MLB Questions--Any MLB fans help a UK Old Timer

[johnnydrum]

Looking forward to the new MLB season---my 5th year (or 4th) dipping into the MLB (Old fart/ lifelong NHL fan, despite being based in the UK-that fell in love with MLB THE Show 16)
With help from the Game, and annual Lindys Guide, I have grasped the fundementals of the basic statistics, but still have some questions, that may seem more basic (perhaps I am even a bit stupid lol) so wonder if any MLB fans here here can help (tried Twitter but no bugger replied...shheesh! lol)

What decides /detemines on who plays what position?
For instance, what special attributes or skill sets determine a good a 1st Baseman , compared to a 2nd and 3rd Base respectively? (or could anyone play any 3?)
What skill difference would be required between CF/ LF / RF

Sorry if this seems like the most basic /simple/ asinine question.....
I do have others, for a patient reader....lol

All the Best

[IndianSummer]

I would put a speed guy in CF
Your big arm in RF
LF can be just a solid player
3B needs a big arm
SS need ability to cover lots of ground and a big arm
2B needs to cover a lot of ground, his arm is not as important as 3B & SS
1B needs good fielding skills
C defensive skills plus big arm.

Everyone has different views but this is what I look for.
Defense and speed are good things to have.

[johnnydrum]

Quote: Originally Posted by IndianSummer

I would put a speed guy in CF Your big arm in RF LF can be just a solid player 3B needs a big arm SS need ability to cover lots of ground and a big arm 2B needs to cover a lot of ground, his arm is not as important as 3B & SS 1B needs good fielding skills C defensive skills plus big arm. Everyone has different views but this is what I look for. Defense and speed are good things to have.

Oh THANK YOU so much!

So I realize that the S/S needs to be most athletic--hence they are very valuable and I understand that its a difficult position to play (as balls are generally headed in between the 2nd & 3rd (is this something to with most people are right handed, so naturally, a Righthanded Batter will swat the ball to the left?)....Have I got that right?

So 1st needs good fielding skills to snag those line drives, -and rapidly throw to 2nd?
3rd needs a big arm to get the ball to Home Plate?

CF I imagine will cover a LOT of area?

[Funkycorm]

Everyone starts somewhere. A lot of us have the advantage of playing the game 20-30 years ago in our youth and have kids now that play.

I won't go into the defensive aspects as the above poster did. I will share my philosophy of specific positions when it comes to offense pairing with what was mentioned above.

CF: to pair with the speed and range, I want my CF to be a solid contact guy and base stealer.

Your corner IF and OF (1b, 3b, LF, RF) are usually more power guys.

Your C can vary but tend be more balanced. Decent at both but they are there for their defense anyway.

Your middle IF (2b, SS) tend to be your wild cards. Meaning as long as they possess the fielding described above, they can be power, contact, or whatever. I tend to make my SS more contact as they tend to be faster and my 2b a bit more average in those areas.

There are varying opinions are how to build a good team and there is no single right answer.

Also to note: many 1b can play 3b. Most SS also can be strong 2b. RF make solid LF as well but you want your RF still to have a strong and accurate arm.

Hope this gives some insight on how I make a team. If I get a chance I will go through my 2028 Indians and detail the players to give you a better idea.

[Funkycorm]

Quote: Originally Posted by johnnydrum

Oh THANK YOU so much! So I realize that the S/S needs to be most athletic--hence they are very valuable and I understand that its a difficult position to play (as balls are generally headed in between the 2nd & 3rd (is this something to with most people are right handed, so naturally, a Righthanded Batter will swat the ball to the left?)....Have I got that right? So 1st needs good fielding skills to snag those line drives, -and rapidly throw to 2nd? 3rd needs a big arm to get the ball to Home Plate? CF I imagine will cover a LOT of area?

1b needs fielding skills to dig bad throws from the dirt, throw to second, etc.

3b and SS need need stronger accurate arms to make throws to first.

CF needs speed. Arm strength can be ok because the speed and reaction time is more important.

[johnnydrum]

Quote: Originally Posted by Funkycorm

Everyone starts somewhere. A lot of us have the advantage of playing the game 20-30 years ago in our youth and have kids now that play.

Thank You!
A great help and some good revision!

[Caulfield]

Quote: Originally Posted by johnnydrum

...So I realize that the S/S needs to be most athletic--hence they are very valuable and I understand that its a difficult position to play (as balls are generally headed in between the 2nd & 3rd (is this something to with most people are right handed, so naturally, a Righthanded Batter will swat the ball to the left?)....Have I got that right?

correctamundo

Quote:

So 1st needs good fielding skills to snag those line drives, -and rapidly throw to 2nd? 3rd needs a big arm to get the ball to Home Plate? CF I imagine will cover a LOT of area?

really, the most important part of a firstbaseman's fielding skills are in covering bunts, and scooping throws out of the dirt from the other fielders. a 1Bman may usually, but not always, have the weakest arm on the team. and thats alright

the 3Bman needs a strong arm to make the long throw to first, especially against speedy hitters




off-topic, I love Lindys though this years guide I was dismayed to read in there they think Commish Manferd is doing a good job :headshake:

good luck and happy baseball

[johnnydrum]

Quote: Originally Posted by Caulfield

correctamundo off-topic, I love Lindys though this years guide I was dismayed to read in there they think Commish Manferd is doing a good job :headshake: good luck and happy baseball

Bravo!!!
Thank you!

Aye, yes indeed, Lindys is a nice, easy, accessible read.
I buy it every year --normally along with the Baseball Prospectus --but the latter is impossible to find this year over here (Amazon.uk, eBay etc)