Should Jackie Bradley Jr be traded?

[Kimmi]

Although I've always said defensive metrics are not perfect, I use them a lot to support my opinions and beliefs.

 

I have to say, I don't understand how UZR/150 can have JBJ at =12.7 this year, and DRS has him at -3. I know it's a small sample size, but still...

 

First off, today's catch is probably not factored in yet.

 

But either way, it's not just a small sample size, it's a way, way, way too small of a sample size.

 

I don't think anyone would try to assess a player's offense based off of 11 games. For defense, trying to make such an assessment would be 3 times as bad.

[moonslav59]

First off, today's catch is probably not factored in yet.

 

But either way, it's not just a small sample size, it's a way, way, way too small of a sample size.

 

I don't think anyone would try to assess a player's offense based off of 11 games. For defense, trying to make such an assessment would be 3 times as bad.

 

He's looked great all (short) season.

[cp176]

Aha! A convert!!

 

All the way! Always liked him though - just want a little more hitting. Honestly that catch today was as good a catch as I have seen a player make. And I have seen many great players make many great catches. This one was special.

[moonslav59]

All the way! Always liked him though - just want a little more hitting. Honestly that catch today was as good a catch as I have seen a player make. And I have seen many great players make many great catches. This one was special.

 

YES! Today's catch was unreal!

 

[Kimmi]

He's looked great all (short) season.

 

Any imperfections in the stat are going to be magnified with such a small sample.

[moonslav59]

Any imperfections in the stat are going to be magnified with such a small sample.

 

Yes, I mentioned how it was a small sample size.

 

BTW, yesterdays catch was as a RF'er, so it will not improve his CF -12.7 UZR/150 on the season.

[S5Dewey]

Yes, I mentioned how it was a small sample size.

 

BTW, yesterdays catch was as a RF'er, so it will not improve his CF -12.7 UZR/150 on the season.

 

So a great catch doesn't affect his stats. Ask me again why I don't have a lot of confidence in these stats.

[Bellhorn04]

So a great catch doesn't affect his stats. Ask me again why I don't have a lot of confidence in these stats.

 

LOL not quite what he was saying. The catch will affect his stats for RF.

 

But I have to admit when it comes to a guy like JBJ the eye test sometimes looks better than the advanced stats...

[jad]

For hitting, you need a large sample. For fielding, you don't. You don't make a catch like that, or the many throws he's made this season because you got lucky. It would take 10 minutes of fungo hitting (do they still use fungo bats?) to determine that this guy's defensive skills rock!

[OH FOY]

He'll be 28 in 4 days. Right in his prime, to get his Offensive game going, if he wants to get paid. He'll be 30 going on 31 when he is a FA. Teams wont be paying big bucks for Defensive Outfielders for all intense purposes, at 31. He'll be 30 when he signs, but a few weeks into season 31. Edited April 15, 2018 by OH FOY!

[moonslav59]

He'll be 28 in 4 days. Right in his prime, to get his Offensive game going, if he wants to get paid. He'll be 30 going on 31 when he is a FA. Teams wont be paying big bucks for Defensive Outfielders for all intense purposes, at 31.

 

In his prime.

[OH FOY]

31 in his prime?

[moonslav59]

31 in his prime?

 

No, but not significantly post-prime.

[S5Dewey]

This brings up one of the reasons why I'm optimistic about being able to hold onto JBJ. The last I knew a player's "prime" was considered to be ages 28-32 and their abilities decline after that. It's also said that one of the first things to go for a player is his speed. I question whether a player who's almost 31 years old and who's primary strength is his speed is going to command a HUGE contract. He'll be well paid but IMO he won't command the salary he would if he were 3-4 years younger - and isn't that the contract we're afraid of?

[moonslav59]

This brings up one of the reasons why I'm optimistic about being able to hold onto JBJ. The last I knew a player's "prime" was considered to be ages 28-32 and their abilities decline after that. It's also said that one of the first things to go for a player is his speed. I question whether a player who's almost 31 years old and who's primary strength is his speed is going to command a HUGE contract. He'll be well paid but IMO he won't command the salary he would if he were 3-4 years younger - and isn't that the contract we're afraid of?

 

I think, these days, prime is more like 26-30.

 

JBJ is not fast, so I can't see how "speed" is his "primary strength".

 

To me his strengths are...

 

1) Defensive instincts (quick starts, correct routes to balls and positioning)

2) Power

3) Good base running skills

4) Decent on base skills

[Slasher9]

[moonslav59]

Trade JBJ now, while his stock is high.

 

GMs love to trade for guys based on recent 4 game sample sizes.

 

(sarcasm alert)

[Natick to NC]

Yeah because Let's face it JBJ won't fall back ...sarcasm

[Dojji]

Let's hit the nail right on the head here -- the fact is that we can spare JBJ. Either of Beni or Mookie can move to centerfield. My preference is Beni, since that disrupts the fewest positions.

 

LF JD

RF Mookie

CF Beni

 

That works. In fact that doesn't just work, it's a pretty danged elite outfield with a strong balance of offense and defense provided Beni holds up at CF, which since he came up through the system as a CF we have no reason to doubt.

 

Now there's nothing wrong with JBJ, but if he starts to get into one of his major slumps he's going to be collecting splinters on the bench much quicker than he might have in prior seasons. JBJ is a solidly above average CF, but if he's being pushed into a 4th OF role by 3 All-Star level players (Beni, JD and Mookie), that's fair. And the fact is that consistency has been a huge issue for the guy even in years where the numbers looked strong.

