Agree with most of those Rays comments: few thoughts (not nitpicking either, just like to give everyone insight into why I do what I do for some guys)
Based on UZR:
- Pena's a below average first baseman
- Aybar is a much better 1B than Pena, and a pretty outstanding 2B. Both fairly small sample sizes. League average 3B.
- Shields average FB velocity has sat right at 90 the last four years, although I suppose it doesn't really matter if its 89-90 or 90-92 since neither will achieve that average velocity.
- Garza's velocity has fallen from 94 his rookie year to 92.7 this year.
Agree on all other points though. Echoing Raidergoo's comments on the turn DP rating -- have to keep that low (thanks injurylog
) to keep the computer from making unrealistic switches of outstanding defensive 3Bs to 2B/SS, especially in cases that probably wouldn't happen IRL (Rolen, Longoria, ARod back to SS, etc.)
Please continue any criticism. I could sit here all day and talk this stuff with you guys.
Also (this doesn't have to do with your post) but keep in mind we're talking league average environments here for ratings -- so a pitcher who gives up 30 HR in Coors will have a better HR rating most likely than one who does that in Florida.