The Rawlings Gold Glove Awards were announced today and unfortunately no Mets were honored for outstanding defense.
David Wright who had won two straight gold glove awards in 2007 and 2008, was supplanted by Ryan Zimmerman of the Washington Nationals at third base. Wright committed 18 errors in 2009 and had the lowest range factors of his six year major league career. His UZR (-10.4) and UZR/150 (-12.2), two advanced fielding metrics, rank Wright as the worst defensive third baseman in baseball according to Fangraphs.
Carlos Beltran was passed over by Shane Victorino of the Phillies, Michael Bourn of the Astros and Matt Kemp of the Dodgers.
Philadelphia Phillies’ shortstop Jimmy Rollins won his third straight award. Also repeating in the National League were Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina.
Free agent second baseman Orlando Hudson won the award for the fourth time in his career, and more times than any of the other honorees. He made just eight errors in 692 chances and produced the highest fielding percentage (.988) of his career.
Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals was the league’s best defensive pitcher.
The Phillies, Cardinals and Dodgers each had two winners,
Here is the complete list of winners for the NL and AL.
2009 National League Gold Glove Awards
C: Yadier Molina, Cardinals
1B: Adrian Gonzalez, Padres
2B: Orlando Hudson, Dodgers
3B: Ryan Zimmerman, Nats
SS: Jimmy Rollins, Phillies
OF: Michael Bourn, Astros
OF: Matt Kemp, Dodgers
OF: Shane Victorino, Phillies
P: Adam Wainwright, Cardinals
2009 American League Gold Glove Awards
C: Joe Mauer, Twins
1B: Mark Teixeira, Yankees
2B: Placido Polanco, Tigers
3B: Evan Longoria, Rays
SS: Derek Jeter, Yankees
OF: Torii Hunter, Angels
OF: Adam Jones, Orioles
OF: Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners
P: Mark Buehrle, White Sox
*Mets Merized Online Needs Your Help*
How could a Met win a GG with the dismal defense all year long? This team literally stunk up the joint.