The White Sox are not likely to crack the top 10 of many categories this year, unless its losses. But, to everyone’s surprise, the White Sox were ranked in the top-10 of a positive category. Mike Petriello broke down the projected top-10 defenses in the major leagues, and the White Sox made it into the top-10.
This is a great development, as the White Sox were one of the worst defenses in all of baseball last year. They were so bad, that in the article Petriello points out the gem of a quote from Chris Getz earlier in the off-season, where he said he had a tough time getting free agent pitchers to sign with the White Sox because they did not want to play in front of that horrible defense.
I don’t blame them, as the White Sox were constantly giving up four-five outs every inning, which can be incredibly taxing on a pitcher. It is already difficult enough to make it to six innings without any errors, but when you are botching routine plays, it is even more difficult. When the pitchers can’t make it far in the game because of that, then the bullpen will get taxed easier, creating a vicious cycle.
But, Chris Getz made sure to address this need in free agency and Petriello thinks that they will be the most improved defense in the MLB next year. Petriello points out the improved middle infield with Nicky Lopez and Paul Dejong, also making note of Luis Robert who is an excellent fielder. He also made mention of Max Stassi and how he is one of the better pitch framers in the game.
He also notes how Benintendi and Vaughn are not great defensively, but they play positions that won’t make a huge impact on the defense. He also brought up the departures of Tim Anderson and Yasmani Grandal and how that also improves the defense. He isn’t wrong as Grandal was a big liability behind the plate and Anderson was very hit or miss in the field.
He also mentions keeping Gavin Sheets and Oscar Colas out of the outfield will help tremendously, as they aren’t helping the cause of improving the defense.
Petriello is spot on with his analysis. It is crazy to think how bad the defense really was last year and how adding a few new players can change the whole makeup of the team. Fielding might not win you a bunch of games, but it definitely will prevent you from losing some games, so that is something to look out for this year.
I am surprised he didn’t mention Yoan Moncada at third base, as he is a very good fielder and has graded out as elite in the past. A defensive infield of Moncada, DeJong, Lopez should be very solid and pitchers should not worry about throwing ground balls.
The biggest improvement will come from behind the plate as every catcher that has a chance to play in the majors this year is known for their fielding in some capacity. Stassi is an elite framer and a solid blocker, but his arm isn’t amazing. Maldy is one of the best pitch blockers and has one of the best pop times in the majors, something that should help tremendously with controlling runners this year. The same can be said for Korey Lee, as he is fantastic at blocking and throwing runners out.
Right field will also be an upgrade, as Petriello points out with no Sheets or Colas, that will help. Dominic Fletcher is a better fielder than both of them and so is Kevin Pillar.
The White Sox might not score a bunch of runs, but they could be a disciplined baseball team in the field and that could help improve the team from last year.
