FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Zapp Brannigan said 09/02, 04:54 PM
Okay, I love to watch Denard Span play, and I had many opportunities to see him, as the Twins AAA club is in my town.

But Span has not been the best fielder this year, far from it.

He has played both CF and RF this year thus far, a total of 75 games (14 at CF, 61 at RF).

His FLD% at both positions this year is .978. That is not great, and not good. Those numbers are average, maybe above average if you have low expectations. He has 1 error in 14 games at CF this year, and 3 errors in 61 games at RF. Those are NOT the numbers of the best fielder in the league. His FLD% at CF and RF are (respectively) .963 and .981.

He also has a total of 4 assists at RF in those 61 games...that means he gets an assist every 15.5 games. Compare Span to fellow RFers (his main position, I suppose):

Span: 15.3 games/assist, .982 FLD% (61 games at RF)

Pence: 8.9 games/assist, 1.000 FLD% (133 games)
Markakis: 9 games/assist, .990 FLD% (135 games)
Abreu: 12.9 games/assist, .996 FLD% (129 games)
Ethier: 17.6 games/assist, 1.000 FLD% (88 games)

Look, Span has flair and can make some great catches. But the flashy plays are NOT what makes the great fielder. It is consistency and lack of mistakes.

Zapp Brannigan said 09/03, 09:03 PM
Here is a comment you made in the comment section:

"Span has made plays where he catches the ball and slams into the wall. Most players don't try to do that, but it does not go down as an error. he also has made more web gems as an outfielder over the past few weeks than any other outfielder. That counts for fielding ability.

GaretJax is Richard Rahl | 09/02/08, 05:32 PM"

Like I said, it ISN'T about the dramatic play and the flair. It's about who is consistent and reliable, and who doesn't make mistakes.

And why would not going into the wall be an error? That's like not diving for a catch (or missing on a dive) should be an error.

Well, nothing else for me to argue until you do.

Zapp Brannigan said 09/04, 09:36 PM
Your third argument looks like crap, smells like crap, tastes like crap - you know what they say.

Really, you commented at the bottom, TODAY. You're too lazy to make an attempt at a third argument. Last time I checked, you're only down ONE to NOTHING! Although it might not stay that way based on your arguments, or lack thereof.

But I'm getting off topic. Let me simplify it: Me make argument, you no make argument. Me actually follow through, you no follow through.

I better not keep you, I'm sure you have some sort of argument about how the Vikings have the best interior defensive line or something.