I have realized over the years that almost all I write about, on the position-player side of things, is offense. It’s very difficult to break down defensive metrics for the Valley League, especially when the only available metrics are errors and fielding percentage. These stats, of course, do not tell us anything about the range of a player, and even errors are open to the whims of the official scorer.
So when I come across an article that lauds the defensive prowess of a former Valley League player, I need to share it with you, brilliant reader!
Back in October, Baseball America published an article on the best defensive shortstops at each level of the minor leagues. Matt Eddy uses assists per game against the league average to come up with his list.
Two former Valley Leaguers are mentioned in the Double-A list: Eric Stamets (Haymarket 2010) and Sean Jamieson (Front Royal 2010) (Interesting that the two of them played against each other, eh?). Stamets came in at #1, while Jamieson finished 6th.
Jamieson did not receive a comment, but Stamets sure did. Here is what Eddy has to say about Eric:
As is the case with Nick Ahmed above, Eric Stamets (Angels) has a two-year track record for strong performance and glowing scouting reports when it comes to his glovework at shortstop. He’s sure-handed with plus range and plus arm strength, and this season at Arkansas he led Texas League shortstops in fielding percentage (.976) and Double-A shortstops with 3.14 A/G. This despite playing behind a groundball-neutral Travelers pitching staff (1.38 GO/AO).
Will he defensive acuity get Eric to the big leagues? Time, of course, will tell. He’s hit 265/319/350 in his three seasons in the minors, so his bat, probably, won’t be the difference. Jamieson has more ability at the plate, and has hit 266/360/405 in his four seasons.
I would love to see both make the show, of course. Follow these pages, and I’ll be sure to keep everyone posted as both Stamets and Jamieson chase the dream!
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