Vlad Jr.'s Fielding: Is He A Defensive Asset?

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Hey baseball fans! Let's talk about Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and his glove. We all know Vlad Jr. can mash, but how does he fare in the field? Is he a defensive liability, or has he surprised us with his improvement? This article is going to dive deep into Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s fielding, looking at his performance, stats, and overall impact on the game. Get ready for some insights into whether he is considered a good fielder or not.

The Early Days: Expectations and Perceptions

When Vladimir Guerrero Jr. first burst onto the scene, the expectation wasn't necessarily that he'd be a Gold Glove contender. Given his size and the legendary hitting ability of his father, many fans and analysts focused primarily on his offensive potential. Early scouting reports often mentioned that his fielding might be a work in progress, and the initial years of his career seemed to confirm those concerns to some degree. There were instances of errors, and at times, he seemed to lack the agility and quickness of some of his peers. His arm strength, inherited from his dad, was never in question. However, the movement and the ability to consistently make plays at a high level were. His physique, while beneficial for power hitting, was seen by some as a potential hindrance to his fielding capabilities. Many people looked at Vlad Jr. and thought that his future would be at first base or designated hitter.

However, it's essential to remember that judging a player's defensive abilities based on early impressions is often misleading. Players develop, and what might seem like a weakness early in their careers can transform into a strength over time. It is important to look at Vlad Jr's evolution as a player. He may never be the flashiest fielder, but the question is, has he improved enough to be an asset in the field, or at least not a detriment? Let's take a look at the data.

Analyzing the Stats: What Do the Numbers Say?

To get a clearer picture of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s fielding abilities, we need to look at the stats. Several metrics help assess a player's defensive performance, and they paint a more complete picture than just observing a few games. Here’s a breakdown of some key stats and what they tell us:

  • Errors: This is a basic, but still relevant stat. While errors aren't the whole story, they provide a general sense of how frequently a player makes mistakes. Early in his career, Vlad Jr. had a higher error rate than most of the other players at his position. That number has been going down over the years.
  • Fielding Percentage (FPCT): This stat measures the percentage of plays a fielder successfully converts into outs. It's calculated by dividing the total number of putouts and assists by the total chances (putouts + assists + errors). A higher FPCT is better. Vlad Jr.'s FPCT has been around league average, and has improved over time.
  • Defensive Runs Saved (DRS): This advanced stat quantifies how many runs a player saves or costs their team through their fielding. It takes into account the player's range, errors, and ability to convert chances into outs. A positive DRS indicates a player is saving runs, while a negative DRS suggests they are costing runs. This is one of the more telling stats when it comes to measuring how well a player fields. Vlad Jr.'s DRS has fluctuated over the years, but he has been positive in multiple seasons, suggesting he is capable of making above-average plays.
  • Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR): This metric attempts to quantify a player's defensive performance by assigning a run value to each play based on the location of the batted ball. UZR considers the player's range, arm, and ability to turn double plays. Like DRS, a positive UZR is desirable. Vlad Jr.'s UZR has been close to average throughout his career, indicating that he is not a liability.

Analyzing these stats, we see a mixed picture. While he has never been elite in any one area, he has also shown significant improvement over his early career. He has worked to improve his fielding. The numbers suggest he is at least an average fielder and, at times, above average.

The Eye Test: What Do the Highlights Tell Us?

Stats are important, but they don't always tell the whole story. Sometimes, you need to watch the games and see the plays for yourself. The eye test involves observing a player's movements, reactions, and overall presence on the field. What do the highlights and game footage tell us about Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s fielding? When watching Vlad Jr. play, a few things stand out:

  • Arm Strength: As mentioned, his arm is a weapon. He can make strong throws from different angles, and his arm strength helps him complete plays that other players might not be able to. This has always been a key part of his defensive game.
  • Footwork and Agility: Over the years, Vlad Jr. has worked on improving his footwork and agility. He’s become more efficient in his movements, allowing him to get to more balls and make quicker throws. This is probably the biggest improvement in his game.
  • Consistency: Early in his career, Vlad Jr. could be inconsistent, making errors and missing plays that he should have made. The goal is to make all the routine plays. He has improved his consistency.
  • Plays at Third Base: While he has played primarily at first base, he has also seen some action at third base. This is where his arm really shines. Being able to play multiple positions is a great asset to any team, and can help you get more playing time.

Watching him play now, it's clear that he's a more polished fielder than he was when he first came into the league. He’s more confident and comfortable. He's made adjustments and shown a willingness to improve.

Factors Affecting Fielding Performance

Several factors influence a player's fielding performance, some of which are within their control, and others that are not. These factors help explain why Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s fielding has improved over time:

  • Training and Coaching: This is probably the most important factor. The Blue Jays' coaching staff has worked with Vlad Jr. to improve his technique, footwork, and decision-making. Consistent training can make a huge difference in a player's performance.
  • Experience: The more you play, the more comfortable you become. As Vlad Jr. has gained experience, he has become more familiar with the nuances of playing first base. He's learned how to position himself, read hitters, and anticipate plays.
  • Physical Condition: Physical conditioning is always important. Staying in shape, eating a healthy diet, and working on flexibility and agility can help improve a player's fielding.
  • Mental Approach: The mental side of the game is just as important as the physical side. Staying focused, maintaining a positive attitude, and learning from mistakes can make a big difference in a player's overall performance. Vlad Jr. seems to have a good mental approach to the game.
  • Position: Playing first base, where the throws are shorter, can be a great way to hide a player’s deficiencies in the field. This position does not require the range of other infield positions. This can impact the stats and overall perception.

Comparison to Other Fielders

How does Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stack up against other fielders? Let's compare him to some other players in the league, focusing on first basemen.

  • Gold Glove Winners: These are the elite fielders. Guys like Matt Olson, who consistently rank among the best defensive first basemen in the league. Guerrero Jr. is not at this level, but he is not the worst either.
  • Average Fielders: These are the guys who make all the routine plays and occasionally make a spectacular play. Vlad Jr. has established himself as an average fielder, with the potential to be better.
  • Defensive Liabilities: These are the players who struggle in the field, making errors and costing their team runs. Vlad Jr. has improved over the years to avoid being in this category.

When you compare him to Gold Glove winners, you see a significant gap. However, when comparing him to the average first basemen in the league, Vlad Jr. has shown that he can compete. His improvements have been noteworthy.

The Verdict: Is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a Good Fielder?

So, is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a good fielder? The answer is a qualified yes. He's not going to win any Gold Gloves, but he is a capable fielder who can be an asset to his team. He's improved significantly over the years, and he's shown a willingness to work hard and get better. He’s not a liability in the field. He has become a good fielder.

Here’s a summary of the key takeaways:

  • He's improved significantly since he first came into the league.
  • He's an average fielder, with the potential to be better.
  • His arm strength is a definite asset.
  • He's not a liability in the field.

Ultimately, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s fielding is a work in progress, but he has shown that he can be a valuable player on both offense and defense. He is an all-around player. Baseball fans should appreciate his dedication and watch to see how he continues to evolve on the field. Hopefully, this article has provided you with a thorough look at Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s fielding and given you a better understanding of his defensive abilities. Keep watching, and let's see what the future holds for him. Thanks for reading!