Kyle Seager had a Defensive Index Reading of 17.9, third best in the American League, trailing left fielder Alex Gordon at 19.9, and the leader, another third baseman, Josh Donaldson of the dreaded Oakland A’s who came in with a 21.2 rating.
So what is this rating and why does it matter for Gold Gloves. First it is based on a SABR formula. The definition according to their website is “The SABR Defensive Index draws on and aggregates two types of existing defensive metrics: those derived from batted ball location-based data and those collected from play-by-play accounts. The three metrics representing batted ball data include Defensive Runs Saved from Baseball Info Solutions, Ultimate Zone Rating developed by noted sabermetrician Mitchel Lichtman, and Runs Effectively Defended based on STATS Zone Rating and built by SABR Defensive Committee member Chris Dial. The two metrics included in the SDI originating from play-by-play data are Defensive Regression Analysis, created by committee member Michael Humphreys, and Total Zone Rating.”
I hope that clears things up.
The rating, in its second year of use, accounts for 25% of the votes for a Gold Glove winner, the balance coming from managers and coaches. It is important because the award has often been a joke when managers and coaches were the only voters. Consider that in 1999 when Rafael Palmiero won his third consecutive Gold Glove he played at first base for only 28 games, spending the rest of the time as DH. So this rating system offers a check and balance to a severely flawed system where offense influenced voters more than defense, or at least votes based on past reputation. Defense, for some reason, had not gotten the respect it deserved.
Donaldson, with the better rating, still finished behind Seager for the Gold Glove, who perhaps got more votes from managers and coaches, along with his .981 fielding percentage which led the league. Kyle made 8 errors in 422 chances and his fielding percentage was the 10th for third baseman best since 1948. He is the second Gold Glove third baseman the Mariners have had. Or have you forgotten Adrian Beltre already.
For Kyle 17.9 and .981 are gold numbers.
Filed under: Baseball, Dailies, Seattle Mariners, sports Tagged: Adrian Beltre, Alex Gordon, baseball defense, fielding percentage, Gold Glove, gold glove winners, josh donaldson, Kyle Seager, oakland a's, SABR, third baseman, voting
