The first base position tends to be an offensive minded position where defense is not usually the priority for placing a player there. Its quite interesting here with Albert Pujols the former 3B, Carlos Delgado the former catcher, and Ryan Howard (where the outfield experiment a few years ago did not work). The Cardinals have the all around package for at 1B with the offense and defense Pujols brings to the table. Despite Howard winning the Quad crown, it seems that Pujols will have a greater overall contribution with the greater defensive range and the offensive numbers that are on par with what Howard provided.
PMR
measure of range by calculating the probability of a ball being turned into an out based on six parameters
Ryan Howard made 26.23 less outs than predicted based on 4301 balls in play, Carlos Delgado made 13.75 less outs than predicted based on 3696 balls in play. Whereas Albert Pujols, made 40.41 more outs than predicted based on 3864 balls in play.
Dividing that by balls in play yields expected defensive efficiency rating (DER). That is compared to the team’s actual DER. A good defensive team should have a better DER than it’s expected DER.
Ryan Howard had a .064 DER, Delgado had a .068 whereas they were both predicted for a .070 DER. Albert Pujols has .079 DER with a .069 predicted.
a player vs player measure of contribution (batting, fielding, pitching) to a team wins as a distinct number
39 for Pujols, 31 for Howard, 24 for Delgado
