Anbody see this quote?

by littlevisigoth on Mar 5, 2007 10:07 AM CST

Referring to Luke and his bid for the starting spot in right field, "Every manager who's had him has liked him," Garner said. "He can win ballgames for you, and HE'S THE BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER." (emphasis mine)

I wonder where he gets that from. I've never been particularly impressed with Scott's defense, although he's never seemed to me like he's TOTALLY clueless out there. Meanwhile, I think it's clear that both Hidalgo and Lane have better arms (although maybe all that time in the gym for Scott has improved his throw) and I've always fancied Lane as a pretty solid fielder. He's got a lot more diving catches and blue star plays in my memory than Scott, but maybe that's just cause I've seen him play the position more often.

Anybody else surprised by that comment? If Garner really DOES think of Scott as the best defender, doesn't that give him a HUGE edge in the race since he's coming off such a monster second half of the season last year?

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Hadn't Seen it

but here's a link now that you've pointed the way.

I certainly didn't watch Luke Scott come up through the minors, but from what we saw of him last year, I can unequivocally say he was clearly inferior to what Lane was doing, and very clearly inferior to what Hidalgo had done when with us.

Hidalgo played his baseball in the Gulf Coast League in 2006, but the Probabilistic Model of Range shows that Lane at the least was better than Scott in the field in '06. This despite the fact that some said Lane's defense was down from his standard last year, and that Lane was graded in right, and Scott in the easier-playing left.

While they both had 1.000 fielding percentages in their home fields, Lane's range factor was 2.07, while Scott's was 1.77.

Obviously we don't have all the information, and I wouldn't blame Garner if he was engaging in a little headpatting for the guy he probably most wishes would take the job, but no. I don't think Scott is the best defensively, and right now, I don't think it's close, either.

256 Shane Reynolds baseball cards . . . and counting

by rastronomicals on Mar 5, 2007 11:59 AM CST reply actions

I don't think

Scott is a very bad outfielder, but great would be a stretch... like previously stated, out of Lane, Scott and Hidalgo I'd put them Lane, Hidalgo, Scott in defense. I don't think Luk is a liablility in the outfield though... of course I don't think Lee is either.. so what do I know.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Mar 5, 2007 10:10 PM CST reply actions

Hidalgo vs. Lane

Hidalgo has bad knees, so his range was never what Jason's is, but when he was with us he had one of the best arms in baseball, and from having looked at it hardcore at the time, I am sure he deserved the NL Gold Glove for rightfielders in 2003.

If he's retained any of his defensive skills, I would grade him above Lane. And that's not to denigrate Lane, who is himself above average.

263 Shane Reynolds baseball cards . . . and counting

by rastronomicals on Mar 6, 2007 7:36 AM CST up reply actions

Maybe...

Maybe he's just saying that in a way, like... "That guy is the best sport." or something.............. :p

by entropic soul on Mar 7, 2007 12:40 AM CST reply actions

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