins Territory and comment on several of his other posts. TT is having trouble getting consistent views and comments on his blog, and so, if Twins Territory is Twins territory and all Twins fans have each others backs, please go on over and help TT out!

Poll

In 2010, where would you prefer to see Span playing? Who will be alongside him in the outfield?

LF - Span/Gomez/Cuddyer

181 votes

CF - Young/Span/Cuddyer

33 votes

RF - Young/Gomez/Span

51 votes

Other Outfield Arrangement (please comment)

25 votes

290 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 41 comments

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Comments

Two plays lost in last night's box score

In the first inning with runners on first and second, Young got a late jump on a ball off the bat of Josh Hamilton and it falls in front of him. If that’s an out, the Rangers score at least one fewer runs. If Span is in left field, he has that ball easy.
With two out in the seventh, Elvis Andrus triples to center field, scoring Kevin Richardson. Gomez gets that one.

So that’s two runs prevented right there. This recent skid corresponds with Gomez sitting. I don’t think it’s a coincidence.

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Aug 18, 2009 11:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

One additional play

In the first, Cuddyer got a late jump on a short fly ball to right field. If Span were there (I know he can’t play both LF and RF…), he gets to the ball. Two fly balls in the first that OF with above average range gets to. If those were outs, Liriano’s night could have been much different. Heck, he may have made it to the third inning!

by Adam Peterson on Aug 18, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Plus, Harris booted a hot shot that was scored as a hit

So that’s the three of the four hits in the first inning

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Aug 18, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would not be surprised

if next year’s outfield is the same situation as this year’s outfield: 4 OF’s (plus the occasional Kubel playing LF when Mauer DH’s) for the 3 OF spots. “It’s a good problem to have” will be the mantra.

The ideal OF would have a hitting Gomez in CF. Span’s best position is LF by far so he should be there. And a hitting Young in RF. SuperSub Cuddyer can back up everywhere but SS and C.

by ajmargarine on Aug 18, 2009 11:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Span's best position

is probably CF, because I imagine he stacks up better at the plate compared to CF than LF, and because Gomez should be at AAA, leaving Span as the only decent option.

Then again, we’ve debated this before…..

by snolls on Aug 18, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gomez

July OPS: 733
August OPS: 792

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Aug 18, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Other

LF – Span / Gomez / Young and try to trade Cuddyer for infield or pitching help. I know that will never happen but I think if both Gomez and Young got consistent AB’s they would figure it out – they are only 23 and headed INTO their prime vice Cuddyer on the wrong side of the curve.

by CCTwinsFan on Aug 18, 2009 11:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Young and Gomez are still young and as we have seen over the past few weeks (when Gomez plays), they are hitting the ball very hard and providing lots of production from the bottom of the order (which is key!). Gomez appears to be understanding that he is more of a contact hitter, although he has tons of power, but he should aim for contact over the big cuts…this could be due to Cabrera’s influence.

However, if Cuddyer is traded for pitching/infield help, then Span will be playing RF with Young in LF. LF in Target Field is much bigger than RF, and thus, I would prefer Span to be in LF with Young in his natural position. Remember when Cuddyer wasnt a very good hitter? The Twins moved him back to RF and he started to hit…I often wonder if that is all that has to be done with Delmon, in order to provide the solid play that he provided for Tampa (when he played RF).

"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us." - Kirby Puckett

by 33MorneauMVP on Aug 18, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That is a really good point on Delmon

He has never looked comfortable in left, and for a guy who lacks great range, what better place to put him than in the smallest part of the park? Hopefully, he’ll start hitting like he did for Tampa too.

by Sheldon on Aug 19, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

One other potential benefit

Delmon’s been horrible for the Twins in left, but he was actually pretty decent in right field with the Rays, with a UZR/150 of 3. I’m wondering if, for whatever reason, he’s more comfortable in right field than left field, which could lead to yet another defensive upgrade. Of course, there’s also the possibility that he’s just not as comfortable in Minnesota’s horrible dome as he was in Tampa’s horrible dome, in which case it may not help.

I’d note that I’m a bit skeptical about the value of the UZR numbers in the original post, as just this season is an incredibly small sample size – defensive statistics tend to require larger amounts of data before they’re very reliable. For example, Span has a -10 UZR/150 this year in RF, but he put up a +12 UZR/150 there last year. However, he’s only played 128 innings (roughly 14 full games) in right this season, and that’s seems like too little information by which to conclude that he’s suddenly lost his defensive ability in right field – his career UZR/150 there is still very positive (7).

