Defensive Ratings

Players in OOTP have four basic defensive ratings: Range, Error, Arm, and Turn Double Play that are used by the game engine to determine the outcome of a pitch or a ball in play. Defensive ratings are further broken down into three categories: infield, outfield, and catcher. Catchers have two additional ratings for Catcher Ability and Catcher Arm. Furthermore, players receive individual defensive position ratings for each position they are qualified to play. Unlike hitting and pitching ratings, defensive ratings do not have corresponding potential ratings. Defensive ratings can be seen on the Player Profile, the Ratings page, or in any list of players using the Fielding Ratings view.

Infield / Outfield Range

Range is a measure of how well a defensive player can reach a ball in play. Players with high Range ratings are more likely to reach a batted ball and potentially make an out. For example, a shortstop with good Range might reach a groundball to his right, whereas a shortstop with poor Range might not reach the ball, letting it go into left field for a single. Players have separate ratings for infield and outfield range. These values can be fairly different, based on the player's experience.

Infield / Outfield Error

Error is a measure of how likely a defensive player is to commit an error. This rating includes both fielding errors (dropping or misplaying the ball) and throwing errors (pulling the first baseman off the bag, throwing inaccurately). The Error rating is inversely related to errors. That is, players with high Error ratings are less likely to commit errors. Players have separate ratings for infield and outfield error. These values can be fairly different, based on the player's experience.

Infield / Outfield Arm

Arm is a measure of the strength of a player's arm. Players with higher Arm ratings are more likely to throw out runners on a close play. Arm is factored into accuracy as well. Players have separate ratings for infield and outfield arm. These values can be fairly different, based on the player's experience.

Note: Arm is not strictly a measure of strength. If a player has a high infield arm rating, but a low outfield arm rating, it doesn't mean that his arm suddenly gets weaker in the outfield, of course. Rather, it implies that in the infield, his throws are strong, accurate, and timely. In the outfield, he is weaker, partly because of arm strength, but also because of experience, accuracy, hesitation, and so forth.

Turn Double Play

Turn Double Play is a measure of how well infielders, pitchers, and catchers can turn infield double plays. Players with high Turn Double Play ratings are more likely to successfully turn double plays when given the opportunity.

Note: The Turn Double Play rating is not displayed by default in an outfielder's Player Profile.

Catcher Ability

Catcher Ability is a measure of a catcher's overall catching skill. Catcher Ability isn't truly a distinct rating. It is more of a composite number based on a combination of the player's defensive skills (arm, error, range) and his experience at the position.

Catcher Arm

Catcher Arm is a measure of a catcher's arm. Catchers with higher Catcher Arm are more likely to throw out runners stealing a base. Catchers with high Catcher Arm ratings could also cause opposing managers to think twice before attempting a steal.

Position Ratings

Each player also receives a numeric rating at any position they are qualified to play. This rating is a measure of a player's overall defensive ability at a given position. Individual ratings exist for each defensive position. Players can have ratings at one or more positions. Players with higher position ratings are better overall defensively at that position. Position ratings aren't truly distinct ratings. They are more of a composite number based on a combination of the player's defensive skills (arm, error, range) and his experience at the position. See Player Positions and Roles for more information on player positions, including information about learning new positions.
Players may "lose" a position rating if one of the component skills (range, arms, error, turn DP) falls below a set minimum for the position. While they may still play a position without a rating there, it is not generally recommended.

Note: It is possible for a player to be excellent defensively at one position, but poor at another. Players do tend to perform similarly at similar positions, however, as long as they have experience at both.

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