Over the past five seasons, the San Francisco Giants have put together one of baseball’s most impressive runs in the sport’s recent history. The Giants captured three World Series titles in five years, and many heroes have emerged over the course of this historic accomplishment. Names like Tim Lincecum, Buster Posey, Pablo Sandoval, Madison Bumgarner, and even manager Bruce Bochy have all been hailed as MVPs, Cy Youngs, and postseason heroes. All of the awards, accomplishments, and recognition are well-deserved, but in this flurry of success, one of the team’s most important names has been lost in the shuffle.
Brandon Crawford has been one of baseball’s best shortstops since 2012, when he played a prominent role in the team’s second World Series win. Despite his timely hitting, incredible range, and strong arm, Crawford has been overlooked not just amongst shortstops in the game, but even amongst his own team.
Since 2012, Crawford’s 8.1 WAR ranks 10th among MLB shortstops. While that may not sound overwhelmingly impressive, consider the following things for a moment:
The Defensive Brilliance of Brandon Crawford
1. Since 2012, Crawford’s 11.0 Range Factor ranks 5th among MLB shortstops, while his UZR/150 (Ultimate Zone Rating per 150 defensive games) is also 5th at his position.
2. In 2014, Crawford dealt with a lingering shoulder injury in his throwing arm throughout the year. The injury cost him a few game,s but most of the time he played through it. Unfortunately, the injury led to 15 throwing errors, more errors of any kind than he had in any other season, and drastically affected his defensive saber metric numbers.
3. Thus far in 2015, with a healthy right shoulder, Crawford leads all NL shortstops in range factor at 5.13, and has made more plays (90) than any other shortstop in the game.
4. In 2013, Crawford made more “remote” plays (6) than any other player at any position in baseball. A “remote” play is a play that is classified as the most difficult plays that can possibly be made. Take a look at this beauty, which was just one of Crawford’s six from 2013.
That last one is particularly incredible to me. While Crawford may not be THE best defensive shortstop in baseball (he’s top 3 at worst), when he’s at his best, he’s better than anyone else.
Crawford’s Improving Bat
Crawford’s shortcomings, historically, have manifested themselves at the plate. Entering 2015, Crawford held a slash line of just .242/.310/.359. But so far in 2015, Crawford’s offense has turned into a positive. Take a look at what he’s done so far this season at the dish:
1. Crawford is tied for the MLB lead amongst shortstops with 5 home runs, and is second with 14 RBIs.
2. Crawford’s 12.6 BB% is the best among MLB shortstops, while his .347 OBP ranks 3rd.
3. His 132 wRC+ is 3rd amongst MLB shortstops as well.
4. While his batting average sits at a disappointing .235, his BABIP of .259 is well below his .290 career average, so that number is sure to improve.
All of this isn’t meant to say Crawford’s the best at his position in the game, but it does prove he’s among the elite. If these numbers don’t quite impress you, Crawford’s reputation as a clutch fielder and hitter should.
Pirates fans will certainly remember this moment, but other baseball fans may have overlooked it. The Giants 2014 World Series run began with one magical moment in the NL Wild Card game. Take a look at Crawford’s finest moment as a hitter . Many Giants fans would agree that this moment was perhaps the biggest in the 2014 World Series campaign.
Later on in the postseason, Crawford flashed some of his defensive prowess. While this play was started by, and stars, Joe Panik, it shows off Crawford’s skill as well. In Game 7 of the World Series, Panik and Crawford combined to turn one of the most memorable double plays in baseball history. While Panik’s diving stop was absolutely the key, Crawford’s arm strength finishes the play.
So, the next time you want to talk about the best shortstops in the game, dig a little deeper past the Tulowitzkis and Simmonses of the game. Brandon Crawford has earned his spot amongst baseball’s best shortstops.
