Catcher Value in NPB - Why the Fan's Pivot Controls the Game
Examining catcher value in npb - why the fan's pivot controls the game in depth, covering the fan's pivot through modern catcher profile.
Articles tagged with defense
The Evolution and Tension of Defensive Shifts - How Data Reshapes the Field
Data-driven defensive shifts exploded in MLB before being regulated in 2023. NPB's shift adoption has its own characteristics. This article traces shift evolution and its transformation of baseball.
Hatsuhiko Tsuji the Master Second Baseman - The Craftsman Who Defended Seibu's Golden Era
Hatsuhiko Tsuji: eight-time Golden Glove second baseman who anchored Seibu's seven consecutive pennants, then managed the Lions to back-to-back titles in 2018-2019.
NPB Golden Glove Award Lineage - The Artistry of Defensive Masters
NPB's Golden Glove Award since 1972, honoring defensive excellence from Tsuyoshi Shinjo's 10 wins to Ryosuke Kikuchi's acrobatic second base play.
Yoshio Yoshida - The Shortstop Called Ushiwakamaru
An in-depth analysis of yoshio yoshida - the shortstop called ushiwakamaru, exploring ushiwakamaru's brilliant defense and contributions to french baseball.
Why There Are No Left-Handed Catchers in Baseball - The Structural Reasons Behind an Extinct Position
Left-handed pitchers and batters are common. Left-handed catchers are virtually nonexistent in both NPB and MLB. Why is catching the one position reserved exclusively for right-handers?
Analyzing First Basemen's Offensive Metrics - Reassessing the 'Bat-First' Conventional Wisdom with Data
The classic wisdom that 'first basemen only need to hit' persists in NPB even after sabermetrics became mainstream. Yet when wRC+ is overlaid with defensive metrics, the true value of a first baseman cannot be captured by OPS alone. We reassess the optimal balance between offense and defense using data from all 12 NPB teams.
Which Position Is the Most Idle in a Baseball Game - How Often Outfielders Actually Field the Ball
An NPB game lasts about three hours. During that time, outfielders handle the ball shockingly few times. Left and right fielders may touch the ball only a handful of times per game. The data reveals which position spends the most time waiting.