The Rawlings’ Gold Glove winners for the American League were announced today and this time around there were no Orioles on the list. I really have no qualms about who earned the award this year (except for the up-the-middle-combo, ahem, mainly Derek Jeter), but I do figure if Nick Markakis played for a winning team, the conversation as to who is selected might be different.
As for Adam Jones – who won the award as one of three outfielders selected in 2010, he was not worthy this season. Jones was inconsistent at times in the field, made quite a few gaffes, and just didn’t have the form he had in the year prior. Adam’s a great athlete and if he can play the position a tad deeper in the field, he’ll be better off.
NEW YORK — Ichiro Suzuki won his 10th straight Gold Glove for a full season of fielding excellence. Mark Buehrle won again, perhaps clinching his spot with an acrobatic play on Opening Day.
Derek Jeter, well, his selection is likely to set off another loud round of dispute over whether the award is relevant anymore.
Rawlings announced the American League honors Tuesday. Managers and coaches vote for players in their leagues and can’t pick players on their own teams.
Also chosen were first baseman Mark Teixeira and second baseman Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees; third baseman Evan Longoria and outfielder Carl Crawford of the Tampa Bay Rays; Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer and Seattle outfielder Franklin Gutierrez.
Sometimes, I think these awards are like choosing a ‘student council president’ in high school. Popularity matters, as well as a player’s profile, plus reputation. There are sometimes exceptions to the rule, but that’s just me feeling about the whole Gold Glove honor.
