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Alex Gonzalez leads shortstops with 13 Runs Saved. Gonzalez narrowly leads 2010 Fielding Bible Award winner Troy Tulowitzki in a crowded shortstop field. Shortstop is another position where the Cardinals are having problems defensively. Normally about average defensively, Ryan "The Riot" Theriot is 35th out of 35 defenders that we rate in MLB having cost St. Louis 14 runs with his defense. Meanwhile, the other Ryan, Brendan Ryan, whom the Cardinals traded to Seattle, has saved nine runs. That's a 23-run swing on defense. On offense, Theriot is outperforming Brendan having created 31 runs to 22 for Brendan. Using Total Runs, which adds in baserunning as well, Brendan Ryan has 46 Total Runs, compared to 30 for Ryan Theriot. Advantage: Brendan (so far).
Despite the defensive problems, the Cardinals are only a half game behind the Brewers in the NL Central. Albert Pujols is out for the next month or so, but this aspect of the game bodes well for St. Louis. Their defense should improve as these struggling defenders come back towards their career norms.
Runs Saved 2011 - Shortstop
Player
Runs Saved
Alex Gonzalez, Atl
13
Troy Tulowitzki, Col
11
Brendan Ryan, Sea
9
Alcides Escobar, KC
9
Two Tied With
is good