Rank Flood, Edmonds and Siani as defensive centerfielders

[Shady]

Siani is as good as any of them. I can see why Oii wants him on the team.

[20th Century Boy]

Edmonds
Flood
McBride

[Shady]

Edmonds
Flood
McBride

My friend and former team mate, Bake. Very cool !

[spfldan]

I saw them all. Edmonds, Siana, Flood for defense.
Overall: Edmonds, Flood and Siana.

[Carp4Cy]

Edmonds
Flood
McBride

Yep. Also McGee.
Given that Siani is a distant last in games played, he ranks nowhere near the top three in defense. Excellence requires longevity.

[Monsieur De Treville]

Flood 10.6 dWAR career
Bader 7.1 dWAR career
Edmonds 6.4 dWAR career
Bourjos 5.6 dWAR career
Rasmus 5.4 dWAR career
Tony Scott 3.5 dWAR career
Ankiel 0.8 dWAR career
McGee -1.7 dWAR career

These numbers are CF only.

[icon]

Siani....

[Wattage]

Edmonds
Flood
McBride

Yep. Also McGee.
Given that Siani is a distant last in games played, he ranks nowhere near the top three in defense. Excellence requires longevity.

To be fair, the reason siani wont approach them in games played has nothing to do with his defense but the fact he is completely incaoable of hitting mlb pitching

[jw0595]

Flood 10.6 dWAR career
Bader 7.1 dWAR career
Edmonds 6.4 dWAR career
Bourjos 5.6 dWAR career
Rasmus 5.4 dWAR career
Tony Scott 3.5 dWAR career
Ankiel 0.8 dWAR career
McGee -1.7 dWAR career

These numbers are CF only.

And only with the Cards?

Some surprises in there.

[Decker57]

I am old enough to see and remember Flood. In my opinion
1. Edmonds (almost always took the correct 1st step with balls over his head)
2. Flood
3. Siani? Your putting a late inning backup defensive player up against 2 all around great players.

[JohnnyMO]

I asked ChatGPT AI to scour the internet for all available defensive stats and metrics then rank the top 10 defensive center fielders in Cardinal history. Pretty spot on list:


Based on a comprehensive evaluation of defensive metrics—including Gold Glove Awards, fielding percentage, range factor, defensive runs saved (DRS), ultimate zone rating (UZR), and outs above average (OAA)—here are the top 10 defensive center fielders in St. Louis Cardinals history: 

1. Curt Flood (1958–1969)
Flood was a defensive cornerstone for the Cardinals, earning seven consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1963 to 1969. He led the National League in putouts as a center fielder four times and in fielding percentage three times. His exceptional range and consistency made him one of the premier defenders of his era.

2. Jim Edmonds (2000–2007)
Known for his highlight-reel catches, Edmonds secured eight Gold Glove Awards during his career, six of which came during his tenure with the Cardinals. His defensive prowess was complemented by his offensive contributions, making him a key player in the early 2000s.

3. Willie McGee (1982–1990, 1996–1999)
McGee’s speed and instincts allowed him to cover vast areas in the outfield. In 1986, he led the National League in fielding percentage (.991), range factor per game (2.76), and putouts as a center fielder (325).

4. Terry Moore (1935–1948)
A four-time All-Star, Moore was renowned for his defensive skills during an era before Gold Glove Awards were established. His career fielding percentage of .983 underscores his reliability in center field.

5. Harrison Bader (2017–2022)
Bader’s advanced defensive metrics set him apart in the modern era. In 2021, he led all MLB outfielders in several categories, including SABR Defensive Index (14.4), UZR (11.4), and zone rating (.973). He also topped National League outfielders in outs above average (13) and runs prevented (12).

6. Taylor Douthit (1923–1931)
Douthit was instrumental in the Cardinals’ early success, contributing to their first World Series title in 1926. His defensive capabilities were a significant asset during his tenure.

7. Jon Jay (2010–2015)
Jay provided steady defense in center field, accumulating 11.1 WAR over six seasons with the Cardinals. His consistent play contributed to the team’s success during the early 2010s.

8. Rick Ankiel (2005–2009)
Transitioning from pitcher to outfielder, Ankiel showcased a powerful arm and athleticism in center field. His unique career path and defensive contributions make him a notable figure in Cardinals history.

9. Ray Lankford (1990–2001, 2004)
Lankford combined speed and power, patrolling center field with agility. While primarily known for his offensive prowess, his defensive skills were an integral part of his game.

10. Brian Jordan (1992–1998)
Before transitioning to right field, Jordan spent time in center, where his athleticism and strong arm were evident. His background as a two-sport athlete contributed to his defensive versatility.

[Quincy Varnish]

Good list, JohnnyMO. My uncle swore thought Terry Moore was the best he ever saw, and he was around to see Edmonds and the rest.

Much like ChatGPT, I think it’s a bit premature to include Siani in this conversation. I think he’s defensively the best we’ve had since Edmonds, but it doesn’t really matter if his bat isn’t good enough to get in the game.

[Monsieur De Treville]

Flood 10.6 dWAR career
Bader 7.1 dWAR career
Edmonds 6.4 dWAR career
Bourjos 5.6 dWAR career
Rasmus 5.4 dWAR career
Tony Scott 3.5 dWAR career
Ankiel 0.8 dWAR career
McGee -1.7 dWAR career

These numbers are CF only.

And only with the Cards?

Some surprises in there.

No, these are career numbers.

[20th Century Boy]

Edmonds
Flood
McBride

My friend and former team mate, Bake. Very cool !

Name? Team? Years?

[Shady]

Edmonds
Flood
McBride

My friend and former team mate, Bake. Very cool !

Name? Team? Years?

Westminster College in the latter '60s.

[The Nard]

Flood 10.6 dWAR career
Bader 7.1 dWAR career
Edmonds 6.4 dWAR career
Bourjos 5.6 dWAR career
Rasmus 5.4 dWAR career
Tony Scott 3.5 dWAR career
Ankiel 0.8 dWAR career
McGee -1.7 dWAR career

These numbers are CF only.

But they’re weighted by the number of games they played at the position.

Surprised Edmonds was so low -didn’t he play CF well for the Angels?