Andrelton Simmons

The most talented infielder currently in all of Major League Baseball is the Shortstop for the Atlanta Braves. His God-given name is Andrelton Simmons, but it should be “Hoover” because his glove is like a vacuum. I don’t believe I’ve witnessed any ball that was even remotely close get past him. Watch highlights of him; you’ll see the ball hit to Simmons’s left or right and the camera will pan to the 2nd Baseman or 3rd Baseman, but who comes out of nowhere to make the play? That’s right, “The Curacao Comet”! 

Andrelton Simmons was drafted out of Western Oklahoma Junior College in the second round of the 2010 draft by the Atlanta Braves. He made his professional debut on June 2, 2012 and made a huge impact for his club. The young Braves Shortstop committed only three errors in 158 attempts over the course of 49 games and had a favorable WAR of 2.9. His solid play was good for a .987 fielding percentage. This stellar defense contributed to a Braves team that advanced to a Wild Card elimination game. The 2012 flash of leather was not just a flash in the pan. Simmons had a complete break out year defensively in 2013. He played in 156 games at Shortstop. Over the course of 1,352 innings, Simmons made only 14 errors in 753 chances and posted the following numbers: 240 put-outs, 499 assists, 94 double plays and a .981 fielding percentage. These spectacular numbers were good enough for Gold Glove honors and a defensive WAR of 5.4. Additionally, Bill James rated Andrelton Simmons as the top Shortstop in all of baseball for 2013 and honored him with the Fielding Bible award. This award was bestowed upon him for his defensive range. Turning fly balls and grounders into outs more frequently than other Shortstops gave him a plus 49 rating compared to the next-best Shortstop at plus 17. Also, he saved 41 runs from scoring. The next-best Shortstop saved only 12. 

Some might say that numbers don’t lie, but as Branch Rickey used to say “Seeing is believing”. Andrelton Simmons’s throwing arm has incredible carry and accuracy. Whether it’s deep in the hole, back-handed, bare-handed, back-sided, or even from shallow outfield, arm strength and athleticism allow Simmons to make a play almost anywhere on the diamond. Also, the shortstop benefits from the ability to be extremely quick with his first step and always seems to anticipate the play. These pre-pitch movements allow him to set his feet quickly when moving forward, laterally, or vertically. The tremendous foot speed that he possesses creates more balance with his body and subsequently cover more territory on the field. 

Overall, I have not seen an infielder, especially a Shortstop make as many spectacular plays in one season than Andrelton Simmons. In my opinion, he has all the defensive tools to be a perennial Gold Glove winner for years to come.