Twinkie Town: How Good Is J.J. Hardy’s Defense?

Hardy: Boy, game plan for disaster?

The obvious and most probable outcome is that both groups are right.  Hardy’s speed likely inhibits his range in the field, which is partially made up for by great positioning and an ability to consistently and reliably make outs in situations where he’s expected to make them.  Is his positioning so great that it allows him to challenge for the most plays made outside his zone every year?  Probably not.

I expect that when we finally get to see Hardy play everyday next summer, we will be a little surprised at how he moves.  But that’s where the numbers come in.  He’s obviously making a ton of plays, more than a vast majority of shortstops in baseball, and he’s earned his reputation (on paper and on grass) as one of the best defensive infielders in the game today.

Any questions we might have will (obviously) get answers once we actually watch him play.  Until then I’m content knowing that we did get a very good defensive shortstop in return for Carlos Gomez.

Ultimately it doesn’t matter how you get the out as long as you get it.  It’s just like picking up the win—just get it.  And that’s something J.J. Hardy is apparently very, very good at.  Both sides agree on that.