How has the decrease in balls in play over the past few years affected defensive opportunities? Travis Sawchik of Fangraphs seeks to answer this question with an in-depth look at different positions on the diamond. Because of the trend of rising strikeout rates and home run totals among MLB hitters, there are fewer opportunities overall for defenders to make plays in the field. But it turns out the decrease in putout chances hasn’t spread evenly among the positions. While first basemen and third basemen on the whole have seen a similar number of opportunities, outfielders and middle infielders have seen theirs decrease significantly. Perhaps, then, this could lead to more focus on offense at these premium positions. Sawchik notes that the Indians weren’t shy about testing Jason Kipnis in center field at the end of last season, and reminds readers that the Reds are giving third base prospect Nick Senzel a test run at shortstop this spring. He also posits that there could be less of a concern with moving an “offensive-minded but large-framed” shortstop off of the position, citing Corey Seager and Carlos Correa as players of that type. Sawchik’s article provides helpful visuals that make the trends clear.
Other items from around the major leagues…
- Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press takes a closer look at the Twins’ decision to place the once-promising J.T. Chargois on outright waivers. As MLBTR’s Jeff Todd noted yesterday, Chargois was not long ago considered to be one of the club’s top relief prospects and perhaps a future closer. Twins GM Thad Levine says he isn’t surprised that Chargois was claimed off waivers by the Dodgers. “He’s got plus-plus stuff and he’s got an option remaining,” said Levine. “He’s got a lot of positive attributes. Probably, if anything, (I’m) maybe a little surprised he got that far in the process.” As the World Series runner-up, the Dodgers had the second to last waiver priority, meaning that 28 teams passed on Chargois before L.A. got its shot to claim him.
- White Sox prospect Micker Adolfo will miss six weeks with an elbow injury, Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago reports. The 21-year-old outfielder complained of soreness in his elbow recently, and the results of an MRI determined that he had both a UCL sprain and a flexor tendon strain in his right arm. “We do not yet have a plan for him moving forward,” said GM Rick Hahn on the injury. “In the coming days, we will. As we sit here now there is a decent chance that rehab will allow him an ample time to heal. If that does not work, surgery is an option at some point. We are not there yet.” Adolfo was rated as the White Sox’ 14th overall prospect by MLB.com headed into the season. He spent the 2017 season at Class-A Kannapolis, where he hit .264/.331/.453 across 473 plate appearances, though his .366 BABIP suggests that some luck was involved, while his 31.5% strikeout rate is further cause for concern.
The decrease in balls in play has not only affected defensive chances, it has increased the length of games and slowed the pace of play.
Three True Outcomes is killing the game for the casual fan which buy most of the tickets.
I agree. What a crock of bullshit. A home run or a walk may not be a ball in play but its also not an out. Thus is has no effect on getting the defense off the field with less chances.
A strikeout is different but there have always been strikeouts and the increase in strikeouts alone is not substantial enough to have the alleged effect.
Just complete B. S.
Great comment. I was going to basically say the same thing but no need…
Well said. I listened briefly to a game on MLB radio yesterday. Four batters produced two strikeouts, two walks, and a couple of foul balls.
Everytime I watch any of the many “K-Masters” in the game today I always think of Merrill Hess, Joaquin Phoenix’s character in “Signs”…….. “Felt wrong not to swing.”
Lol
This why that guys who used to hit for average never do anymore, the normal is between .250 – .290 hitter. But if you’re a power hitter than it gets lower. You need a balance with hitters and use more small ball
Chargois pitched at Rice – only a matter of time before his arm falls off.
Senzel is an overly athletic third basemen. I think he can handle short. I watched him play in Dayton.
Adolfo has been plagued by injuries but is still very young and remains a good prospect. Just work thru it and do the rehab therapy. Get with the program troop.
Despite all the chatter when he was in the minors about how his size made it impossible, Seager isn’t still playing short in spite of his size, but because he is actually a good at it.