There can be no question that Andrelton Simmons, who was traded last night to the Angels, is one of the best defensive infielders of this era. Not only do scouts say it, and not only do the numbers say it, but your own dang eyes say it whenever you watch him in the field.
On the occasion of the trade, I went looking for highlights and came across a collection of clips from the 2014 season. IT’S NEARLY EIGHT MINUTES LONG BECAUSE HE’S THAT GOOD:
The one at 48 seconds is freaking ridiculous. Also the one at 1:55. Also the one at 2:11. Also the one at 3:03.
You get the drift. (OK, OK, you also have to see the one at 6:50.)
This was one season’s worth of highlights. One. The guy is a freak.