Statcast breaks down Schafer's slick snag
Though Brewers center fielder's route efficiency wasn't perfect, other factors helped
The latest great play tracked by Statcast is an excellent example of how many factors go into making a special highlight.
The catch that Brewers center fielder Logan Schafer made Monday night against the Reds and second baseman Brandon Phillips was not perfectly executed -- as evidenced by the 90.7 route efficiency he took on the play -- but other variables like his leaping ability, speed and time to track the ball play a role.
With two outs and men on first and second in the bottom of the fourth, Phillips drove a ball to deep center field that turned Schafer around. He ran straight back toward the wall, but eventually needed to veer to the right to make the leaping grab.
As he reached the warning track, he was able to leave his feet and steal extra bases -- potentially a home run -- from Phillips. According to Statcast, Schafer covered 92.4 feet.
Video: Costas, Kaat look at Lagares' catch with Statcast
For reference, other center fielders have made similarly stellar plays tracked by Statcast -- including Mets center fielder Juan Lagares, who took a 96.4 percent route efficiency to make his highlight-reel grab against the Braves last Wednesday.
Video: MLB Central uses Statcast on Pillar's amazing catch
Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar took a 97.9 percent route efficiency in his incredible over-the-wall catch on April 15, and Astros outfielder George Springer took a 99.1 percent route for a similar play on April 12. Partly because of that, Lagares (84.4 feet) and Pillar (81.3) did not travel as far as Schafer did Monday.