Jose Iglesias is an enigma, and to some, he's another by-product of the hype based on his signing bonus. Many have questioned whether or not the hype and
contract surrounding him is justified. Not unlike several Latin prospects that are given extreme comparisons, some scouts have gone as far as likening his
defensive ability to that of Ozzie Smith's wizardry at the most dynamic position on the field. Why is he an enigma, you ask? The reasoning is two-fold.
Some aren't sure what to make of him. They say, how can he be a great defensive shortstop when he doesn't possess plus speed? Quite simply, because speed is tremendously overvalued on defense, particularly at shortstop. For example, JJ Hardy, a top three defensive shortstop in the game, runs a 7.1 60 (equivalent to Prince Fielder). Brandon Hyde, Mesa's head coach, believes Iglesias has amazing quickness and excellent instincts, something Hazen agrees with as well. In essence, quickness (and instincts) are the key, not pure speed.
Others have questioned the Red Sox judgement on giving him an $8M contract when his bat projects to be average, at best. In an offensive-minded era, many people forget just how valuable players like what Jose projects to be actually are. For example, both Ryan Theriot and Rafael Furcal had below-average seasons offensively in 2009. Yet, there they were, both top five in the NL amongst shortstops in WAR. Two of Theo's worst signings, in hindsight, are obviously Renteria and Lugo. Not very many understood Theo's motive behind either signing, when in fact it was quite simple. They were both above-average defenders before coming to Boston and he spent what he felt was appropriate to have that at the shortstop position. Unfortunately, they didn't pan out. Were they awful contracts in the end? Obviously. Were they awful contracts at the time? I highly doubt Theo has any regrets. Why? Because he just gave an $8M bonus to a defensive-minded 19 year old shortstop.
Some aren't sure what to make of him. They say, how can he be a great defensive shortstop when he doesn't possess plus speed? Quite simply, because speed is tremendously overvalued on defense, particularly at shortstop. For example, JJ Hardy, a top three defensive shortstop in the game, runs a 7.1 60 (equivalent to Prince Fielder). Brandon Hyde, Mesa's head coach, believes Iglesias has amazing quickness and excellent instincts, something Hazen agrees with as well. In essence, quickness (and instincts) are the key, not pure speed.
Others have questioned the Red Sox judgement on giving him an $8M contract when his bat projects to be average, at best. In an offensive-minded era, many people forget just how valuable players like what Jose projects to be actually are. For example, both Ryan Theriot and Rafael Furcal had below-average seasons offensively in 2009. Yet, there they were, both top five in the NL amongst shortstops in WAR. Two of Theo's worst signings, in hindsight, are obviously Renteria and Lugo. Not very many understood Theo's motive behind either signing, when in fact it was quite simple. They were both above-average defenders before coming to Boston and he spent what he felt was appropriate to have that at the shortstop position. Unfortunately, they didn't pan out. Were they awful contracts in the end? Obviously. Were they awful contracts at the time? I highly doubt Theo has any regrets. Why? Because he just gave an $8M bonus to a defensive-minded 19 year old shortstop.
