Defending the Defense in Baseball

SHADES OF WILLIE MAYS... 

Everybody loves an amazing defensive play in baseball. Whether it's scaling the wall to rob a player of a home run, a high speed, full extension diving catch, or a behind the back flip to turn two.

Defensive plays can change the face of a game.

Since 2001, with the exception of the 2004 Red Sox, every team that has gone on to win the World Series was ranked in the top five in both fielding percentage and errors committed.

Despite that fact, many people don't talk about defense in baseball playing a major part in a team’s success.

Trying to win games while giving a team more than 27 outs is not an easy task. An error at a critical moment can spark a rally, keep an inning alive, and lose a game.

Having a field full of solid defenders can drastically increase a teams odds of winning baseball games.  I'm not just talking about the flashy defenders;  I am talking about players that consistently make the play.

When thinking about defensive stars in today's game, names like Jim Edmonds, Andrew Jones, Scott Rolen, and Torii Hunter come to mind.

But, who is the best at each position?  I will rank the top three starters at each position as well as the three worst starters.   How many of your favorite players will be on the list?

 

                                            TOP DEFENDERS

FIRST BASE

1. KEVIN YOUKILIS- Youkilis had a monster year in 2007, setting an MLB record for first basemen by not committing an error in 130 straight games.  Overall, it has been 160 games since he committed an error (also an MLB record).

2. DERREK LEE- Lee has always been regarded as one of the best in the business and his three Gold Gloves in the last five years gives good reason as to why.

3. TODD HELTON- A three-time Gold Glove winner, Helton has been a standout defensive star his entire career. Posting a .999 fielding percentage in 2007, he has shown no signs of slowing down.

 

SECOND BASE

1. PLACIDO POLANCO- Polanco has been a shining star in Detroit, going errorless in 683 chances in 2007.  He is a consistent performer on the field and the centerpiece of Detroit's defense.

2. MARK ELLIS- Ellis is one of the most underrated defenders in the league.  He performs day in and day out.  He may not make the flashiest plays around, but there is no denying his ability to be a brick wall at second.

3. ORLANDO HUDSON- Hudson, a winner of three Gold Gloves, is a true joy to watch. He combines natural quickness, sound fundamentals, and unwavering heart to transform himself into baseball's version of a magician, making base hits disappear all year long.

 

SHORTSTOP

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