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Doc, you can't use peoples subjective opinions to prove that speed is the most important trait because it's quite possible that people are biased in favor of speed! You need to use something objective, and UZR is the best we have right now. It doesn't care how a player makes an out or how good he looks doing it, only whether he got to the ball or not so there shouldn't be any bias toward a particular style of player. However, you can't just glance at three months worth of data and come to any kind of conclusion like Matt has done. You need to use multiple years and a more rigorous mathematical process. MGL has in fact already done that and found speed to be very important, although I can't remember to what degree. I suggest you both look at his research before making a determination one way or another.
 
As an aside, I have to point out how bizarre it is that Dr. D is using the consensus view of fielders to prove that... the consensus view of Gutierrez is wrong. If you think that EVERYBODY thought Andruw Jones was a great fielder and this is proof that experenced baseball men have an insight into how the game is played that needs to be respected, how is that a counter to what EVERYBODY (in and out of baseball) thinks about Franklin? You're arguing against the world while claiming the world is on your side. If Gutierrez wins a Gold Glove, does that prove that he is a top fielder or is it just another sign that everyone else is overrating him?

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