Gold Glove finalists were named yesterday by Major League Baseball & Rawlings and second baseman, Chase Utley, was the lone Phillie to make the list. Believe it or not, the long-time second baseman for Philadelphia has never won a Gold Glove in his career.
The winners of the awards will be announced on November 4th. Utley is up against Brandon Phillips of the Reds and DJ LeMahieu of the Reds. Phillips (.996) and LeMahieu (.991) both have a higher fielding percentage than Utley (.985), but Chase has had over 200 more chances than Phillips, who sat out part of the year with an injury, and 50 more than LeMahieu. Utley doesn't seem to be the favorite to win, but he does have much more playing time than the other two candidates that were nominated.
What may come as a surprise to some is the absence of Jimmy Rollins on the list for shortstops. Rollins, who led all shortstops in baseball with a .988 fielding percentage was left off of the list in favor of Andrelton Simmons (Braves), Adeiny Hechavarria (Marlins) and Zack Cosart (Reds). J-Roll is a four-time Gold Glove Award winner. e committed just seven errors in 563 defensive chances. Unforunately, Rollins was likely snubbed due to his injury, which kept him from playing after September 8th, leaving him with over 100 less innings on defense than the three nominees.
Gold Glove voting consists of two components: 75 percent from managers and coaches and 25 percent from statistical data.
NL GOLD GLOVE FINALISTS
Pitcher: Zack Greinke (Dodgers), Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers), Adam Wainwright (Cardinals)
Catcher: Jonathan Lucroy (Brewers), Russell Martin (Pirates), Yadier Molina (Cardinals)
First base: Adrian Gonzalez (Dodgers), Adam LaRoche (Nationals),Justin Morneau (Rockies)
Second base: DJ LeMahieu (Rockies), Brandon Phillips (Reds), Chase Utley (Phillies)
Third base: Nolan Arenado (Rockies), Pablo Sandoval (Giants), Juan Uribe (Dodgers)
Shortstop: Zack Cozart (Reds), Adeiny Hechavarria (Marlins),Andrelton Simmons (Braves)
Left field: Starling Marte (Pirates), Justin Upton (Braves), Christian Yelich (Marlins)
Center field: Billy Hamilton (Reds), Juan Lagares (Mets), Denard Span(Nationals)
Right field: Jason Heyward (Braves), Gerardo Parra (Brewers),Giancarlo Stanton (Marlins)
AL GOLD GLOVE FINALISTS
Pitcher: Mark Buehrle (TOR), Felix Hernandez (SEA), Dallas Keuchel (HOU)
Catcher: Alex Avila (DET), Yan Gomes (CLE), Salvador Perez (KC)
First base: Miguel Cabrera (DET), Eric Hosmer (KC), Albert Pujols (LAA)
Second base: Robinson Cano (SEA), Ian Kinsler (DET), Dustin Pedroia (BOS)
Third base: Adrian Beltre (TEX), Josh Donaldson (OAK), Kyle Seager (SEA)
Shortstop: Alcides Escobar (KC), J.J. Hardy (BAL), Alexei Ramirez (CWS)
Left field: Michael Brantley (CLE), Yoenis Cespedes (BOS), Alex Gordon (KC)
Center field: Jackie Bradley, Jr. (BOS), Adam Eaton (CWS), Adam Jones (BAL)
Right field: Kole Calhoun (LAA), Kevin Kiermaier (TB), Nick Markakis (BAL)
Brandon Apter, Publishing Editor for Philliedelphia.com
