Shortstop Grounder Lab
Simulate Jackson Merrill's pregame shortstop reps. Test ball exit velocity, fielder starting depth, sprint speed, transfer time, and throw velocity across the diamond to 1st base.
Petco Park Infield Simulation
Real-time ball physics & throw calculationsWhy Jackson Merrill Takes Pre-Game Infield Reps
Drafted 27th overall in 2021 as a pure shortstop out of Severna Park High School, Jackson Merrill spent his entire minor league ascent developing quick hands and lateral range at the 6 position. When the Padres needed a center fielder in 2024, Merrill made an historic transition, earning an All-Star nod and Rookie of the Year contention.
Yet before every single MLB game, Merrill grabs his infield glove and takes ground balls with infield coach Brian Esposito. This simulator models the exact Statcast physics behind whether an MLB infielder can convert ground balls hit at various angles, depths, and velocities.
- Lateral Range: Fielder sprint speed dictates how far off the primary line an infielder can intercept a grounder.
- Arm Strength (Arm Talent): Throws from deep in the 5-6 hole often exceed 140 feet, requiring 85+ mph arm velo.
- Transfer Speed: An elite glove-to-release exchange takes under 0.60 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Out / Safe margin computed?
We calculate the exact time the ball reaches the shortstop (accounting for initial velocity and turf drag), add the infielder's glove-to-hand exchange time, and add the ball flight time across the diamond to first base. If this total defense time is less than the batter-runner's home-to-first sprint time, the batter is called OUT.
What are standard MLB shortstop benchmark numbers?
Average MLB shortstop arm strength is 85.8 mph. Elite arms like Oneil Cruz or Masyn Winn touch 95–100 mph. Average transfer time is 0.65s (elite is 0.58s). Home-to-first sprint speed averages 4.25 seconds for left-handed hitters and 4.35 seconds for right-handed hitters.
Can I test custom angles and depths?
Yes. Drag the sliders or click directly on the baseball diamond canvas to aim the grounder and reposition the shortstop's starting alignment.