Iggy P*rn

[LesterFan]

Jose Iglesias
 

 

[LogansDad]

Love how the runner is just standing there, saying to himself, "Holy. Shit."

 

[LesterFan]

Here's the video
 
http://wapc.mlb.com/play/?content_id=29653669&partnerId=as_mlb_20130813_10739894
 
I don't know how he got that much on that throw.

 

[Sprowl]

Crikey -- that's incredible. He has the hands of a magician.
 
***
 
Split off from the August MLB game thread.

 

[radsoxfan]

I'd trade Middlebrooks for that play alone.

 

[santadevil]

Looks like it was all wrist...from 60 feet away

 

[Jordu]

And right into Fielder's mitt. That is astonishing body control and awareness.

 

[Ed Hillel]

That's unbelievable, though it looks like the umpire may have gotten a little excited, too.

 

[Snodgrass'Muff]

Jesus. I'm not backtracking and denouncing the trade but I really am going to miss watching him in the field.

 
Yep.  I'm glad they made that trade and I do it again if given a second chance, but plays like that were and are a treat.  It'll suck seeing him do them for another team regardless of how we feel about Peavy.

 

[Wake's knuckle]

 
Yep.  I'm glad they made that trade and I do it again if given a second chance, but plays like that were and are a treat.  It'll suck seeing him do them for another team regardless of how we feel about Peavy.

You know, it will NEVER suck seeing plays like that, regardless of who he's making them for.

 

[The Long Tater]

Watching the game, the announcers compared him to Ozzie Smith and Rey Ordonez.  Fun to watch.

 

[scotian1]

Simply beautiful! Plays like this are something special regardless of the team someone plays for, it's like poetry in motion.

 

[LondonSox]

Ladies and gentlemen that just happened

Nice announcer reaction

 

[Sprowl]

Another gif of the play, from Motown Sports:
 

 

[radsoxfan]

The play sparked an Iglesias write-up on Fangraphs as well....
 
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/in-awe-of-jose-iglesias/

 

[BucketOBalls]

You know, it will NEVER suck seeing plays like that, regardless of who he's making them for.

 

It will if we meet detroit in the postseason.

 

[I am an Idiot]

The play sparked an Iglesias write-up on Fangraphs as well....
 
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/in-awe-of-jose-iglesias/

 
Really great write-up, ended with a terrific line: "I don’t know how Jose Iglesias might ever top what he did, but there’s a lot I don’t get about wizards."

 

[Fratboy]

He gets infield hits; he robs infield hits.
 
He just about made the play *blind* too. He turns his head for a split second, but he's already throwing the ball at that point. It's almost like he's rehearsed the play in his sleep and he's relying on pure muscle memory. Rob Neyer said it best: he's a warlock.

 

[Soxfan in Fla]

Really great write-up, ended with a terrific line: "I don’t know how Jose Iglesias might ever top what he did, but there’s a lot I don’t get about wizards."

Oh he will top that play. Not sure how, not sure when, but it will be topped. More than once.

 

[DJnVa]

http://nesn.com/2013/08/jose-iglesias-takes-pitch-to-groin-during-at-bat-against-royals-gif/
 

 

[brandonchristensen]

http://nesn.com/2013/08/jose-iglesias-takes-pitch-to-groin-during-at-bat-against-royals-gif/
 

 
Iggy porn is right. 

 

[Pearl Wilson]

Perfect squeeze.

 

[Sprowl]

Iggy takes a licking and keeps on ticking: 3 for 4 today, with a bunt, an infield hit and a single to left.

 

[Pearl Wilson]

Leyland on his new SS
 

 
 
“He plays with a huge amount of energy and, like I said, I don’t want to take any of that away from him. I love it. But you just have to make sure, when you’re dealing with it, that you get your point across that it’s got to be a controlled energy. I’m trying to explain it the best way I can,” Leyland said.

“Very instinctive. This guy ... this guy has got the chance to be a great player. You gotta remember something: This kid, his entire situation, he’s with Boston, and then he’s traded over to the Tigers, both teams are in pennant races, he’s making new friends. You gotta take a lot of this into consideration. I don’t want to make it sound like I’m not absolutely thrilled with Iglesias, because I am.

“Thrilled with him.”

He’s just not going to hit the same number of home runs, and knock in the same number of runs as Peralta would have. Nor do the Tigers want him to try.

He hit his first home run in a Detroit uniform on his second night in town, but that’s not something they want him aiming for. That’s not his strength.

“I’m not sure yet. We haven’t had him long. So, as a manager, you’re taking a chance, because you just got your shortstop of the future, and you don’t want to dampen anything. Off the top of my head, what I’ve seen so far, he’s got some sock in his bat, but he probably swings a little too much like a big man,” Leyland said Saturday, choosing his words carefully.

“Now, in saying that, he’s been hitting .300 all year, so you gotta be careful with that as a manager — and I want to make sure you get all of this in there, because I don’t want Dave coming down here, and saying ‘God (dang it), what are you doing? We just got this guy hitting three-something, and you’re talking about changing ...’

