Robbie Grossman, the 31-year-old outfielder of the Detroit Tigers, has had a long career since his Major League Baseball debut in 2013.
While he may not be a household name, Grossman has proven himself to be a reliable hitter and outfielder.
However, his defensive abilities have been a topic of discussion among baseball analysts. In particular, his performance in the outfield has been heavily scrutinized over the years. So, is Robbie Grossman a good fielder?
Early Career Performance
Early in his career, Robbie Grossman struggled defensively and was a liability to his team. In the 2016 season with the Minnesota Twins, he had poor numbers in both Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average, indicating his deficiencies on the field.
Grossman’s weaknesses included a lack of speed, poor reaction time, and inadequate throwing arm strength. This made him susceptible to extra-base hits and unable to make the necessary plays in the field.
His liabilities were clearly demonstrated by his poor defensive statistics and his struggles were evident to coaches, teammates, and fans alike.
Despite these shortcomings, Grossman had the potential for improvement. His coaches likely worked with him on his mechanics and positioning, while also emphasizing the need for him to improve his quickness and strength.
These efforts, combined with his own determination and hard work, eventually paid off. Over time, Grossman developed into an average or better-left fielder.
His improved defensive abilities were demonstrated by fewer errors, better range, and more accurate throws. He became a valued member of the Houston Astros and later, the Oakland Athletics.
Overall, Grossman’s early career performance was marked by defensive struggles and liabilities. However, his potential for improvement and his willingness to work hard transformed him into a more effective player on the field.
Today, he is a valuable outfielder for the Detroit Tigers and a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work.
Recent Performance
Grossman’s More Recent Defensive Statistics
Grossman’s defensive performance has improved significantly in recent years. Over the past three seasons, he has played a total of 2,454.1 innings in left field, accumulating 11 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and 0 Outs Above Average (OAA). In 2020 alone, Grossman had a DRS of 4 and an OAA of 1 in 258 innings.
Comparison to League Averages and Other Left Fielders
According to Statcast, the league-wide average OAA for left fielders in 2020 was -1, making Grossman’s OAA of 1 above average. His DRS also exceeded the league average of 0 for left fielders in 2020.
However, when compared to other left fielders, Grossman’s defensive performance is still below average. Among left fielders who played at least 250 innings in 2020, Grossman ranked 27th out of 37 in DRS and 26th out of 37 in OAA.
Any Notable Improvements or Declines
Grossman’s defensive improvement can be attributed to increased playing time and experience in left field. He has developed more refined skills in positioning and reading batted balls. Additionally, his speed and range have improved, allowing him to make plays that were previously out of reach.
However, his arm strength remains a weakness, which limits his ability to make accurate throws and prevents runners from advancing.
Overall, Grossman’s defensive performance has evolved from a liability to average or slightly below average, but there is still room for improvement.
Defensive Metrics
Key defensive metrics include Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and Outs Above Average (OAA). DRS measures a player’s ability to save runs compared to an average player at their position. OAA measures the number of outs a player makes above or below an average player at their position.
In 2016, Grossman had a DRS of -20 and an OAA of -11 in just 635 innings, indicating that he was a liability in left field. However, it is important to note that defensive metrics should be observed over multiple seasons to get a more accurate idea of a player’s defensive abilities.
In 2020, Grossman had a DRS of -1 and an OAA of 1, suggesting that he has improved and is now an average or better-left fielder.
There is debate about the usefulness of defensive metrics. Critics argue that they do not accurately capture a player’s abilities as they are based on limited data and do not take into account outside factors such as the quality of the pitcher or the positioning of other fielders.
However, proponents argue that they can provide valuable insights into a player’s defensive capabilities and can be used to compare players across different seasons and teams.
Overall, while defensive metrics have their limitations, they can still be a helpful tool in evaluating a player’s defensive abilities when used in conjunction with other measures such as the eye test and overall statistical performance.
Eye Test Evaluation
The “Eye Test” Method of Evaluating Fielding Ability
The “eye test” method of evaluating fielding ability in baseball refers to the subjective evaluation of a player’s performance on the field based on observations made by the naked eye.
This method is often used to assess the defensive skills of a player, including range, arm strength, agility, and overall effectiveness at their position.
The eye test can be particularly useful in situations where advanced metrics may not perfectly capture a player’s defensive abilities, or when comparing players with similar statistical profiles.
Analysis of Grossman’s on-field Performance and Technique
When evaluating Robbie Grossman’s performance in left field, the eye test reveals a player who is generally average or slightly above average in terms of range, arm strength, and overall defensive ability.
