Quote:
Originally Posted by kriscolic
I would not assume all players *do not* have an adequate level of skill at something just because there are no statistics to prove they don't. Which is exactly what you are doing.
|
You are correct: that
is what I’m doing.
Here’s why. We know that some positions are more difficult to play than others. That’s not a controversial statement, is it? Lots of players move from center field to a corner outfield position when their skills begin to erode, because corner outfield positions are easier to play than center field. Lots of players move from
anywhere to first base when they get older, because first place is the easiest position to play. No one moves from first base to catcher, no one moves from left field to shortstop. The transition is always from the harder position to the easier one.
Have you ever heard of anyone moving from
anywhere, other than shortstop, to second base? It’s happened, but it’s very rare. Second base is an extraordinarily difficult position to play. Players are moved
away from second base a lot more often than players are moved
to second base. Because it’s one of the hardest positions to play.
Now, if you ask people who have played second base what is the hardest thing about playing second base, I’ll bet close to all of them will say “turning the double play”. If you don’t know anybody who played second base, I’m sure a quick Google search will turn up loads of anecdotal evidence to support this, and very little evidence implying that turning a double play is something that any player can do just about as well as any other player.
It’s not proof, I suppose, but I’m buying it.