"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein

by BeefMaster on Aug 18, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't worry abou the Dome

Target Field RF is smaller than LF also though. Delmon belongs in RF when he plays in the field – no range, good arm. I agree if they can trade Cuddyer or Kubel for pitching/ infield help they should but who would they get? Bronson Arroyo? Aaron Harang? Jon Garland? Jeff Suppan?

by DJL44 on Aug 18, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Delmon in RF

That’s irked me from day one. Yes, we have Cuddyer, but for some reason Gardy has been scared to move Delmon out of left field even when Cuddyer was hurt most of last yeear. His lack of range hurts us a lot less in RF, especially in the Dome.

by Adam Peterson on Aug 18, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Consistency uber alles

We all know that ballplayers thrive on consistency. Delmon opened the year as the everyday left fielder, so obviously moving him midseason would have thrown him completely off. You know, just like it does when Span switches positions twice a week. Seriously, part of the problem was that Cuddyer was derailed by a series of small injuries, not one huge one, and he was constantly expected to be back in a week or two, so the consistency thing likely was part of Gardy’s thinking – may as well acclimate Delmon to his regular position.

Honestly, I have no answer to this. It’s especially infuriating because, when you look at the UZR numbers from Tampa, all of Delmon’s positive results came from his ARM rating (not positive how accurately that reflects arm strength, but he has a reputation for a strong arm and had 16 assists in ‘07 – your Gameday-based stats might be even more illuminating here). As you mentioned, right field in the Dome is fairly small, and a good arm can be a huge asset there once you know how to play the Baggie – Cuddyer’s gotten to the point where he doesn’t get many assists anymore because no one runs on him.

"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein

by BeefMaster on Aug 18, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

UZR ARM rating

Considers strength + accuracy. Basically, depending on where the ball is hit, whether he throws guys out or keeps them from running at all.

by Adam Peterson on Aug 20, 2009 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just a quick side note here...

but Brett Favre is expected to sign with the Vikings for about $12 million today.

by fischean on Aug 18, 2009 1:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

its more less a done deal

Vikings lets sign Brett Favre and Marvin Harrison. Ricky Rubio please dont go back to Spain!

by RaysOfHope on Aug 18, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

groan...

by caluofmn on Aug 18, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Awwww

he’s got a good arm. I was really hoping he’d join the Twins pitching staff. He’d just have to resist the urge to throw interceptions on the mound. Plus, I’ll bet he could bat, no need for a DH.

"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett

by less cowbell, more 'neau on Aug 18, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Bam!

He is the answer to (most of) the Twins’ issues! He can even be #4 if he wants. Maybe he can work a little harder and play 2B too. :)

by fischean on Aug 18, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

2B on his off days

why not, he can show our soft starters some grit ;)
I wonder if he plays ~~baseketball~~ I mean basketball too??? how about hockey?

I’m kind of tired of Mr. Farve but now the Vikings will get plenty of national press coverage

by caluofmn on Aug 18, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well you know, the Wild did get rid of Gabby

maybe Favre can score some goals, too. Heck, Minnesota sports can all be “The Minnesota Favres”. Joe Mauer catching a Favre pitch? The world may implode.

Unfortunately, I think the Wolves may just be a lost cause.

by fischean on Aug 18, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

poor Twolves

but you may be right

by caluofmn on Aug 18, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

all good points

it’s just the whole will he, won’t he that got me tired.
He’s got to be motivated, gets to play Green Bay, plays in the Dome and out of the cold…

by caluofmn on Aug 18, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I absolutely cannot wait until the Vikings/Packers game at the Dome

it will be complete and total madness. :)

by fischean on Aug 18, 2009 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

it's mad I tell you... mad!

let’s just hope he plays better at the Dome as a Vikings than he did Against the Vikings

by caluofmn on Aug 18, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

True...a 6-10 record is not that great

but I have faith that he’ll be a quality player for us.

by fischean on Aug 18, 2009 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He did better against us at the dome toward the end of his career than at the beginning

I heard his stats on the radio. Can’t remember what they were exactly, but let’s just say that I think the dome is a very good fit for a guy who looked absolutely miserable in the cold a couple years ago against the Giants.

by Sheldon on Aug 19, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He just had to outdo Kyle Gibson, didn't he?

by benhertz on Aug 18, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's practicing with the team

The funny thing is, the Strib.com has it’s own Farve section, which is almost as large as its Vikings section.

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Aug 18, 2009 2:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't think he's leading the Vikings to a title

which is why I find all of this silly but hey, let’s see if it gets the Vikings a couple of more wins

by caluofmn on Aug 18, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But don't we have a better shot now?

And let’s face it, the Vikings are going to be far more interesting now with Favre than without him (especially when we play the Packers!).

by Sheldon on Aug 19, 2009 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

my fear is that there will be a repeat of last year

he will lead the team to a quick start but age and wear and tear will make less effective at the end of the season.

granted playing indoors should help alot! So who knows.

by caluofmn on Aug 19, 2009 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He won't have the same injury anyway

That is fixed. He might have a different injury, of course

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Aug 19, 2009 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I had one of those I’d keep thinking why does my Viking jersey have a #4 on it?
I’m just too used to seeing #4 in the green and gold
I’m sure you’ll get yours before the season starts…

by caluofmn on Aug 18, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs