Centerfielder

[Simply Red]

Best in Baseball DEFENSIVELY? Your opinion?

[epitome1170]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

3 years ago, Andruw Jones v. Jim Edmonds was a good debate, but the debate ended there. It was one of those 2 guys (with the edge going to Edmonds).

Now, Edmonds has aged in dog years and Jones has put on quite a bit of weight, costing him a lot of his range. Jones is nowhere near the CFer he once was. He's definitely not in Hunter's league anymore. I'd argue that Vernon Wells is every bit as good as Jones is. Griffey Jr. may not even be the best CFer on his team, Freel can cover much more ground than the kid anymore.

Re: Edmonds 'showboating' Edmonds plays an extremely shallow CF. It looks like he's showboating on a lot of the plays he makes b/c they are balls that are caught in areas that most CFers wouldn't have a problem getting to. That is because the camera doesn't catch the play until Edmonds has already started his jump. He still goes back on balls better than any CFer in the game. The play he made in the 2004 NLCS would have gone down as legend had Bernie Williams or Johnny Damon made it (even though neither of those guys could make that play with a fishing net and a rocket pack). His ability to play so shallow and still get back on those balls saves a ton of runs. It cuts down on bloop hits and makes it almost impossible to score from 2nd on a single to CF. He has a very good, very accurate arm that will keep most guys from even trying.

So while it's true that many of his hightlight plays are plays that are simply tough, but not truly spectacular, it's his ability to still make those plays that allows him to play shallow enough to make plays that other CFers can't. Edmonds probably plays a good 20-30 feet closer to home than anyone else. It makes a huge difference.



Hunter
Wells
Healthy Edmonds (again, not Edmunds, but EdmOnds)
Jones

This guy knows what he is talking about. Edmonds has been getting a bad rap lately saying he gets late jumps or he slows down, but if you watch him in person you will be surprised and how great of a jump he really does get.

Still without question Hunter is above the rest.

[rageeumr]

This thread reminds me of a great quote from www.selltheroyals.com

"we think a diving catch is only a diving catch if you dive BEFORE you catch the ball - even if you play centerfield in St. Louis;"

[Halfcan]

Originally Posted by NJ Chief Fan

imagine if he juiced? i use to hate this guy when he was younger, but now i have nothing but the most respect for him...too bad he couldnt stay healthy, he was definately something else in his younger days


IT SHOULD OF BEEN BONDS WITH ALL THOSE INJURIES!

Grif is a really cool guy to talk to and hang out with. I hope he keeps playing.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by rageeumr

This thread reminds me of a great quote from www.selltheroyals.com

"we think a diving catch is only a diving catch if you dive BEFORE you catch the ball - even if you play centerfield in St. Louis;"

Hater