UZR, which stands for Ultimate Zone Rating, is a statistic used in baseball to measure a player’s defensive ability. It is used to assign a numerical value to a player’s defensive performance based on how many runs they are estimated to have saved or given up compared to the average player at their position, but it does have some stark differences from Defensive Runs Saved (DRS).

UZR is calculated using a combination of play-by-play data, pitch tracking data, and other information to estimate the number of runs that a player has saved or given up due to their defensive abilities…or lack thereof. The statistic considers several factors such as range, arm strength, and positioning. It also takes into account the specific context of each play, such as the type of pitch thrown, the count, and if the hitter is batting lefty or righty.

One important aspect of UZR calculation is assigning run value to plays. A UZR calculation assigns a run value to each ball put in play based on where it is hit, whether it is a line drive or a fly ball and whether it is hit with a man on base. These values are used to estimate the number of runs that the player saved or gave up relative to an average player at their position, which is the main difference between DRS and UZR.

UZR also uses a multi-year regression analysis on the player. It analyzes a large sample of plays over multiple seasons to determine the defensive performance of the player relative to others at their position. It also adjusts for park effects and league averages in order to produce a more accurate measurement.

It is important to note that UZR is an estimating statistic, it’s not meant to provide a precise measurement of a player’s defensive abilities, and like all statistics, it has its limitations. It is also important to use UZR in conjunction with other defensive metrics, like DRS (Defensive Runs Saved) and Good Fielding Plays/Misplays (GFP/GPM) to get a more comprehensive picture of a player’s defensive abilities.

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Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) is a statistic that measures the number of runs a player saves or gives up through their defensive play. DRS is designed to evaluate the overall defensive abilities of a player and can be used to compare players across different positions on the field – but ideally, it is used to compare players at the same position.

The statistic was first introduced in the early 2000’s by baseball statistician John Dewan and has since become a popular tool for evaluating defensive performance. DRS takes into account a wide range of defensive metrics, including range, arm strength, and fielding percentage, and combines them into a single number. This allows for a more complete and accurate assessment of a player’s defensive abilities.

Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) is calculated by analyzing video footage of each play and assigning a “runs saved” or “runs given up” value to each one. This value is based on the number of runs that a player is deemed to have saved or given up through their defensive actions on a particular play. The calculation takes into account a wide range of factors such as range, arm strength, and fielding percentage.

To calculate DRS, each individual play on the field is evaluated based on the likelihood of it being converted into an out or a hit by the average player at that position. Then, the runs that a player saved or gave up relative to the league average, is computed. These values are accumulated for the entire season, giving the player a final DRS total.

The statistic is calculated by third-party providers, such as the baseball statistics website Fangraphs, using a combination of video and computer analysis. They use a combination of tracking data, data from cameras, and a team of analysts that watch each play and grade it. The statistic is not an official statistic tracked by Major League Baseball, specifically.

It’s important to keep in mind that DRS is a subjective statistic as it relies on the judgment of analysts grading the play and it might not capture all the nuances of defense, such as positioning or shifts. However, when used in conjunction with other statistics and scouting reports, DRS can provide a useful perspective on a player’s defensive abilities and how they compare to other players at the same position.

The statistic is popular among analysts and scouts who use it to identify the best defensive players in the league, and it’s also used in contract negotiations, awards, and all-star teams, coaches and managers might use it to make line-ups or in-game decisions. Now, it’s not without criticism, as one might argue that the stat is based on subjectivity and video judgment calls…and it doesn’t take into account shifts or the fielder’s positioning.

Overall, Defensive Runs Saved is a valuable tool for evaluating the defensive abilities of players at their respective position, but it should be used in conjunction with other metrics and scouting reports in order to get a more complete picture of a player’s abilities.

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Whether you are a fan of the Astros, maybe you consider them a villainous lot, or perhaps you simply respect what they have accomplished, every team’s front office is trying to figure out how to #LevelUp and eclipse them. The brain trust in Houston has a certain ideal method of putting successful teams together even before Dusty Baker arrived, a model of how they do things.

Some orgs dip their lines into the spend-happy waters of acquiring established names on the frenzied free agent market. Others fully utilize their managers to implement the tracking and data that eventually mold prospects into fungible cogs. Frankly, there are more ways than one to tap into building a championship-caliber clubhouse, and that has never been clearer than looking at last year’s World Series champions.

ASTROS (57.4 WAR, 2nd among 12 teams)

Homegrown: 15 (35.2 WAR)
• Draft: 8 (19 WAR)
• International: 7 (16.2 WAR)
Free agents: 2 (2.7 WAR)
Trades: 9 (19.5 WAR)

The best team in the American League, HOU leads all postseason clubs in homegrown and international, both in terms of the number of players and WAR. A review of the last six seasons proves these combinations. Their miners in the scouting department struck gold in finding international bargains, spotlighted by former league MVP, Jose Altuve ($15,000), Framber Valdez ($10,000), Cristian Javier ($10,000), and Luis Garcia ($20,000). While others are expanding payrolls, the Astros are able to build around a team and cost-controlled core.

The 2015 MLB Amateur Draft garnered early-round strikes in comeback player Alex Bregman and first-time All-Star Gold Glove outfielder Kyle Tucker. More recently, 3rd round phenom shortstop and eventual Fall Classic MVP, Jeremy Peña made many in HTown forget losing Carlos Correa. Yet, what competitor could ignore the key trades for Ryan Pressley, Yordan Alvarez, and Justin Verlander?

Even though the assignment is clear, catching up alone will not be enough if the Astros themselves have improved. What is on tap for the 2023 version, you ask? More of the same, of course!

Bereft of an active general manager after the departure of James Click, former Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell, and Senior Director of Baseball Strategy Bill Firkus said the team’s #1 target was 1B, Jose Abreu. There are some real team-player elements in the Astros mold, and when asked if his new role is diminished in 2023, re-signed veteran free agent Michael Brantley said he is humbled by any assignment given.

Instead of opting for the shiniest new raw tools on the open market, Houston has quietly remained the most homespun baseball team. They accomplished this with the smallest draft budgets, and no Top 10 pick for seven seasons. Ready to hit the ground running after contributions in his first taste of the majors and then the playoffs, Hunter Brown will replace the most recent A.L. Cy Young winner. Big shoes to fill, he has shown no signs of relinquishing a starter role. Several others are looking for an opening to add to their resume – Yainer Diaz, Korey Lee, and David Hensley.

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