[DC 86]

The Giants have a strong edge in fielding, they're #4 in MLB with a .987 fielding average, Dodgers are #21 at .983.  Translation: Giants have committed 57 errors, dodgers have committed 73.

Fielding Average is to Fielding as Batting Average is to Batting, i.e. not a useful metric. Advanced statistics indicate that the Giants are a better fielding team than the Dodgers but not by a significant margin.

Agreed.  Players who field all the balls hit at them but have no range are not as effective as those who can cover a lot of ground even if those guy make occasional errors. 

I think UZR (ultimate zone reading) is a good method of measuring fielding effectiveness (available at fangraphs).

Outs Above Average and Defensive Runs Saved as well.

[DC 86]

The Giants have a strong edge in fielding, they're #4 in MLB with a .987 fielding average, Dodgers are #21 at .983.  Translation: Giants have committed 57 errors, dodgers have committed 73.

Fielding Average is to Fielding as Batting Average is to Batting, i.e. not a useful metric. Advanced statistics indicate that the Giants are a better fielding team than the Dodgers but not by a significant margin.

Agreed.  Players who field all the balls hit at them but have no range are not as effective as those who can cover a lot of ground even if those guy make occasional errors. 

I think UZR (ultimate zone reading) is a good method of measuring fielding effectiveness (available at fangraphs).

Outs Above Average and Defensive Runs Saved as well.