Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers hold respective edges entering 2018

Again, a level playing field for infielders and outfielders

Whereas catcher allows for a fairly linear evaluation, assessing an infield unit is decidedly more complex. What makes up a good infield depends on what a team values. Hence, it is significantly tied to the makeup of the specific team.

For example, a team with multiple power-hitting outfielders would likely value players on the infield who get on base. Adding more high-homer, strikeout-prone players likely won’t play well. Similarly, if a team has a very poor fielding third baseman, they are more likely to roster a defense-first backup or a shortstop with above-average range.

This being the case, it is important to utilize an assessment methodology for infielders (and outfielders too) that allows for a quantitative result that can be compared to and combined with a broader set of data to represent a more complete picture.

What does it all mean?

In plain English, infield and outfield were assessed separately but in a similar manner. Thus, one can combine the results for a single valuation covering both units.

Within the metrics for this assessment, a premium in value was placed on a player’s overall performance, results at the plate (extra-base hits, on-base average and runs created potential), base running productivity and overall defense.