 

I don't think there's a reason to be down on JBJ. It's more like, if a team has such a good outfield that a player like JBJ who would be starting for at least 20 other teams is you #4 guy, that's a testament to the overall strength of the team.

[Slasher9]

there is nothing good or elite about JDM in the outfield.

[Bellhorn04]

Let's hit the nail right on the head here -- the fact is that we can spare JBJ. Either of Beni or Mookie can move to centerfield. My preference is Beni, since that disrupts the fewest positions.

 

LF JD

RF Mookie

CF Beni

 

That works. In fact that doesn't just work, it's a pretty danged elite outfield with a strong balance of offense and defense provided Beni holds up at CF, which since he came up through the system as a CF we have no reason to doubt.

 

Now there's nothing wrong with JBJ, but if he starts to get into one of his major slumps he's going to be collecting splinters on the bench much quicker than he might have in prior seasons. JBJ is a solidly above average CF, but if he's being pushed into a 4th OF role by 3 All-Star level players (Beni, JD and Mookie), that's fair. And the fact is that consistency has been a huge issue for the guy even in years where the numbers looked strong.

 

I don't think there's a reason to be down on JBJ. It's more like, if a team has such a good outfield that a player like JBJ who would be starting for at least 20 other teams is you #4 guy, that's a testament to the overall strength of the team.

 

JBJ is really not off to a bad start with the stick. He's making good contact - only 7 K's.

 

Where have you been BTW?

[Spudboy]

there is nothing good or elite about JDM in the outfield.

 

I grit my teeth each time a ball is hit to left with him out there.

[Dojji]

JBJ is really not off to a bad start with the stick. He's making good contact - only 7 K's.

 

Where have you been BTW?

 

I was fired from my job at the call center last year, and I've had my head down trying to find new work. No luck so far. I'm not technically unemployed since I'm volunteering for my church on a part time basis, but the money situation is... distinctly unfun.

 

The offseason was so boring I simply had nothing to say, since we all knew the Red Sox would more or less sit pat. And April in a baseball forum is mostly a time for unserious "If this trend continues" jokes that I got tired of 10 years ago.

 

And I agree, there's nothing wrong with JBJ. But we have 3 other elite outfielders so if his bat disappears on him, or he continues to be his usual super streaky self, Beni, Betts and Martinez could Wally Pipp him between them pretty easily.

[Dojji]

there is nothing good or elite about JDM in the outfield.

 

We survived Manny, we could survive JD.

[Emp9]

there is nothing good or elite about JDM in the outfield.

 

On a certain end of the spectrum he could be considered elite

[a700hitter]

JD is not that bad in the OF. In one game he made a couple of very nice catches — one to his right and one to his left. He was a gold glove finalist one year with the Tigers. Even being a skeptic of the GG awards— the nominated players are care usually good fielders.

[mvp 78]

I was fired from my job at the call center last year, and I've had my head down trying to find new work. No luck so far. I'm not technically unemployed since I'm volunteering for my church on a part time basis, but the money situation is... distinctly unfun.

 

The offseason was so boring I simply had nothing to say, since we all knew the Red Sox would more or less sit pat. And April in a baseball forum is mostly a time for unserious "If this trend continues" jokes that I got tired of 10 years ago.

 

And I agree, there's nothing wrong with JBJ. But we have 3 other elite outfielders so if his bat disappears on him, or he continues to be his usual super streaky self, Beni, Betts and Martinez could Wally Pipp him between them pretty easily.

 

Sorry to hear about that man. Hope you can get through this rough patch!

[a700hitter]

I was fired from my job at the call center last year, and I've had my head down trying to find new work. No luck so far. I'm not technically unemployed since I'm volunteering for my church on a part time basis, but the money situation is... distinctly unfun.

 

The offseason was so boring I simply had nothing to say, since we all knew the Red Sox would more or less sit pat. And April in a baseball forum is mostly a time for unserious "If this trend continues" jokes that I got tired of 10 years ago.

 

And I agree, there's nothing wrong with JBJ. But we have 3 other elite outfielders so if his bat disappears on him, or he continues to be his usual super streaky self, Beni, Betts and Martinez could Wally Pipp him between them pretty easily.

Sorry to hear about that. Hopefully, all of this Red Sox winning has buoyed your spirits.

[Slasher9]

We survived Manny, we could survive JD.

 

we had Manny in the field because Papi was our DH.

JDM can DH as we dont have Papi blocking that spot anymore.

[Maxbialystock]

I was fired from my job at the call center last year, and I've had my head down trying to find new work. No luck so far. I'm not technically unemployed since I'm volunteering for my church on a part time basis, but the money situation is... distinctly unfun.

 

The offseason was so boring I simply had nothing to say, since we all knew the Red Sox would more or less sit pat. And April in a baseball forum is mostly a time for unserious "If this trend continues" jokes that I got tired of 10 years ago.

 

And I agree, there's nothing wrong with JBJ. But we have 3 other elite outfielders so if his bat disappears on him, or he continues to be his usual super streaky self, Beni, Betts and Martinez could Wally Pipp him between them pretty easily.

 

Like the others, I'm very sorry to hear that. I have never experienced that, but my kids have.