Let’s check in on Nick Swisher for a moment, shall we? Specifically, let’s take a look at his defense on the year. In 2009, Swisher posted a -2.6 UZR/150 (-1.5 UZR) in his first season as the Yankees’ full-time right fielder. It was an average line, although I’m sure many Yankee fans had actually pegged Swisher for a bad fielder given his often adventurous routes. This season, thus far, Swisher’s UZR/150 stands at -0.4 in right (-1.1 UZR). Basically, he has been an average right fielder, according to UZR. In addition, his RZR isn’t great at .854 but his OOZ is pretty solid at 16, so perhaps he falls in between (he is still average).
Now, I am actually surprised by Swisher’s rating on the year and, to be honest, I think most fans, even those who were taken aback by his fielding in 2009, would agree. Is it just me or has Swisher looked excellent in right field this season? He is making accurate throws (for the most part), he has been appropriately aggressive (checking runners), and his range, in particular – especially down the line – has been very good. His UZR is neutral, however.
Maybe my love for Swisher is simply clouding my judgment. That could be the case. What have you thought about his defense? Has he looked good, bad, or just average out in right?
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4 Responses to Evaluating Nick Swisher's fielding
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I was never among those with any complaint about his defense. I don’t know if he’s above average, average or slightly below average but he’s a huge upgrade over what Abreu and Sheffield supplied defensively in recent years. I was sitting in the right field field level seats at the Saturday day game in Anaheim recently and it was clear that Swisher was covering a lot more ground and doing all the little things like hustling to be in position if a throw got by Tex and went up the line. Abreu was like a statue out there until the ball was hit towards him. Other than his fear of the wall, I’d never really noticed how bad Abreu was.
Nick is getting good jumps both directions, and it’s showing up in range and how he handles it when he gets there. Big improvement, and solidifies him as an asset.
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I think you are absolutely right on Chris. I wonder how adversely Swish’s rating is affected by Gardner and Granderson’s prowess. They seem to take everything close, does that hurt Nick’s stats?