More Epstein on statistics

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein discusses how the team uses some type of Wins Above Replacement value to evaluate a player's total contribution.

He also talks about defense. Ellsbury's ability as a defender has come under scrutiny as he recorded one of the worst UZR's for a center fielder last season. I tend to side with Theo and the Fan's scouting report that he is an average to above average fielder.

If you look at his UZR from his first two MLB seasons and his Total Zone numbers from the minor leagues all indicate he is above average. There is no doubt he has the range but he may have struggled reading the ball off the bat last season which contributed to his poor rating.