Posted by The Taint on 8/26/2013 6:24:00 PM (view original):
Posted by bad_luck on 8/26/2013 6:10:00 PM (view original):
Posted by The Taint on 8/26/2013 6:02:00 PM (view original):
Nine errors in center is a lot for an outfielder.
League average fielding percentage for CF in 1985 was .988. Henderson was at .980.
It looks like the high error total was more of a function of his range than anything else. He had a RF/9 of 3.31 (best in MLB) while league average was 2.91.
Could his higher range factor be a product of Yankee Stadium and its old centerfield dimensions?
While you're looking up defensive stats you should look at Mattinglys.
Maybe. Range factor isn't a great stat. But it isn't unreasonable to assume that a guy as fast a Henderson was could get to a lot of balls. And, since he got to so many, increased the likelihood of errors.
I did look at Mattingly's defensive stats. They don't tell you much. He was below average in range factor, but range factor is next to useless for first basemen. He was slightly above average for fielding percentage, but fielding percentage for a first baseman isn't any more useful than range factor. dWAR was meh on him for that year, -0.9.
He won a gold glove but we can ask Rafael Palmeiro and Derek Jeter how accurate that award is. Probably just a popularity contest.
Mattingly had a great year in 85, but Henderson (and 1986 Mattingly) was better.