Atlanta Braves Underutilizing Defensive Replacements
The Atlanta Braves have a few problem spots defensively that have proven costly at times, but the answers are sitting on the bench.
This team is built to win a World Series with the most powerful offense in baseball and a good pitching staff.
But if there is one are that gives you some hesitancy from calling them a complete team -- it's the defense.
There isn't a perfect defensive metric out there, but those who watch the Braves every day can tell you that left field, second base, and first base have been problem areas.
And looking at the defensive metrics kind of confirms the eye test.
Baseball Savant's new Fielding Run Value (FRV) takes into account range and arm.
Matt Olson is worst among Braves regulars with -3, Ozzie Albies is right next to him at -2, and Eddie Rosario is an even zero.
Again, metrics aren't perfect as Ronald Acuna Jr. has a -2 fielding run value because he gets a -7 for his jumps -- which aren't great -- but he makes up for it with his closing speed and the best arm in baseball.
Among all players in baseball, Sean Murphy ranks third at 15 and Michael Harris II is 28th at 8 FRV.
But there are answers to a couple of those weak spots on the bench in Nicky Lopez and Kevin Pillar.
Pillar as 3 FRV and Lopez 7 -- granted in a much smaller sample size.
However, again, even if you go by the eye test you can see the difference when those two are on the field.
The decision to put Pillar in left field late in a game when the Braves are ahead should be a no-brainer.
And it's not as if Eddie is awful out there, but Pillar is better. And in those late-close situations, taking away one of those bloops hits could make the difference.
The awkward conversation is with Ozzie Albies. Someone who looked like he might win a Gold Glove someday, he's taken a huge step back defensively this year.
Whether it's the shift going away that has perhaps exposed his range, or the arm issues that have made an average arm well below average, he's quite honestly been bad this year.
Meanwhile, Lopez is an elite defensive player. Take the first game of the doubleheader on Monday against the Phillies - that game is more than likely over in the 9th if Lopez is on the field.
Are you going to take that risk in the postseason with a guy who ranks 21st in FRV among second basemen with 500 innings played at the position when you have an elite defender on your bench in Lopez.?
I know Albies is one of the leaders of this team and perhaps it might be a hard pill to swallow, but it is a fact the Braves are better defensively with Lopez at second base over Albies right now.
It's not an easy decision, but in the postseason when you're facing good teams every game, it's usually the small things that make the difference.
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