Cannon Arms in 2013

So much of the current star power in baseball is in the outfield, where phenoms like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Yasiel Puig routinely amaze with their spectacular play. However, there are some equally exciting but less-heralded players who make some tremendous contributions to winning. In 2013 two of these players were also outfielders, and they dominated with their arms. One was a traditionally part-time player, and the other was a rookie non-prospect:

Entering 2013, Gerardo Parra had been heavily used as a fourth outfielder. From 2009 to 2012, he averaged 940 outfield innings per season. However, the jump to 1,355 innings in 2013 coupled with extra time in right field—his 1,042 right-field innings in 2013 were more than double his prior 516 career innings there—allowed Parra to show off his great arm. Before 2013, Parra had saved the Diamondbacks an estimated 10 runs with his arm. Last season, Parra saved them 12 runs, which led all outfielders.

Just behind Parra, rookie center fielder Juan Lagares saved the Mets an estimated 11 runs with his arm, and he did that in only 820 innings at the position. His lofty total was supported by his 12 kills—runners thrown out without the assist of a relay man. That is the sixth-highest total in the last five seasons. He trailed Parra’s 15 kills last season, but Lagares joined Adam Jones—who had 10 kills in 2010 and 13 kills in 2011—as one of only two center fielders to exceed eight kills in a season since 2009.

Hall of Fame note: Congratulations to Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Frank Thomas, who were elected into the Hall of Fame on Wednesday. It was well deserved for each of them. I am particularly pleased to see Thomas enshrined in his first eligible season after playing the bulk of his career in my home town of Chicago. However, they were not the only worthy candidates. This time last year, I made my case for Mike Piazza, who is simply the best offensive catcher ever. And, contrary to popular belief, he was an above-average defensive catcher as well. Click here to read what I wrote. Hopefully voters will rectify his omission next year.