Sometimes you've got to admit when you're wrong, and it certainly seems like I was about Walker. He may turn into a complete pumpkin at some point, but that's looking less likely than it did pre-season.
Defense has regressed a bit, and is down to fifth worst among RF'ers, which is where he was last year as well. Had hoped for that to improve with reps, but the arm plays for sure.
Everything else has taken steps forward from baserunning to contact quality to contact type (flyballs essentially). I think this Walker is a plus major leaguer and that's a huge development for the season.
Sometimes you've got to admit when you're wrong, and it certainly seems like I was about Walker. He may turn into a complete pumpkin at some point, but that's looking less likely than it did pre-season.
Defense has regressed a bit, and is down to fifth worst among RF'ers, which is where he was last year as well. Had hoped for that to improve with reps, but the arm plays for sure.
Everything else has taken steps forward from baserunning to contact quality to contact type (flyballs essentially). I think this Walker is a plus major leaguer and that's a huge development for the season.
I plead ignorance, I don't know how to decipher defensive metrics. I was looking at defensive categories in Baseball Reference, which some show under "total zone", "DRS", "range factor", etc. But I have no idea what the #'s actually mean, or what is determined to be good or bad. I only understand the basic standard stuff like fielding percentage, errors or putouts.
So on Walker, I see he does have 3 errors with .976 fielding %. But other than that, he seems to pass my eye test on D, especially his arm. So what are his actual weaknesses defensively? For example, does he not use his speed well on range? I'm unable to interpret the advanced statistics, so I would appreciate your input.
I don't see his defense as having regressed; someone might use a stat to say that it has but to me he is taking better reads and getting better as an outfielder after being converted from third base a few seasons ago.
I don't see his defense as having regressed; someone might use a stat to say that it has but to me he is taking better reads and getting better as an outfielder after being converted from third base a few seasons ago.
Came here to post the same thing. He might be regressing to the mean based on opportunities, but his skills are improving.
