Tommy Harper Fielding Ratings

[kenhutchings]

I realize that fielding ratings are what they are, and aren't likely to be changed. I am intrigued (confused?) as to why Tommy Harper on the Seattle Pilots ended up as a 2 rated fielder in left field. According to Baseball Reference, he played only 4 games in LF during the 1969 season and didn't have any chances. He played 22 games in CF that season and is a 4 ranked CF.

In addition, for the 1970s game he's rated a 3 in LF and a 4 in CF.

:?: :?

Harper was on my recent 1969 team and I utilized him mostly in LF instead of his primary position of 3B because of that fielding rating. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has used him in this manner, but it seems unrealistic.

And although it's the 70s game, I've always wondered about Bill Russell being rated a 1 in the outfield.

[franky35]

Interesting info on Harper. I remember Russell as a mediocre SS; really an all around mediocre player, it's a miracle he played as long as he did. He did play OF from 69-71 with a good fielding %. But "1" is a crazy rating for him.

[JOHNEIGENAUER]

The Harper rating seems like an obvious error. However, I remember growing up in LA that everyone raved about Bill Russell's amazing outfield fielding ability. I believe that the rationale for moving him to SS was that he could handle it because he was such a great natural fielder. Evidently, he was also VERY fast, which would contribute to a good range rating. Finally, I know that SOM relies on scouting reports for fielding ratings, which may have contributed to both of these ratings. Even so, the Harper rating seems out of step with SOM practice.

John E.

[apolivka]

From 1963 to 1968 Tommy Harper was almost exclusively an outfielder, and a very good one. In 69, the Seattle Pilots, among their many other blunders, decided to move him to the infield. So, my guess is that the 2 in the outfield was probably deserved based on special circumstances of an ill-conceived move out of position by an expansion club. In strato replays of the season, his fielding ratings are probably quite accurate of his likely performance on a normal team.

For the 70s game, he had lost more than a step or two due to age and injury and even spent some of that time as a DH.

[kenhutchings]

http://www.baseball-reference.com/h/harpeto01.shtml

Harper's fielding stats for both the '69 and '70 season indicated that he had a range factor slightly better than the average third baseman, so perhaps Strat was a little harsh in giving him such a low fielding rating for that position.

Harper had a great 1970 season with the Milwaukee Brewers primarily playing third base. 0.377 OBP, 38 sbs, 35 doubles, 31 homeruns, and a 0.522 slugging percentage. Between the extra base hits and the number of stolen bases, this was someone who got himself in scoring position quite often.

8-)