Perhaps the Cubs Could Focus on Defense this Offseason?

Just thought I'd pass this on.

Dave Cameron over at Fangraphs has an excellent blurb on the success of the Seattle Mariners this season in upgrading their defensive UZR rating, and in turn, improving their overall team success. They did this without spending much in the offseason.

Perhaps there are internal defensive options to consider before setting our rosters next season, or as we consider swapping contracts with someone for Bradley. I wonder if there are a few upcoming free agents that we could offer 1 year or minor league contracts to.

Anyway... random defensive-minded thoughts.

over 2 years ago IowaCubs- 9 comments 0 recs |

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Here's one

Blanco plays SS every day.
Theriot plays 2B every day.
Baker is supersub everywhere in the infield.

by ak123 on Sep 29, 2009 2:16 PM CDT reply actions

The Tigers also improved their defense this season.

I think defense is something that is hard to quantify and that makes it difficult for to measure its value.

There’s the debate of what is most important in defense, range or positioning? I also wonder about the impact of an infield and outfield coach of a team’s defense. Do they make much of an impact?

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Sep 29, 2009 2:25 PM CDT reply actions

Problems at SS and 2B

I’ve noticed Theriot doesn’t backhand the ball very well playing at short. He’s not horrible defensively, but he’s a minus shortstop. He hits for a good average with a nice on-base percentage. I don’t how much experience he has playing at 2B. The biggest adjustment to me would be the turn at second base on a double play for a shortstop learning to play second base.

As far as a replacement for Theriot at SS, I don’t think Blanco will hit well enough over the long haul at the major league level to be the regular SS. Blanco fields well enough at SS. I believe the Cubs are going to have to make a deal to improve the middle infield defense.

"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Sep 29, 2009 2:41 PM CDT reply actions

Yes.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Sep 29, 2009 4:10 PM CDT reply actions

Sign Mike Cameron to play center

He would be cheap, plays amazing defense, and can hit a bit. That would shift Fukudome to right where he is amazing. That right-center gap would be closed off quite a bit.

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Sep 29, 2009 5:27 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Plus, he's probably got a lot of great Prince Fielder stories.

Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.

by daver on Sep 29, 2009 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Cameron CF, Fukudome RF, Blanco SS, Theriot 2B

Leaves only Soriano in LF as a liability, pretty strong eleswhere assuming Theriot can handle 2B.

TEAM speed increases, too.

Are you ready for all the bunting?

by BucknerKongCardenal on Sep 29, 2009 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions

This is a great idea...

A one year deal would be interesting.

Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.

by IowaCubs- on Sep 30, 2009 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions

DEFENSE !!! BASERUNNING !!!

THe team needs stronger defense and better baserunning . I am not sure if the coaching staff has caught on to this . Most of the players don’t know the word hustle . Let’s hope during the off season they can work on it ….

by cubs north on Sep 30, 2009 10:28 AM CDT reply actions