A baseball player’s defensive ability is often defined by his fielding percentage.
Hidden in the shadow of a player’s errors are the number of successful plays a fielder converts in comparison. The defensive range factor (DRF) of a player brings these statistics to light.
DRF tracks the number of plays a fielder makes per game, calculated by dividing a player’s combined putouts and assists by the number of games he’s completed. The stat tracks how often a fielder is able to both reach a ball and successfully record an out, providing a better look at the efficiency of a defender.
Whether it’s been sophomore center fielder Andrew Stevenson, who records 1.96 outs per game, making a diving grab or freshman second baseman Kramer Robertson , who records 4.47 outs per game, completing an off-balance throw to first base, the LSU defense has made its mark on the 2014 season.
The Tigers’ DRFs are only average in comparison to the remaining 13 teams in the Southeastern Conference, though.