2011 American League Gold Glove Winners

The Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners were announced last night.  Players receiving the honor are deemed to have been the best defensive performers at their position, and are voted on by Major League Baseball’s managers and coaches.  Let’s take a look at the American League’s 2011 Gold Glove winners.

C – Matt Wieters – Orioles

1B – Adrian Gonzalez – Red Sox

2B – Dustin Pedroia – Red Sox

SS – Erick Aybar – Angels

3B – Adrian Beltre – Rangers

LF – Alex Gordon – Royals

CF – Jacoby Ellsbury – Red Sox

RF – Nick Markakis – Orioles

P – Mark Buehrle – White Sox

The Red Sox cleaned up, as they had three Gold Glove winners announced.  In his first year in the American League, Adrian Gonzalez took home the award for best defensive first baseman.  It was A-Gon’s third Gold Glove and his first since 2009.  Dustin Pedroia collected his second GG while Jacoby Ellsbury received his first.

In fact, all three outfielders were first time winners.  Alex Gordon led the American League in outfield assists, earning him his first Gold Glove.  As an Orioles’ fan, I’ve had the privilege of watching Nick Markakis roam right field for years now, playing above average defense and showing off his cannon of an arm.  Finally, Nick is receiving national attention for his defensive efforts.

Slick-fielding third baseman Adrian Beltre picked up his third Gold Glove, while Erick Aybar was a first time winner at short.  Matt Wieters, another first timer, has yet to live up to lofty expectations at the plate, but the backstop has been better than advertised behind the dish.

Mark Buehrle won his third Gold Glove, and can probably take home the award every year from here on out thanks to his Opening Day gem of 2010.