The Rawlings Gold Glove winners have been revealed for the 2017 campaign. Where the honorees what you expected?
Rawlings’ 2017 Gold Glove winners were announced earlier this week, with a few surprises along the way. Not shocking is Nolan Arenado winning his fifth Gold Glove honor at the hot-corner in as many seasons.
Joining the Rockies star with their fifth award is Alex Gordon of the Kansas City Royals and Jason Heyward of the Chicago Cubs.
The two main surprises are Tucker Barnhardt of the Cincinnati Reds and Martín Maldonado of the Los Angeles Angels. Barnhardt beat out two heavyweights in Yadier Molina and defending champion Buster Posey.
Let’s say that Barnhardt was grateful, and even shocked by the prestigious honor:
The Gold Glove winners are decided by MLB managers and respective coaches, with the only stipulation of not voting for your team. Those coaches account for 75 percent of the voting process, while the sabermetrics aspect rounds off the remaining 25 percent.
Rawlings designed the Gold Glove starting in 1957, recognizing the top defensive players at each of the nine positions in both National and American Leagues.
Greg Maddux won 18 career Gold Gloves with the Cubs and Braves, the most ever by any player in the history of the MLB. Pitcher Jim Kaat and third baseman Brooks Robinson are in a close second, each winning 16 in their illustrious careers.
Back to the 2017 honorees. Let’s take a look at both the American and National League, examining each winner, as well as those who might have been overlooked.
Did your favorite player take home some hardware or where they left empty-handed?