“I’m not talking about changing anything. ...

“We were talking yesterday about using the whole field. His swing right now is not conducive to that, the way his swing is. So, as a manager, it’s a very delicate situation, when you’re messing with somebody that’s had some success up here, you’ve gotta be very careful with that.

“I’m not mudwhomping your question.

“I just see some things and Mac (hitting coach Lloyd McClendon) sees some things that we feel will help him for the future. But to have the guy for one week, and to start changing things after he’s had some success up here — it’s delicate.”

Is that a better adjustment to handle in the offseason, when there’s not so much on the line?

“Well, I’m not sure about that,” Leyland admitted.

“But I’ll tell you why this is workable: He’s very bright. He’s really a smart baseball player. For a young guy, he’s very instinctive, and he’s very smart, and he’ll figure some things out.

“And I don’t want to downplay the fact that he can hit a ball out of the ballpark. But he’s not a home run hitter. And he can run.

“So when you put all those things I’m saying into perspective, I guess you figure out, you kind of gradually make some suggestions you figure might help him do a little better job of putting the ball in play, and not over-swinging quite so much.

“But once again, I gotta walk on eggs with that one a little bit.”

 

 

[StuckOnYouk]

I'm not good at posting videos, but some of you need to find his DP tonight. Just a terrific dive to his right on a short hop and fires to 2B while on his ass, and the DP is completed to first.

 

[phrenile]

I'm not good at posting videos, but some of you need to find his DP tonight. Just a terrific dive to his right on a short hop and fires to 2B while on his ass, and the DP is completed to first.

http://wapc.mlb.com/play/?content_id=30164315

 

[LogansDad]

Holy shit.  I mean, that one is absolutely deserving of an "EHRMAGAWD!!!!"
 
Wow.

 

[Orel Miraculous]

I'm not good at posting videos, but some of you need to find his DP tonight. Just a terrific dive to his right on a short hop and fires to 2B while on his ass, and the DP is completed to first.

 
I know he's not going to hit much.  I know Xander and Middlebrooks/Cecchini is a better long term option.  But goddamn, I wish I was still watching him do that in a Sox uniform.

 

[chester]

 
I know he's not going to hit much.  I know Xander and Middlebrooks/Cecchini is a better long term option.  But goddamn, I wish I was still watching him do that in a Sox uniform.

I am a little saddened each time I have to click on "MLB Discussion" for my Iggy fix

 

[Sprowl]

I'll admit to mixed feelings about this play, but there's no denying that Iggy showed great foot quickness, body control and situational awareness. This is Nijinsky p*rn.
 
http://wapc.mlb.com/play?content_id=30258973

 

[Soxfan in Fla]

Pedrioa has the look on his face of why did we trade that guy.

 

[Al Zarilla]

Pedrioa has the look on his face of why did we trade that guy.

Maybe, but Pedey should be happy playing behind Peavy as the Sox fourth starter rather than Dempster or Doubront. Lackey, Peavy, 3rd, 4th, whatever.

 

[Sprowl]

 
Cross-posted from Red Sox Defensive Gifs.

 

[Saints Rest]

Is there any chance that Iggy snags a Gold Glove this year?  Or does he not have enough -- enough GP, enough years of dominance, or worst of all, enough hits?

 

[SaveBooFerriss]

 
Cross-posted from Red Sox Defensive Gifs.

 
The crazy thing about that play is it looks like his arm grew about a foot as he reached for the ball.  God, no matter what team he is on, he is fun to watch.   

 

[SaveBooFerriss]

Is there any chance that Iggy snags a Gold Glove this year?  Or does he not have enough -- enough GP, enough years of dominance, or worst of all, enough hits?

 
I assume he doesn't have enough starts at SS to be seriously considered.  Before his career is out, he'll have his share of GGs.  

 

[Sprowl]

Is there any chance that Iggy snags a Gold Glove this year?  Or does he not have enough -- enough GP, enough years of dominance, or worst of all, enough hits?

 
I think that he has enough high-profile spectacular plays to compete in a mediocre AL shortstop field. Andrelton Simmons is a runaway winner in the NL, but none of Florimon, Hardy, Andrus or the Escobars really stand out this year. Iggy for ROY & GG!

 

[Cellar-Door]

 
I think that he has enough high-profile spectacular plays to compete in a mediocre AL shortstop field. Andrelton Simmons is a runaway winner in the NL, but none of Florimon, Hardy, Andrus or the Escobars really stand out this year. Iggy for ROY & GG!

Speaking of Simmons.
Has everyone seen this: http://imgur.com/a/l7E4p#0
He's ridiculous he's the best defensive SS in baseball.

 

[Red(s)HawksFan]

 
I assume he doesn't have enough starts at SS to be seriously considered.  Before his career is out, he'll have his share of GGs.  

