Los Angeles Angels: Andrelton Simmons Will Never Be an All-Star
By Will Summers
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons defies logic with his glove. It will never be enough for All-Star distinction.
Maybe you haven’t heard this yet, but the MLB present is coming to be known as “The Golden Age of Shortstops.” Travis Sawchik of FanGraphs noted the 2016 season as one for the ages, with last year’s shortstop group producing the greatest collective season in league history. What this means for Los Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons is he will be an observer of the Midsummer Classic for the duration of his career. Here’s why.
Defense
It is widely accepted in many circles that Andrelton Simmons is at the top of the list of defensive shortstops in the league. He makes hard plays look easy and makes impossible outs nearly every night. “Simba” has earned two Gold Gloves in his four full years, with many believing he should have won it in 2015 as well.
@jbayer1980 My thoughts are that Andrelton Simmons is the best shortstop I've seen in 21 years of doing this.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 30, 2016
Defense and arm strength are the two factors that make Simmons stand out. They’re also factors that voters don’t weigh as much as offense when voting for All-Star honors.
Defense is something that is incredible until it isn’t. Many a casual fan has voiced the numbness they develop toward the diving catch or running backhand along the third base line. It’s impressive once, likely because it looks easier than it is.
Nothing about this play screams unique. One who mostly watches highlight reels before their 9-to-5 would only see a pop-up caught and a good throw cutting down a runner. They don’t care about the heads-up aspect of it. It doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
This is an impressive play as well, but a league-average defender can make those. Defensive analytics are far from perfect, and they don’t have a foothold in the game like their offensive counterparts. The game revolves around offensive production. Not many casual fans care which player is leading the league in Defensive Runs Saved or defensive Wins Above Replacement.
Towering home runs and line drive shots over the corner wall never get old. Sheer power and offense will always get the attention in the end. This is something Andrelton Simmons doesn’t offer, and current and arriving shortstops are beginning to do exceptionally.
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Offense Matters
As an opposite example, Jose Bautista has never played defense in his life. He has amassed -46 Defensive Runs Saved in his career. This lends to a -8.5 total Defensive Wins Above Replacement. Bautista is still valuable because of the exceptional offensive production he’s been capable of. His offensive numbers alone earned him six All-Star appearances.
The 2016 season was Andrelton Simmons’ best offensively. Despite this, his contributions were merely serviceable. Simmons was worth 4.2 Wins Above Replacement this last season, stemming from a boost in offense. Simba has flashed offensive ability in the past; the 2013 season saw 17 home runs from the shortstop. His next three seasons would total 15 home runs combined, showing his power to be more a statistical outlier than anything. It’s a fact more has to be done with the bat to be an All-Star. Just take a look at his competition.
Xander Bogaerts earned American League All-Star honors for 2016, followed by Francisco Lindor as the reserve. Bogaerts and Lindor were worth 3.7 and 5.7 WAR, respectively. Bogaerts’ was weighed down heavily by his defense (-0.1 WAR) and was still the starter due to hitting .294/.356/.446 with 21 home runs and 34 doubles. Lindor was essentially Simmons and Bogaerts in one complete package. Both of these shortstops are incredibly talented and young. Bogaerts is entering his age-24 season and Lindor entering his age-23, and there are more like them on the way.
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The shortstop profile is showing an increased offensive capacity more so than ever. Every team has a shortstop now or soon that eclipses Simba’s offensive ability, pulling attention from his defensive wizardry. Andrelton Simmons will deserve an All-Star nod a time or two in his career. It’s just that nobody cares enough about individual defense alone to give it to him. A good bat and a serviceable glove, or a great bat and a glove duct-taped to the hand will always get the vote.