Defense

[Edgy MD]

Metsrospectus argues that the Mets have the worst defense in the bigs (which they pretty much did last year).

I can't say as I disagree. Only problem is the logical flaw in the thesis:

Yes, the Mets are the worst fielding team in baseball and what's worse than that? The fact that if they weren't, we would be in first place and one of the best teams in either league

Maybe, but if we weren't, perhaps that would be because we had better defenders who were worse hitters out there. I've got to believe at meaningful level, the Mets, while not aspiring for worse, are fully aware they are giving potential defense up for potential offense.

[Ceetar]

I disagree. Not that the defense has been great, but I think they've gotten plus defense at first, third, and center.

There are a lot of bad defenses out there. So far the only one (non injury replacement) that I even worry about is Duda, who still seems to be taking bad routes occasionally and not reacting quickly if he needs to go back or forward.

[nymr83]

I assume the Mets are getting below avg defense at 2B and if both corner OF spots. Average defense at SS and 3B, slightly above average in CF, maybe good at 1B. No idea where our catchers rank.

That adds up to bad D I think

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

My special metric, Eyewitness Defense, rates the Mets' catchers as the very worst in the league.

[seawolf17]

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: My special metric, Eyewitness Defense, rates the Mets' catchers as the very worst in the league.

Okay, Mike Francesa. Because you've seen EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEVERY other catcher in the league play this year.

/hangs up

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

Like, one game notwithstanding, SugarPants has been just as awesome-- okay, maybe not THAT awesome, but close-- in the field as in the batter's box.

Ike, though? Still a pretty great target/throw-receiver, but not nearly as good with putouts/positioning as in the past, as per my eyeballs AND crazy slide-rule mathemagic.

[Edgy MD]

Sugarpants, howev, set such a low standard the last few seasons, that him showing the glint of his youthful vigor may have us a little overexuberant in proclaiming his plussiness, no?

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

Perhaps you're right. Like nymr, Fangraphs thinks him averagey so far.

[Ceetar]

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Perhaps you're right. Like nymr, Fangraphs thinks him averagey so far.

small sample size to begin with, not sure we're measuring all the proper inputs when it comes to defense added on, and I'm not really sure 50 games worth of defensive data is even worth looking at.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

Hence the "perhaps" and the "Fangraphs thinks him..."

[Ceetar]

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Hence the "perhaps" and the "Fangraphs thinks him..."

indeed. consider me agreeing.

[Edgy MD]

Worst defensive team to ever back a Mets pitcher on a no-hitter.

In my opinion.