Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Defense: Good Or Bad?

by Jhon Lennon 44 views

When talking about Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the conversation usually revolves around his incredible hitting prowess. I mean, the guy can absolutely rake! But let's be real, baseball is more than just offense. So, the question on the table is: Is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a good defender? To give you the short and sweet version, it's complicated. Let's dive deep, guys, and break down Vladdy Jr.'s defensive game, looking at the stats, the eye test, and everything in between.

The Positional Puzzle: First Base Focus

Okay, so first things first, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. primarily plays first base for the Toronto Blue Jays. Now, first base isn't typically seen as the most demanding defensive position, like shortstop or center field, but it's still super important. A good first baseman needs reliable hands, good footwork around the bag, and the ability to make quick decisions on those tricky ground balls and errant throws. They are really needed to be able to stretch and scoop throws, and basically be like a vacuum cleaner to get those outs that could be errors.

When Vladimir Guerrero Jr. initially came up, there were questions if he was going to stay at third base or if he'd be moved. Ultimately the Blue Jays made the decision to move him to first base, which many baseball experts and fans believed was best for the team. Third base just wasn't the place for him. It's a tough transition to make, especially in the big leagues, so you have to give Vladdy Jr. some credit for being willing to move. But has it worked out? Let's keep digging.

Diving into the Defensive Stats

Alright, let's get into the numbers! Stats can be a bit dry, but they give us a pretty objective look at Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s defensive performance. We're going to look at a few key metrics here:

  • Fielding Percentage: This is a pretty basic stat that tells you how often a player successfully makes a play. Generally, you want to see a high fielding percentage, but it doesn't tell the whole story. For instance, it doesn't account for the difficulty of the plays he's attempting.
  • Defensive Runs Saved (DRS): This is a more advanced stat that attempts to quantify how many runs a player saved or cost their team through their defense compared to the average player at that position. A positive DRS is good, meaning the player saved runs, while a negative DRS means they cost runs.
  • Outs Above Average (OAA): Another advanced metric, OAA measures how many outs a player has recorded versus the average player at that position. It takes into account the difficulty of the plays and the player's reaction time.

Looking at these stats over Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s career, the picture is... well, it's not great, guys. He's generally been below average in DRS and OAA, indicating that he hasn't been a huge asset defensively. His fielding percentage is usually decent, but as we mentioned, that stat can be misleading. It's super important to remember that defensive stats can fluctuate, and players can improve over time. However, the numbers don't lie: he has work to do.

The Eye Test: What We See on the Field

Okay, stats are great, but sometimes you just have to watch the games and see for yourself. So, what does the eye test tell us about Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s defense? Well, he's got some things working for him. He's a big dude with a good wingspan, which helps him cover ground around the first base bag. He's also got pretty good hands, and he can make some nice scoops on throws in the dirt.

However, there are definitely some areas where he struggles. His footwork can be a bit clunky at times, and he doesn't always seem to react quickly to sharply hit balls. Also, his throws can be a bit erratic, which can lead to some unnecessary errors.

One thing that's noticeable is that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. seems to be working hard to improve. You can see him putting in the effort during pre-game drills, and he seems to be more focused and attentive on the field. Effort counts, and it's clear that he's not just relying on his natural talent.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Let's break down Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s defensive game into its key strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths:

  • Good Hands: He can make some nice scoops and catches, especially on tough throws.
  • Size and Reach: His size helps him cover ground around the first base bag.
  • Effort and Attitude: He seems to be genuinely working to improve his defense.

Weaknesses:

  • Footwork: His footwork can be a bit awkward and slow.
  • Reaction Time: He doesn't always react quickly to sharply hit balls.
  • Throwing Accuracy: His throws can be inconsistent at times.

The Verdict: A Work in Progress

So, is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a good defender? The honest answer is no, not right now. He's not a liability out there, but he's definitely not a Gold Glover either. He has some strengths, but his weaknesses hold him back from being a truly above-average defender.

However, it's important to remember that he's still relatively young, and he's still learning the position. He's also shown a willingness to work hard and improve, which is a huge plus. With continued effort and coaching, there's no reason why he can't become a solid defender at first base. He might never be an elite defender, but he can definitely become a valuable asset to the Blue Jays on both sides of the ball. Let's hope he can get it done.

The Impact on the Blue Jays

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s defense has a direct impact on the Toronto Blue Jays. A strong defense can save runs, prevent errors, and give the pitching staff more confidence. If Vladdy Jr. can improve his defense, it will make the entire team better. The Blue Jays have invested a lot in Vladimir Guerrero Jr., not just as a hitter, but as a cornerstone of their franchise. They need him to be a complete player, and that includes being a reliable defender.

The team's success depends on having players who can contribute in all facets of the game, and first base is a crucial position. While his bat is a huge part of his value, improving his glove would make him an even more valuable asset to the team. The Blue Jays coaching staff surely recognizes this and will likely continue to work with him to refine his defensive skills.

Comparisons to Other First Basemen

To get a better perspective, let's compare Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to some other first basemen in MLB. Guys like Matt Olson, Freddie Freeman, and Paul Goldschmidt are known for their exceptional defense at first base. These guys consistently post high DRS and OAA numbers, and they make difficult plays look easy. Guerrero Jr. isn't quite at their level yet. However, there are also plenty of first basemen who are primarily known for their hitting, and their defense is more of an afterthought. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. falls somewhere in the middle. He's not an elite defender, but he's also not a complete liability.

The key is to see continued improvement and effort. If he can close the gap between himself and the top defensive first basemen, it would be a huge boost to his overall value and to the Blue Jays' chances of winning.

What the Future Holds

So, what does the future hold for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s defense? Only time will tell, but there are reasons to be optimistic. He's still young, he's shown a willingness to learn, and he's surrounded by a great coaching staff. If he continues to work hard and focus on improving his weaknesses, there's no reason why he can't become a solid defender at first base. It's going to take time and effort, but the potential is there.

Blue Jays fans are hoping that he can reach his full potential and become a true all-around superstar. His offense is already at an elite level, and if he can bring his defense up to par, he'll be one of the most valuable players in baseball. We'll be watching closely to see how he develops over the next few years. All in all, his journey is one that should be closely watched!