In the game of baseball, the shortstop position is one of the most important on the field, requiring a combination of speed, athleticism, and defensive prowess.
Among the current crop of shortstops in Major League Baseball (MLB), few are as highly regarded for their defensive abilities as Brandon Crawford.
With multiple Gold Glove Awards and All-Star selections to his name, Crawford has built a reputation as one of the best defensive shortstops in the league.
In this blog post, we will examine whether Crawford truly deserves this reputation and explore his defensive accomplishments, compare him to other top shortstops in the league, and assess his contributions to the San Francisco Giants.
We will also examine criticisms of Crawford’s defense and discuss how they have impacted his career. Ultimately, we will seek to answer the question: Is Brandon Crawford a good shortstop defensively?
Brandon Crawford’s Defensive Accomplishments
Brandon Crawford has won multiple Gold Glove Awards throughout his career, which are given annually to the best defensive players at each position in the American and National Leagues.
In fact, Crawford has won four Gold Glove Awards (2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019), which is a remarkable achievement in itself. These awards demonstrate that he is widely regarded as one of the best defensive shortstops in the league.
Crawford has also been selected for multiple All-Star teams. He was named to the National League All-Star team in 2015, 2016, and 2018, which further showcases his strong reputation as a top defensive shortstop.
In addition to traditional defensive statistics, Crawford’s performance in advanced defensive metrics also supports his reputation as a strong defender.
For example, Crawford has ranked highly in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), which measures a player’s defensive value relative to an average player at their position.
He has also performed well in Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR), which measures a player’s ability to get to balls hit in their defensive zone. Crawford’s consistently high rankings in these metrics provide further evidence of his defensive abilities.
Comparison to Other Shortstops
There are several other top shortstops in the MLB who are known for their defensive abilities, including Francisco Lindor, Javier Baez, Trevor Story, and Andrelton Simmons.
Each of these players has a unique skill set that contributes to their reputation as strong defenders, and it is important to understand their strengths in order to make a fair comparison to Crawford.
When comparing Crawford’s performance to other top shortstops, it is important to look at a variety of statistics and metrics. One key metric to consider is DRS, which measures the number of runs a player has saved on defense compared to an average player at their position.
In terms of DRS, Crawford has consistently ranked near the top of the league among shortstops in recent years, along with Lindor and Baez.
While each of these shortstops has its own strengths and weaknesses, Crawford’s defensive abilities stack up favorably against his peers.
He has consistently been recognized as one of the best defensive shortstops in the league, and his impressive track record of Gold Glove Awards and All-Star selections speak to the high level of respect he has earned from his peers and coaches alike.
Additionally, Crawford’s strong performance in advanced defensive metrics supports the notion that he is one of the best defensive shortstops in the game.
Crawford’s Contributions to the Giants
Brandon Crawford’s importance to the San Francisco Giants’ defense cannot be overstated. As a shortstop, he is responsible for covering a large portion of the infield and making plays on a variety of ground balls and line drives.
His range, arm strength, and ability to make difficult plays have all contributed to the Giants’ strong defensive performance in recent years.
Crawford’s defensive skills have been a major factor in the Giants’ success. In 2021, the Giants finished the regular season with the best record in baseball, and Crawford was a key contributor to their success.
His ability to make difficult plays and prevent runs has helped the team win close games and keep opposing offenses at bay. In addition to his defensive skills, Crawford is also a strong leader on the team and sets a good example for his teammates with his work ethic and dedication to the game.
Crawford’s defensive abilities have also had a positive impact on the Giants’ team chemistry. His reputation as a top defensive shortstop has earned him the respect and admiration of his teammates, who appreciate his contributions to the team’s success.
Crawford is known for his professionalism and positive attitude, and his presence on the team helps create a positive and supportive environment for all players.
Overall, Brandon Crawford’s defensive skills have been a major asset to the San Francisco Giants, and his contributions to the team’s success extend far beyond the box score.
As one of the best defensive shortstops in the game, Crawford is a valuable member of the Giants’ roster and a key factor in their continued success.
Criticisms of Crawford’s Defense
While Brandon Crawford is widely regarded as one of the best defensive shortstops in the game, there have been some criticisms of his defense.
One criticism is that he sometimes struggles with consistency, making errors or missing plays that he should make. Another criticism is that he may not have as much range as some other top shortstops.
While these criticisms are not without merit, they do not necessarily negate Crawford’s overall defensive abilities. Like all players, Crawford is not perfect and may make mistakes on occasion.
However, his consistently strong performance in advanced defensive metrics and his track record of Gold Glove Awards and All-Star selections demonstrate that he is a highly skilled defensive player.
In terms of his range, while he may not cover quite as much ground as some other top shortstops, he makes up for it with his ability to make difficult plays and his strong arm.
Brandon Crawford has acknowledged the criticisms of his defense and has worked to improve his game. For example, in recent years he has focused on improving his footwork and positioning in order to make more consistent plays.
He has also worked with the Giants’ coaching staff to refine his defensive approach and become a more well-rounded player.
Overall, Crawford’s response to criticisms of his defense demonstrates his commitment to continually improving his game and his dedication to being the best player he can be.
Comparison of Defensive Statistics Among Top Mlb Shortstops (as of 2023)
| Shortstop | Total chances | Total putouts | Total assists | Total errors | Fielding percentage | Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Crawford | 509 | 184 | 317 | 8 | .984 | 5.5 |
| Francisco Lindor | 456 | 155 | 292 | 9 | .981 | 6.2 |
| Javier Baez | 380 | 132 | 236 | 12 | .968 | 4.1 |
| Xander Bogaerts | 515 | 187 | 312 | 16 | .969 | 0.7 |
| Trevor Story | 446 | 141 | 290 | 15 | .962 | -3.7 |
FAQs
What specific defensive skills make Brandon Crawford such a good shortstop?
A: Crawford is known for his range, agility, strong arm, and ability to make difficult plays on both routine and challenging ground balls and line drives. He also has excellent instincts and positioning, allowing him to anticipate where the ball will be hit and get into the right position to make a play.
How has Crawford’s defensive performance changed over the course of his career?
A: Crawford’s defensive performance has been consistently strong throughout his career. However, he has made some improvements in specific areas, such as his footwork and positioning, in order to become a more well-rounded defensive player.
How does Crawford’s defensive performance compare to other great defensive shortstops of the past, such as Ozzie Smith or Derek Jeter?
A: Comparing players across different eras can be challenging, as the game has changed in many ways over time. However, Crawford’s defensive performance stacks up favorably against other great defensive shortstops of recent years, and his numerous Gold Glove Awards and All-Star selections attest to his status as one of the best defensive players in the game today.
Does Crawford’s defensive performance have an impact on his offensive performance?
A: While there is no direct causal relationship between a player’s defensive and offensive performance, there is some evidence to suggest that strong defensive players may also be more focused and confident at the plate. Crawford’s strong defensive performance may contribute to his overall success as a player and help him maintain a positive mindset and approach to the game.
Conclusion
Brandon Crawford is widely regarded as one of the best defensive shortstops in Major League Baseball.
His numerous Gold Glove Awards and All-Star selections attest to his impressive defensive skills, and his strong performance in advanced defensive metrics further reinforces his reputation as a top-tier defender.
While there have been some criticisms of his defense, Crawford has shown a commitment to continually improving his game and responding to feedback from coaches and teammates.
His contributions to the San Francisco Giants’ success extend far beyond his defensive abilities, as he is also a leader on the team and a positive presence in the clubhouse.
Overall, Brandon Crawford is a highly skilled and respected player who has earned his place among the best defensive shortstops in the game.
