Recent content by Magnetar Runner

I think you're overvaluing the Gold Glove. It's voted on by the managers, who are ridiculously inept at recognizing defensive ability. Case in point would be Derek Jeter. He won the Gold Glove three years in a row, from 2004 to 2006. Yet each of those years he played below average defense. UZR...

Yes, one example of someone who deserved it. But for every Ozzie Smith, there's a Derek Jeter.

Not that I'm disputing Sandberg's defensive prowess, but should Gold Gloves really receive consideration in evaluating a player? Michael Young was awarded a Gold Glove for his play at shortstop last year, and he was actually below average for his position.

UZR has him at 10 runs below average or more in his final four seasons, but he broke even or better in the three seasons prior. If Ty Cobb can get with his personality, Jeff Kent can get in.

Not always. 2001 AL West Seattle 116-46 Oakland 102-60 Anaheim 75-87 Texas 73-89 Both the AL East and AL Central had two teams with substantially worst winning percentages than the Angels and Rangers. I would be surprised if any team managed over 100 wins in the AL East for 2009...

From what I've read on sabermetric friendly Mariner blogs, Griffey's reputation as a great defender actually exceeded his abilities as the 90's wore on. Unfortunately Fangraphs' UZR only goes back to 2002, when he cost his team three plus runs as a fielder.

Mike Cameron I know he's renowned for his defense now, but I remember the concerns over his glove when he replaced Griffey Jr. in center at the beginning of the decade. His 2003 season, defensively speaking, is simply unfathomable. 485 PO while patrolling in an outfield with Ichiro Suzuki and...