Drafting defense

[colbyjack]

I just wanted to gauge people's thoughts on the idea of drafting defense. I have been a big fan of Jack Z. for the simple fact that he drafted guys like Fielder and Braun for their bats, and so far they haven't disappointed. Rickie Weeks could be thrown into this group as well, although with the 2nd overall pick in 2003 it really came down to Delmon Young or Weeks, so defense, and anything else, really wasn't an issue.

 

I ask somewhat because of the possibility of drafting someone like Tennessee's J.P. Arencibia, who receives a lot of praise for his bat, but he's a guy some think may have to move to 1B down the road. However, Arencibia has been Team USA's primary catcher for the past two summers, which in my mind says he is more than adequate behind the dish to stay there (and from the two or three times I have seen him catch, I have seen no reason to think about moving him).

 

Regardless of how someone like Arencibia stacks up on defense, it seems clear that he will never been considered a plus defender, just like Fielder and Braun won't be. Are you all for the bat-first approach, knowing that the bat is the one tool that can overcome any deficiency, or do you have reservations about drafting such players, particularly as a position (catcher) where defense is stressed more than most?

 

And this question isn't limited to someone like Arencibia, but basically any player whose skills clearly favor their offensive potential.

[clancyphile]

I'd take the better bat over the better glove every time.

[sbrylski]

I don't care much about defense for our 1B or corner OFers, but I'll take a stud defensive catcher over a poor one with a slightly better bat. Same for SS.

[deeswan]

I agree with sbryl, I think it's position dependent. If you draft a 3B or C who is deficient, he's likely going to end up in a corner spot, or maybe 1B. That certainly makes him less valuable. However, if a player projects as a good enough ML hitter, I don't think position/defensive ability matter much at all. For instance, I can't imagine Billy Butler won't hit enough to find a position on the diamond, although he will likely DH a lot in the AL.

 

I actually think it's more difficult to take a plus defender/weak bat in the NL, where you already have the pitcher stinking in the 9 hole.

[DHonks]

I like drafting for overall talent and offensive ability, however, I would keep defense in mind, as I think it's easier to tolerate a slightly weaker hitter than it is to tolerate someone who simply cannot field or throw. In general with the draft, the offensive differences between players are greater than defensive, however, in certain cases a player's deficiencies should be considered a factor.

[thefutureishere2006]

i agree. you draft for overall talent. it is like here at winona, the coach said that he goes by who makes the baseball team by hitting/pitching... and in the even it is a close race.. he looks at defense and variety of positions they can play.

[Hairps]

Great to be onboard here. Interesting thread.

 

I think it's possible that defense is still sufficiently undervalued at the major league level so as not to warrant drafting for it exclusively.

 

IMHO, there's probably not much reason to spend a pick on drafting a no-hit, slick fielding college player when Corey Patterson or Craig Counsell can still be had for next-to-nothing.

[sbrylski]

Craig Counsell can still be had for next-to-nothing.

 

$3 million is about my entire life earnings away from nothing.

[colbyjack]

IMHO, there's probably not much reason to spend a pick on drafting a no-hit, slick fielding college player when Corey Patterson or Craig Counsell can still be had for next-to-nothing.

 

Just for the record, I'm not suggesting that someone such as Ole Miss SS Zach Cozart, arguably the slickest defensive player available for the '07 draft, be taken in the top 10 picks due to his glove, rather, I'm asking if players such as J.P. Arencibia, a catcher with questionable defensive tools, should play as big of a factor in the first-round since his defense reportedly falls incredibly short of his bat.

 

I'm a bat-first guy, so as Sam kind of alluded to, I'm not huge on spending $3M on Craig Counsell. However, offseason signings and first-round draft picks are two completely different monsters that you can rarely find any correlation between the two. In other words, I would never make my drafting decision based on who or who not be available in free agency, nor would I ever try to solve my utility infielder problem of today through the June draft.

[Hairps]

colbyjack:

 

I think we're talking past each other. I hear you.

 

Responding, then, to your specific question:

Quote:

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I'm asking if players such as J.P. Arencibia, a catcher with questionable defensive tools, should play as big of a factor in the first-round since his defense reportedly falls incredibly short of his bat.

---

No.

[colbyjack]

Thanks for clarifying Hairps, and nice to see you join in the discussion here. I think you'll find some Brewers fans around these parts that are a little gun-shy whenever Craig Counsell's name is brought up.

[GagneCY03]

It's generally easier to find defensive studs after the first few rounds of the draft. I'd take a great bat with questionable D over great D with a questionable bat, though.