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Who are the top defenders of 2009?

Posted by

June 12, 2009

As we reach the middle of June, our sample size is getting larger and larger giving our defensive stats more and more credibility. Three of this year's top defensive teams, Toronto, Texas and Pittsburgh, also have the top individual fielders in baseball.

Aaron Hill is no surprise here. He posted 25 Defensive Runs Saved at second base in 2006, and won the Fielding Bible Award in 2007 with another 21 Runs Saved. After missing the majority of 2008 with an injury, Hill has bounced back nicely, totaling 13 Runs Saved through 59 games this season.

Ian Kinsler has been all over the place since his rookie season. In three seasons, Kinsler has saved 0, 7, and -7 runs with his defense at second base. He appears to have taken a giant step forward this year, with 12 Runs Saved through 57 games.

Like Hill, Jack Wilson has been an outstanding defender for several years. He averaged 12 Runs Saved per season at shortstop from 2003 to 2008, including a league best 28 in 2005. He's saved another dozen runs so far in just 38 games in 2009, leading all shortstops.

There are several more familiar faces off to good starts defensively, and a handful of newcomers as well. Here are the top fielders in baseball in 2009, according to Total Defensive Runs Saved:

Name Team Position Innings Runs Saved
Aaron Hill Blue Jays 4 520 13
Ian Kinsler Rangers 4 505 12
Jack Wilson Pirates 6 336 12
Adrian Beltre Mariners 5 515 10
Ryan Zimmerman Nationals 5 512 10
Matt Holliday Athletics 7 504  9
Brandon Inge Tigers 5 515  9
Marco Scutaro Blue Jays 6 527  9
Brandon Phillips Reds 4 461  8
Colby Rasmus Cardinals 8 305  8
Jack Hannahan Athletics 5 236  8
Michael Bourn Astros 8 477  8
Joe Crede Twins 5 350  8
Chone Figgins Angels 5 465  7
Robert Andino Orioles 6 142  7
Placido Polanco Tigers 4 468  7
Juan Rivera Angels 7 368  7
Hunter Pence Astros 9 507  7
Jay Bruce Reds 9 485  7
Brendan Ryan Cardinals 6 176  7


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