 
Didn't Palmiero win one for 1B in a season where he started something like 130 games at DH?  I don't think there's a minimum number of games needed to be eligible for a Gold Glove, and based on the Palmiero standard, I would think 67 starts and 71 games overall would be more than enough for Iglesias.

 

[SaveBooFerriss]

 
Didn't Palmiero win one for 1B in a season where he started something like 130 games at DH?  I don't think there's a minimum number of games needed to be eligible for a Gold Glove, and based on the Palmiero standard, I would think 67 starts and 71 games overall would be more than enough for Iglesias.

 
I assume you don't think Pamiero should have won that year.  You are right that GG voters are notoriously bad, so anything is possible.  I personally don't think that someone who played less than half the games at the position should win the GG, but I believe you that there is no rule on that.  

 

[mt8thsw9th]

Is there any chance that Iggy snags a Gold Glove this year?  Or does he not have enough -- enough GP, enough years of dominance, or worst of all, enough hits?

Over Jeter? I highly doubt it.

 

[OttoC]

I counted about 17 strides Iglesias took to make that catch. If each stride were 30 inches, he covered around 42.5 feet. That's pretty serious distance for an infielder as the ball was only in the air for about four seconds.

 

[Orel Miraculous]

We're going to be debating Iggy v. Simmons for the next decade, so let's get it started. 
 
Which play is better:  Iggy's catch from last night, or Simmons's WBC double play against Cuba:
 

 

[DukeSox]

oh my God

 

[seageral]

I counted about 17 strides Iglesias took to make that catch. If each stride were 30 inches, he covered around 42.5 feet. That's pretty serious distance for an infielder as the ball was only in the air for about four seconds.

i'm pretty sure his running strides are bigger than 30 inches.  what is this a center for ants?

 

[Cellar-Door]

oh my God

That arm is what got him drafted...the Braves wanted him to pitch since he threw 98, but he asked to play SS in rookie ball.

 

[jmm57]

I counted about 17 strides Iglesias took to make that catch. If each stride were 30 inches, he covered around 42.5 feet. That's pretty serious distance for an infielder as the ball was only in the air for about four seconds.

I remember Fox showed a graphic last night, and I think it was over 100 feet of ground. I want to say 133 feet, but I think they continued counting ground that was covered after the catch.

 

[OttoC]

i'm pretty sure his running strides are bigger than 30 inches.  what is this a center for ants?

 
 I had to pick a number and some of his starting steps definitely were short so I went with 30 inches. But whatever, he went a hellaciously long distance.

 

[SumnerH]

 
Didn't Palmiero win one for 1B in a season where he started something like 130 games at DH? 

 
That's just hyperbole...he had 128 games at DH,  2 were as a PH.  He played a full 28 games at first.

 

[ForceAtHome]

That arm is what got him drafted...the Braves wanted him to pitch since he threw 98, but he asked to play SS in rookie ball.

 
Yep. Simmons' arm is a total game changer. Iglesias' hands are quicker in my opinion, which helps negate some of the arm strength differences, but Simmons is basically just carrying a cannon out there on the left side of the infield. He routinely throws out fast guys (e.g. Denard Span, Bryce Harper) going to his right into the hole simply because his arm is better than anyone else in baseball who doesn't stand on a mound.
 
FWIW, Tango's 2013 scouting report by the fans ranks Simmons and Iglesias, in that order, as the #1 and #2 best defensive players in baseball. Simmons has a rating of 85 at the top of all players, position independent. The Detroit version of Iglesias (DET-Iglesias) has an 84 and Boston Iglesias (BOS-Iglesias) had an 83. Manny Machado's 83 is ranked between the two Iglesias rankings which sit 2nd and 4th overall. It's clear that fans think that Simmons and Iglesias (and Machado) are elite pretty much across the board.
 
Overall Avg. Rating: (1) Simmons, (2) DET-Iglesias, (3) Machado, (4) BOS-Iglesias
Reaction/Instincts: (1) Simmons, (2) Machado, (3) BOS-Iglesias, (4) Dustin Pedroia, (5) DET-Iglesias
Acceleration/First Few Steps: (1) DET-Iglesias, (2) Starling Marte, (3) Carlos Gomez, (4) Simmons ... (11) BOS-Iglesias
Hands/Catching: (1) BOS-Iglesias, (2) Simmons, (3) Machado, (4) Pedroia ... (7) DET-Iglesias
Release/Footwork: (1) DET-Iglesias, (2) Simmons, (3) Yadier Molina, (4) Machado, (5) Alex Gordon, (6) BOS-Iglesias
Throwing Strength: (1) Simmonds, (2) Machado ... (22) BOS-Iglesias ... (54) DET-Iglesias
Throwing Accuracy: (1) Gordon, (2) Molina, (3) Gerardo Parra, (4) Simmons, (5) DET-Iglesias, (6) Machado ... (10) BOS-Iglesias

Velocity/Sprint Speed is their worst category. DET-Iglesias ranked 25th, with BOS-Iglesias at 54th, and Simmons at 67th.