[BIG17EASY]

You want the better overall defender in right because it's much easier to go first-to-third or home-to-third when the ball is hit to right field. Yes, a stronger arm helps stop runners from doing that, but getting to the ball quickly, fielding it in proper position to throw, taking the right angles all play a factor in that.

A ball hit into the left field corner can be bobbled or kicked around and it's still likely to be a double only and only fast runners will score from first. A ball hit into the corner in right that's bobbled or kicked around will often end up with the batter on third and most runners scoring from first, unless they run like Adam Dunn.

Same applies for runners tagging up and going to third on a fly ball. How many times a year does that happen on fly balls to left? A handful? It happens fairly often (although only prudent with no outs or if the ball is very deep) when the ball his hit to right.

That's why it's important to have your best overall defender in right. It's also why a guy with a great arm may not play right field.