Placido Polanco is a former professional infielder whose career numbers reflect steady production and high baseball IQ. Understanding placido polanco stats helps fans and analysts appreciate how he contributed at the major league level over more than a decade.
Below is a detailed overview of key statistics, performance contexts, and career insights, organized to make placido polanco stats easy to explore and compare.
| Stat Category | Career | Peak Season | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 1,459 | 144 (2009) | Utility, Corner Infielder |
| Batting Average | .273 | .311 (2009) | Contact Hitter |
| Home Runs | 85 | 17 (2009) | Power from Middle |
| Runs Batted In | 636 | 89 (2009) | Run Producer |
| On-base Plus Slugging | .764 | .855 (2009) | Consistent Value |
Offensive Production and Batting Stats
Contact Hitting Approach
Placido Polanco relied on contact hitting and a compact swing, driving in runs while maintaining a solid on-base percentage. His career .273 batting average highlights consistent hitting at the highest level.
Power and Run Production
Despite not being a slugger, he delivered timely home runs and extra-base hits, especially in his 2009 season. His 85 career home runs and 636 RBIs underscore his value as a middle-of-the-order contributor.
Defensive Skills and Fielding Metrics
Infield Defense
Polanco earned Gold Glove Awards for his defense at second base and established reputation as a reliable defender across multiple infield positions. Below is a snapshot of his fielding impact:
| Position | Games | Assists | Errors | Fielding % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second Base | 870 | 1,575 | 95 | .987 |
| Third Base | 397 | 333 | 27 | .957 |
| Shortstop | 90 | 111 | 6 | .962 |
| First Base | 92 | 667 | 54 | .925 |
Career Timeline and Team Transitions
Early Years and Development
Drafted in 1998, Polanco moved through the minors before reaching the majors in 2001 with the Cleveland Indians. He showed steady growth before emerging as a regular starter later in his career.
Peak Seasons and Club Success
From 2008 to 2011, he was a key contributor for the St. Louis Cardinals, helping the team reach the postseason. His versatility allowed managers to deploy him at second, third, and first without sacrificing defensive reliability.
Context and Comparative Performance
Polanco in Historical Context
Compared to power-focused corner infielders, placido polanco stats emphasize consistency, defense, and situational hitting. His value becomes clear when reviewed alongside advanced metrics that reward plate discipline and defensive runs saved.
Key Takeaways on Placido Polanco Stats
- Career .273 batting average with solid on-base skills
- 85 home runs and 636 RBIs over 1,459 games
- Multiple Gold Glove Awards for elite defense
- Peak performance in 2009 with the Cardinals
- High value due to positional flexibility and consistency
FAQ
Reader questions
How did Placido Polanco perform at his peak?
His best season came in 2009 with a .311 batting average, 17 home runs, 89 RBI, and a .855 OPS, establishing him as an everyday starter and Gold Glove defender.
What positions did Placido Polanco play regularly?
He primarily played second base, third base, first base, and shortstop, providing reliable defense and steady offense across multiple infield spots.
Why is Placido Polanco considered a valuable role player?
Polanco combined consistent contact hitting, strong defensive metrics, and positional flexibility, delivering dependable production over many seasons.
What advanced stats best describe Placido Polanco's impact?
Stats like OPS+, defensive runs saved, and win probability added illustrate his steady contributions in both batting and fielding contexts.