Runs created by position - part 2

Today, I'll continue my series of articles on runs created with shortstops, third basemen and center fielders. Part 1 on catchers, first basemen and second basemen can be found here:

part 1

After finishing first among AL center fielders with 7.8 runs created per game in 2007, Curtis Granderson finished third with 6.5 RC/G in 2008. He trailed only Josh Hamilton and Grady Sizemore who each created 7 runs per game. Hopefully, Grandy will come out of the gates healthy next year and put up even better numbers.

This week, Curtis heads for China.

Table 3: Runs Created by AL center fielders in 2008

Rank	Player	Team	PA	RC/G	RC
1	Hamilton	TEX	704	7.0	117
2	Sizemore	CLE	745	7.0	123
3	Granderson	DET	629	6.5	100
4	Byrd	TEX	462	6.1	68
5	Upton	TB	640	5.6	88
6	Wells	TOR	466	5.5	66
7	Hunter	LAA	608	5.5	85
8	Crisp	BOS	409	4.8	51
9	Ellsbury	BOS	609	4.8	75
10	Jones	BAL	514	4.2	58
11	Reed	SEA	312	4.0	33
12	Gomez	MIN	614	3.7	63
13	Cabrera	NYA	453	3.5	42
14	Gathright	KC	315	3.5	29
15	Gonzalez	OAK	316	3.1	27

In a weak year for AL shortstops, Mike Aviles of the Royals created 5.9 runs per game in limited playing time. He was followed by Derek Jeter (5.1 RC/G) and Johnny Peralta (4.9).

The Tigers Edgar Renteria was 14th out of 17 qualifying shortstops with 4.0 runs created per game. It was his lowest rate since 2001 and he has a career average of 4.9 RC/G. So, even at age 33, I would expect somewhat of a rebound next year. The problem is his range is about gone and I think the Tigers are likely looking for a better defensive shortstop.

Table 1: Runs Created by AL shortstops in 2008

Rank	Player	Team	PA	RC/G	RC
1	Aviles	KC	441	5.9	66
2	Jeter	NYA	668	5.1	87
3	Peralta	CLE	664	4.9	85
4	Young	TEX	708	4.7	85
5	Scutaro	TOR	592	4.5	67
6	Aybar	LAA	375	4.5	44
7	Punto	MIN	377	4.5	44
8	Eckstein	TOR	303	4.5	34
9	Bartlett	TB	494	4.4	56
10	Lowrie	BOS	306	4.3	34
11	Cabrera	CHA	730	4.3	81
12	Izturis	LAA	321	4.3	36
13	Harris	MIN	490	4.2	54
14	Renteria	DET	547	4.0	58
15	Lugo	BOS	307	3.8	31
16	Betancourt	SEA	590	3.7	60
17	Crosby	OAK	605	3.3	54

with 7.6 runs created per game, Alex Rodriguez once again dominated the third base position. Rookie Evan Longoria and Casey Blake were tied for second at 6.3 RC/G. Tigers third sacker Carlos Guillen finished fourth at 5.9 RC/G. Right now, the plan is for Brandon Inge (4.0 RC/G) to play third next year. There were thirteen regular 3Bs who did better than that last year. The median RC/G for the position was 5.3.


Table 2: Runs Created by AL third basemen in 2008

Rank	Player	Team	PA	RC/G	RC
1	Rodriguez	NYA	594	7.6	107
2	Longoria	TB	508	6.3	80
3	Blake	CLE	368	6.3	55
4	Guillen	DET	489	5.9	69
5	Vazquez	TEX	347	5.6	47
6	Gordon	KC	571	5.4	76
7	Mora	BAL	570	5.3	78
8	Beltre	SEA	612	5.3	83
9	Rolen	TOR	467	5.1	59
10	Lowell	BOS	468	4.9	59
11	Figgins	LAA	520	4.7	61
12	Aybar	TB	362	4.6	43
13	Crede	CHA	373	4.3	43
14	Hannahan	OAK	501	3.7	48
15	Uribe	CHA	353	3.5	34