Fielding Bible Awards
By Mike San Clemente - Managing Editor
10/31/2007
Today, the Fielding Bible released its awards (its version of the Gold Glove awards). My comments follow each player – these are less a judgment of who deserves it, and more of an analysis of what it means for the Strat owner. Note, almost all the players below received 2s last year, indicating that many could be in line for improvement (Tulo and Hill were 3s):
FIRST BASE
ALBERT PUJOLS, ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Stratomatic comment: Is there a hole in his game?
SECOND BASE
AARON HILL, TORONTO BLUE JAYS
Stratomatic comment: A slow, steady ascent to stardom for Hill. This fielding recognition is particularly good news for Hill, as he received a 3 at 2B last year, and looks to improve that mark.
THIRD BASE
PEDRO FELIZ, SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Stratomatic comment: Great news for Feliz owners, perhaps he will get his long-awaited 1 at 3B. If he does, I would trade him immediately as this would be the peak of his value.
SHORTSTOP
TROY TULOWITZKI, COLORADO ROCKIES
Stratomatic comment: While I had to laugh this October every time the Fox commentators hinted that Tulowitzki, by about middle next year, would basically be just as good asRipken was in his prime, Tulo does have nearly all the makings of stardom.
LEFT FIELD
ERIC BYRNES, ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Stratomatic comment: A big step up for the goofy guy, as he fully completes the transformation from borderline 4th outfielder to clear starter. A big help: moving down the defensive spectrum, from CF to LF, which helps both his offense and defense.
CENTER FIELD
ANDRUW JONES, ATLANTA BRAVES
Stratomatic comment: My father always said, if you’re going to hit .222, at least try to win a Gold Glove.
RIGHT FIELD
ALEX RIOS, TORONTO BLUE JAYS
Stratomatic comment: Do you get the feeling that in a year or two, Rios is going to be essentially untouchable? You should. React appropriately.
CATCHER
YADIER MOLINA, ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Stratomatic comment: Obviously, arm is more important than overall defense at catcher, but it’s never a bad thing to be highly thought of in this regard.
PITCHER
JOHAN SANTANA, MINNESOTA TWINS
Stratomatic comment: Has anyone looked at how much a pitcher’s WHIP will dip for each change in range rating? Santana’s maxed out
Note, the voting panel contains a dozen members including Hal Richman, Rob Neyer, Bill James, & John Dewan.