As we reach the middle of June, our sample size is getting larger and larger giving our defensive stats more and more credibility. Three of this year's top defensive teams, Toronto, Texas and Pittsburgh, also have the top individual fielders in baseball.
Aaron Hill is no surprise here. He posted 25 Defensive Runs Saved at second base in 2006, and won the Fielding Bible Award in 2007 with another 21 Runs Saved. After missing the majority of 2008 with an injury, Hill has bounced back nicely, totaling 13 Runs Saved through 59 games this season.
Ian Kinsler has been all over the place since his rookie season. In three seasons, Kinsler has saved 0, 7, and -7 runs with his defense at second base. He appears to have taken a giant step forward this year, with 12 Runs Saved through 57 games.
Like Hill, Jack Wilson has been an outstanding defender for several years. He averaged 12 Runs Saved per season at shortstop from 2003 to 2008, including a league best 28 in 2005. He's saved another dozen runs so far in just 38 games in 2009, leading all shortstops.
There are several more familiar faces off to good starts defensively, and a handful of newcomers as well. Here are the top fielders in baseball in 2009, according to Total Defensive Runs Saved:
| Name | Team | Position | Innings | Runs Saved |
| Aaron Hill | Blue Jays | 4 | 520 | 13 |
| Ian Kinsler | Rangers | 4 | 505 | 12 |
| Jack Wilson | Pirates | 6 | 336 | 12 |
| Adrian Beltre | Mariners | 5 | 515 | 10 |
| Ryan Zimmerman | Nationals | 5 | 512 | 10 |
| Matt Holliday | Athletics | 7 | 504 | 9 |
| Brandon Inge | Tigers | 5 | 515 | 9 |
| Marco Scutaro | Blue Jays | 6 | 527 | 9 |
| Brandon Phillips | Reds | 4 | 461 | 8 |
| Colby Rasmus | Cardinals | 8 | 305 | 8 |
| Jack Hannahan | Athletics | 5 | 236 | 8 |
| Michael Bourn | Astros | 8 | 477 | 8 |
| Joe Crede | Twins | 5 | 350 | 8 |
| Chone Figgins | Angels | 5 | 465 | 7 |
| Robert Andino | Orioles | 6 | 142 | 7 |
| Placido Polanco | Tigers | 4 | 468 | 7 |
| Juan Rivera | Angels | 7 | 368 | 7 |
| Hunter Pence | Astros | 9 | 507 | 7 |
| Jay Bruce | Reds | 9 | 485 | 7 |
| Brendan Ryan | Cardinals | 6 | 176 | 7 |