Who are the Top Defenders in 2010?
June 16, 2010
Two and a half months into the season, it is a good time to look and see who
have been our best defensive players of the year. Let’s take a look at our
overall leaders, in terms of Defensive Runs Saved.
| 2010 Runs Saved Leaders
|
| Player |
Team |
Pos. |
Innings
|
Runs
Saved |
| Ben Zobrist |
Rays |
2B/RF |
547 |
15 |
| Yunel Escobar |
Braves |
SS |
448 |
15 |
| Austin Jackson |
Tigers |
CF |
498 |
13 |
| Alexei Ramirez |
White Sox |
SS |
530 |
12 |
| Michael Bourn |
Astros |
CF |
527 |
11 |
| Ryan Zimmerman |
Nationals |
3B |
445 |
11 |
| Chase Utley |
Phillies |
2B |
515 |
11 |
| Robinson Cano |
Yankees |
2B |
550 |
10 |
Ben Zobrist is no surprise here, as he finished near the top of the league
last year with 31 runs saved. What’s impressive about Zobrist is that he has
accumulated his runs saved at numerous positions, having spent time at first
base, second base, and all three outfield spots.
Yunel Escobar has always been one of the best defenders at shortstop, with
runs saved totals the last two years of 12 and 13. Always strong on plays to his
left, Escobar is now making some of those plays to his right. He has already
eclipsed his previous career high in Defensive Runs Saved.
Overshadowed a bit by his hot start with the bat, Austin Jackson has been the
best defensive outfielder in baseball. Jackson excels especially on deep balls,
as he rates a +14 in Enhanced Plus/Minus so far this year. This young star has a
bright future ahead of him.
