We provide agents with powerful statistical analysis and research for baseball free agency, arbitration and long-term deal negotiations. Call Steve Fall at 512-852-8193 for more information.

The Hot Corner & Production Relative to Position

Since the 2006 season, production by Major League third basemen has dropped dramatically. This becomes very important when comparing players in arbitration and free agency. While it may sound like a negative, this is good news for agents who represent a third baseman.

Take the Giants’ Pablo Sandoval for example. His .847 OPS this season (through September 5) would surpass the 2006 National League OPS by third basemen (.826), but not by much. In 2011, Sandoval stands well above the .704 NL OPS at his position.

This year’s performance by NL third basemen also helps Sandoval in match-ups to look-back comps from recent years when the average third baseman produced far more offense. The table shows a sample comparison to Kevin Kouzmanoff (2009 platform year).

Sandoval had an OPS 143 points above the NL average, while Kouzmanoff came in 30 points under. Both played in poor hitter’s parks in the comp year and had some other similarities. As first-time arbitration eligibles, their career stats play a huge role in their cases. But relative to their position in the platform year, Sandoval has a clear edge.

This trend also makes it easier to compare players from different positions in arbitration. For example, NL third basemen (.704) and second basemen (.703) had nearly identical OPS figures in 2011.

Moving Runners and Demonstrating Value

Agents want every relevant piece of information and analysis for arbitration and free agency. And while broadcasters refer to moving baserunners as one of “the little things,” it can have a big impact over the course of an entire season.

The table reveals the top 10 players last season in advancing baserunners from second to third base with nobody out. We only include situations where third base was not occupied, since this changes the scenario. We limited the group to players who had 10 plate appearances in these situations; 242 major leaguers met this criteria.

Several of these players are arbitration eligible this offseason. While this information is secondary to core statistics, it helps separate them from closely matched comps. It also shows their contribution to the team.

Award-Winning Reports

For agents with clients competing for major awards, The Sports Resource’s award reports highlight your player’s top achievements and show what sets him apart. They could be a difference maker! Call Steve Fall at 512-852-8193 for a confidential discussion.

The Sports Resource Blog and Twitter

The Sports Resource Blog features posts of interest to sports agents. Last month it highlighted a simple but effective statistic for evaluating relievers.

For revealing information and statistics, follow Steve Fall on Twitter at www.twitter.com/StatsMan.

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Note: All players used in this newsletter and our sample charts are selected at random, and are not from actual projects. All projects and conversations are confidential.

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