Power, Speed and Defense

Links (4)

DePodesta on speed and power
Published 5/16/2008 by MB at Friar Forecast
Paul DePodesta has a very interesting post today on his blog. All other things being equal, you’ll always take more speed, and I think that’s what he said. But if you have to sacrifice something, you sacrifice speed, because overall it isn’t as important as getting on base and hitting for power. I think that is generally accepted, although I certainly don’t have the studies to back it up. The thing about speed, and Paul of course mentions this, is that it can manifest itself in many ways … fielding, base running (not just base stealing), ...

It Might Be Dangerous…: DePodesta: Power, Speed and Defense
Published 5/17/2008 at BBTF's Baseball Primer Newsblog
It Might Be Dangerous…: DePodesta: Power, Speed and Defense Conclusion - speed can enhance defensive ability, but speed does not equal good defense. My guess is that some of you are saying, “But speed can also impact other parts of the game, like batting average and doubles.” You’re absolutely right. However, in an earlier posting we established that Petco Park isn’t batting average friendly. Furthermore, the Park is as tough on doubles as it has been on home runs. The fact of the matter is that despite the dimensions of the ballpark, fly balls go to die in Petco, which is ...

Game 48 Open Thread - Royals (21-26) at Jays (24-25)
Published 5/23/2008 by royalsreview at Royals Review: Front Page Posts
... -I wish Paul DePodesta worked for the Royals. Unfortunately, this organization has hitched her sails to a completely different line of thinking. ...

Joe Castle Made of Sand?
Published 5/28/2008 by E.L.M. at El Lefty Malo
... now a consultant for the Padres. He doesn’t write every day, but this one is interesting. He breaks down the reasons behind a recent trade of fringe relievers: the Padres traded pitcher Jared Wells to Seattle for pitcher Cha Seung Baek. It’s a great window into some of the factors behind personnel moves. Even better, Podesta uses “whom” correctly. And for everyone who likes the Giants’ new emphasis on speed and defense, Podesta has a warning:  Since 2004 (opening of Petco), there have been 14 NL teams who ...