Darwin Barney may have been the best player at his position. He had the best player WAR in 2012, at 4.6. However, he defensive WAR was 3.6. His offensive numbers were below average: .254 BA, 7 HR, 44 RBI, .299 OBP, 6 SB. In a dismal season, Barney's defense was the one good story of the year.
He is Ryan Theriot 2.0. Because he hustles, fans like him. He is not flashy or an off-field problem, so fans like him. And once Cub fans like a player, there is an upgrade in job security. The Cubs PR department made Barney one of the centerpieces for the Cubs convention.
That's all fine and good, but celebrating the defense of a second baseman misses the big point: every position needs to be reviewed for a season to season upgrade. And Barney's defense stats are over-rated in comparison to the consenus view in baseball.
When one organizes a team, what are the most important defensive positions?
1. Catcher. The catcher is the most important because he handles the ball the most during a game. He calls the pitches, he helps set the infield, he holds runners and really sets the tone for the game. A good catcher, like A.J. Pierzynski, could get under a competitor's skin and throw an opponent off their game. A gold glove caliber catcher makes the pitching staff better.
2. Shortstop. It is clear that the shortstop needs to be the most athletic infielder. He has to have the best range and strong, accurate arm for both throws deep in the hole and crossing over second base (against his body). All quality teams have to have a quality shortstop anchoring the infield.
3. First base. A good glove at first base will save games for a team. It was estimated that Mark Grace probably was worth five victories for getting to errant throws to stop runs scored or big innings. It makes sense because first base is the place for most put outs in a game.
4. Third base. They do not call it the "hot corner" for nothing. Quick reaction time and a strong arm are needed to cover third base area properly. A bad third baseman without reaction time or range turns an opponent into a doubles hitting machine.
5. Center field. Center fielder is the quarterback of the outfield. A speedy center fielder who anticipates the play can cover a tremendous amount of ground and can make up for corner outfield defensive short comings. A great defender can take away extra bases hit into the gaps.
6. Right field. The most important part of a right fielder is arm strength. A cannon arm is important to hold runners going from first to third, or for plays at the plate. A quality right fielder changes the strategy of a third base coach on whether to send an average runner home in a close game.
7. Second base. The second baseman has the easiest infield throws of any player. The only tough play is turning the double play at the bag.
8. Left field. A team's worst position player usually winds up in left field because it has the shortest distances to cover throws to third base. As a result, a team's best hitter but worst fielder is usually exiled to left. In a progression example, Alfonso Soriano's career path went from being a bad second baseman to a forced move by manager Frank Robinson to left field.
9. Pitcher. A pitcher is not expected to be a great fielder, even though there are stellar examples of players who fielded the mound with precision like Jim Kaat, Greg Maddux and Mark Buerhle. Commentators believe that pitchers should concentrate on pitching and not fielding. However, a horrible fielder such as Matt Garza can be exploited by opponents by merely bunting down the third base side.
So, Barney's defensive skills only rank #7 on total team defensive skills. And if Barney was the best fielder on the team, it means that every position except Soriano and the pitcher needs to be improved.
