I've wondered for a long time how much attention should be payed to defense when filling out lineups. In this case I am talking about comparisons between two players rated at the same position and how important the higher defensive rating is.

In the past I have usually ignored defense and but the best batter in. However, I wonder if any long term experienced owners have any comments on their experiences with defense. And which positions make the most difference.

Here are examples of some of the decisions I have to make:

Team "A"

Mark Kotsay has a CF ODR = 6.5 and a ROPS = .787
Brad Wilkerson has a CF ODR = 3.4 and a ROPS = .841

Which is a bigger difference? The defensive difference in CF or the offensive difference?

What about park effects? I think SD is a pitchers park so does that push Kotsay past Wilkerson on offense?


Team "B"

Ray Durham has a 2B ODR = 3.8 and a ROPS = .870

Mark Bellhorn has a 2B ODR = 8.4 and a ROPS = 0.817

In this case my guess is that Durham played in pitchers parks (so his offense is better than typical .870 ROPS) and Bellhorn played in a hitters park (so his offense is a little worse than a typical .817 ROPS).

Team "C"

I currently have Brian Giles slated for LF against righties (2.6 ODR) and in CF against lefties (1.9 ODR).

These both seem like low ratings. My other CF is Trot Nixon (ODR 4.8) but he stinks bad against lefties. So Giles is the best option on the roster. The only other choice is to try to trade for someone that hits lefties and has better defense. But then I gotta sit a good hitter down.

I do have the DH so you could consider using Giles there.... except I also have Piazza on this team. Since Jason LaRue hits better than any other LF option I have it seems logical to stick the bad defense in LF.

Any comments from long term veterans on Defense in general or these situations specifically would be appreciated.