A few weeks ago, defensive metrics at Fangraphs had judged Curtis Granderson’s defense in center field to be more than nine runs below average. He’s shot up to under six below avegare. Recently, he was not a top-five MVP candidate according to fWAR. Now he is.
Did he save a bunch of runs or improve his defense in a few weeks? Not likely. But the landscape he’s measured against is constantly shifting, and his contribution is rated against that volatile context.
Jacoby Ellsbury, a center fielder so good that Boston shifted him to left field to make room for the 38 year-old Mike Cameron last year, is worth over 20 runs more than Granderson, and is now the fWAR MVP.
Let’s check in again at the end of the season and see how it shakes out.
I think of what Bernie Williams said in 2006 or so when praised about his batting by a reporter, "Are you kidding? Did you see my splits last year?" Curtis might be following or hearing what's said about him and putting in a little more effort to prove em wrong. Or at least I hope so, I like a guy with a little chip on his shoulder...
Man, Bernie seems like a long time ago.
When Jeter and Rivera retire, and the whole team is post-dynasty, I wonder if it will feel different or will just be a smooth transition with the new faces.
It's funny but when I think of Joe Torre right now the first impression is not good. It's of the "he stayed too long" vibe. I'm sure that'll change too over time.
[4] I totally agree. I feel the same way, and I never would have thought during the dynasty. My wife gave me his book for Xmas one year and I refuse to read it.