Best defensive 3rd baseman

[Blzer]

Re: Best defensive 3rd baseman

Pablo Sandoval deserves to be on this list. With Zimmerman injured, I think he is making a good run for a gold glove. People who haven't seen him play won't be able to agree, obviously. I'm not saying he's the best in the NL, but he's certainly being undervalued here.

His throwing could certainly be more consistent, but you can't deny that glove. He's made countless game-saving plays already this season.

In the end though, as he's so amply earned in his career, it's gotta be Rolen. He's of the top five smartest players in the entire league, and his mental capacity truly helps his aging body at the hot corner.

[cactusruss]

Re: Best defensive 3rd baseman

I'm not just being a homer here... I swear. Scott Rolen is by far the best defensive third baseman I've ever seen.

[Darkleaf]

Re: Best defensive 3rd baseman

Rolen everytime, I was sad to see him leave I still rock his Jays jersey when I go to games.

[dickey1331]

Re: Best defensive 3rd baseman

Im biased but Ill go with Beltre.

[BostonRedsox80]

Re: Best defensive 3rd baseman

I love Rolen but im gona have to go with Longoria since he is younger.

[Blzer]

Re: Best defensive 3rd baseman

I love Rolen but im gona have to go with Longoria since he is younger.

Does the poll say "youngest defensive third baseman"?

[snepp]

Re: Best defensive 3rd baseman

Does the poll say "youngest defensive third baseman"?

Does baseball history not show that defenders get worse as they age, often significantly so?

Nothing unreasonable about taking the much, much younger player.

[Blzer]

Re: Best defensive 3rd baseman

Does baseball history not show that defenders get worse as they age, often significantly so?

Nothing unreasonable about taking the much, much younger player.

No, I understand that. Obviously nothing can be proven, though... all we can go with is history, and of course the present. I think if we took a three year stint for these two players and analyzed their performances, I would have to give the nod to Rolen myself. I'm not saying he can't take Longoria, I just didn't understand the age reason.

It's like if I say I think Jason Heyward is a better power hitter than Lance Berkman. There are certainly some ways in which it makes sense, and I'm sure this will be absolutely true in five years when Berkman is 40 and Heyward is in his prime, but I didn't think potential was really a factor in this, just results.

[BostonRedsox80]

Re: Best defensive 3rd baseman

No, I understand that. Obviously nothing can be proven, though... all we can go with is history, and of course the present. I think if we took a three year stint for these two players and analyzed their performances, I would have to give the nod to Rolen myself. I'm not saying he can't take Longoria, I just didn't understand the age reason.

It's like if I say I think Jason Heyward is a better power hitter than Lance Berkman. There are certainly some ways in which it makes sense, and I'm sure this will be absolutely true in five years when Berkman is 40 and Heyward is in his prime, but I didn't think potential was really a factor in this, just results.

Its a toss up between them and to me its always the younger guy.

[ajf14]

Re: Best defensive 3rd baseman

I gotta go with Zimmerman and not just because hes a hometown guy. the only reason i would take points away is that even though he consistently makes the tough plays, he screws up the routine ones. but i have seen him many times make plays that i believed to be beyond reach.