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Is it just me or has it fallen off considerably this season?

I haven't looked at his stats but he took the wrong route misplaying a R Davis hit ball last night and that wasn't the first time we've seen that this season. Many other balls have fallen half a step beyond his reach which makes one wonder about his first step.

Yeah hes about average so far, the guy he was challenging with last year for best defensive CF, Kiermaier, is having a worse defensive season than Pillar right now. UZR -3.7 and UZR/150 of -9.9 for Kiemaier vs Pillars 0.4 and -0.1.

Pillar has even dropped a few more than he usually does, seemed like he fielded everything last year. One of them talked about their first step in spring training, can't recall who it was but hasn't worked well so far this year.

I don't think he's having a lesser season defensively, just a lesser last few weeks. Everything people are noticing has happened in the past month or so, and it may coincide with moving to the leadoff position. Perhaps he is more focussed on his hitting, and mentally, doesn't have quite the same edge as when less is expected of him defensively.

dagger wrote:I don't think he's having a lesser season defensively, just a lesser last few weeks. Everything people are noticing has happened in the past month or so, and it may coincide with moving to the leadoff position. Perhaps he is more focussed on his hitting, and mentally, doesn't have quite the same edge as when less is expected of him defensively.

Good points but even quality CF's do fall off at a younger age than almost any other position.

The_Hater wrote:Good points but even quality CF's do fall off at a younger age than almost any other position.

A frightening amount top defensive CF's start to see significant defensive decline starting at age ~29-30.

-MetA4- wrote:

The_Hater wrote:Good points but even quality CF's do fall off at a younger age than almost any other position.

A frightening amount top defensive CF's start to see significant defensive decline starting at age ~29-30.

Yup. And once Pillar can't play CF anymore he turns from a valuable player to a singles hitting corner OF that has minimal value. Trading him this summer or next winter might be in the cards.

-MetA4- wrote:

The_Hater wrote:Good points but even quality CF's do fall off at a younger age than almost any other position.

A frightening amount top defensive CF's start to see significant defensive decline starting at age ~29-30.

Yah, defense is a young man's game.

Black Watch wrote:

-MetA4- wrote:

The_Hater wrote:Good points but even quality CF's do fall off at a younger age than almost any other position.

A frightening amount top defensive CF's start to see significant defensive decline starting at age ~29-30.

Yah, defense is a young man's game.

Catcher's can hang on for much longer since they don't need speed. The other premium defensive positions all have life spans. Derek Jeter winning Gold Gloves in his mid 30's when he was one of the worst defensive SS's in MLB was always irritating

I wonder how much his co-outfielders are playing a role in this. In Right Field Jose's arm is improved but he's slow to cover ground. In left it seems like there is a miscommunication ever other fly ball when Carrera is out in the field.

Trying to cover for two mediocre defenders can't help his defense. I wonder how much that is playing on his game.

That and I'm sure we are seeing the start of a decline in Pillar like most defensive players seem to do in CF.

The_Hater wrote:

Black Watch wrote:

-MetA4- wrote:
A frightening amount top defensive CF's start to see significant defensive decline starting at age ~29-30.

Yah, defense is a young man's game.

Catcher's can hang on for much longer since they don't need speed. The other premium defensive positions all have life spans. Derek Jeter winning Gold Gloves in his mid 30's when he was one of the worst defensive SS's in MLB was always irritating

But remember that one time when he caught the baseball and then jumped into the stands. It was the best defensive play of all time!!!

ldnk wrote:I wonder how much his co-outfielders are playing a role in this. In Right Field Jose's arm is improved but he's slow to cover ground. In left it seems like there is a miscommunication ever other fly ball when Carrera is out in the field.

Trying to cover for two mediocre defenders can't help his defense. I wonder how much that is playing on his game.

Disagree. Knowing that you have no one beside you allows you to go balls to the wall in every direction. It also heightens your awareness that the outfield coverage depends solely on you.

SharoneWright wrote:

ldnk wrote:I wonder how much his co-outfielders are playing a role in this. In Right Field Jose's arm is improved but he's slow to cover ground. In left it seems like there is a miscommunication ever other fly ball when Carrera is out in the field.

Trying to cover for two mediocre defenders can't help his defense. I wonder how much that is playing on his game.

Disagree. Knowing that you have no one beside you allows you to go balls to the wall in every direction. It also heightens your awareness that the outfield coverage depends solely on you.

And it certainly can't be blamed for taking a bad route to the ball.