Grossman is not an elite athlete, but he is capable of making solid plays and positioning himself effectively to get to balls in the air and on the ground.
One area where Grossman particularly excels is in his ability to read fly balls, which allows him to get good jumps and make plays that other players might not be able to make.
In terms of technique, Grossman is a fundamentally sound outfielder who takes good angles to the ball and generally positions himself well.
He is not prone to making errors or misjudging balls, and he is capable of making accurate throws to the infield.
However, Grossman is not an elite athlete and may lack the raw speed and agility of some other left-fielders. As a result, he may struggle to make plays on particularly difficult balls or those hit deep into the gap.
Comparison to Other Left Fielders in the League
Compared to other left-fielders in the league, Grossman ranks as an average or slightly above-average defensive player.
While he may not have the raw athleticism or game-changing ability of players like Christian Yelich or Alex Verdugo, he is a reliable and consistent fielder who makes few mistakes and is capable of making solid plays on a routine basis.
Players like Kyle Schwarber and Giancarlo Stanton, on the other hand, rank as below-average defensive left fielders, with limited range and a tendency to make errors or misplays.
Overall, while Grossman may not be a standout talent in left field, his solid defensive abilities and fundamentally sound technique make him a valuable asset to any team.
Whether evaluated by advanced metrics or the eye test, Grossman is a reliable presence in the outfield who can be counted on to make solid plays and limit the damage of opposing batters.
Is Robbie Grossman a Good Defender?
Robbie Grossman’s Defense Robbie Grossman is an average to slightly above-average defender, known for his versatility and ability to play multiple positions.
Evaluating Grossman’s Fielding Ability Grossman’s defensive metrics indicate that he is a solid outfielder, with good instincts and a strong arm. He has also shown the ability to play infield positions effectively.
Grossman’s Strikeout Rate and Its Impact on Defense Although Grossman had a career-high 27% strikeout rate in the 2020 season, his overall career rate of 22% is not abnormally high. This should not significantly impact his defense.
Comparing Grossman’s Defense with Other Players While Grossman is not considered an elite defender, he compares favorably to other players within his position group. He offers a reliable option for teams looking to add depth to their roster.
The Importance of a Solid Defensive Player In a game where the defense can make the difference between winning and losing, having a player like Grossman on the field can be invaluable. His versatility and reliability make him a valuable asset to any team.
What Was Grossman’s Error Streak?
Grossman sets new MLB all-time record On May 10, 2022, Robbie Grossman achieved a significant milestone in his career, becoming the MLB all-time leader for consecutive errorless games by a position player, with a total of 401 games without an error.
A remarkable feat for Grossman Grossman’s record-setting performance highlighted his consistency and reliability as a fielder. It was a remarkable feat, considering the challenges and pressures of playing 162 games each season in the highly competitive MLB.
The error-free streak extended Grossman’s error-free streak and continued its impressive run all the way to 440 games on July 10, 2022. Throughout this period, Grossman cemented his reputation as a standout outfielder with his exceptional defensive skills.
The streak comes to an end Unfortunately, on July 10, Grossman’s remarkable streak finally came to an end. He dropped a pop-up off of the bat of Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert, ending his 440 consecutive errorless games run.
Grossman’s hitting performance in 2022 While Grossman’s fielding was a significant factor in his success in 2022, his batting performance was also noteworthy. In 83 games with the Detroit Tigers, he maintained a batting average of ., contributing significantly to his team’s impressive performances throughout the season.
FAQs
Who is Robbie Grossman?
Robbie Grossman is a professional baseball player who currently plays as an outfielder for the Oakland Athletics in Major League Baseball (MLB)
Is Robbie Grossman a Switch Hitter?
Yes, Robbie Grossman is a switch hitter, meaning he can bat from both the left and right sides of the plate.
How Effective is Robbie Grossman as a Switch Hitter?
Grossman has traditionally been more effective against left-handed pitching, which can be a valuable asset for a switch hitter.
Why is It Valuable to Be a Switch Hitter?
Being a switch hitter can provide an advantage against pitchers, as it allows for more versatility in the batter’s box and the ability to adjust to different pitching styles.
To Recap
Although there were concerns about his defensive abilities early on in his career, Robbie Grossman has developed into an average or better-left fielder.
While he may not boast the same level of athleticism or range as some other outfielders, his improved defensive metrics show that he has worked hard to address his weaknesses.
While some may argue that he is still not an elite defender, there is no doubt that Grossman’s overall performance as a player continues to be valuable to his team.
