The 2013 Orioles defense may have been the greatest of all time. No, I’m not trying to get all Kanye West on you. The Birds set an MLB record with 119 errorless games this season (or last season depending on how you look at it).
Friday morning, Gold Glove finalists were announced and six of them play right here in Charm City.
- Chris Davis – First Base
- Matt Wieters – Catcher
- Manny Machado – Third Base
- J.J. Hardy – Shortstop
- Adam Jones – Centerfield
- Nick Markakis – Right Field
I would expect Wieters, Machado and Jones to be awarded. Wieters and Jones have established themselves as strong defensive players while Machado had a break out season at third base. Hardy could also take the honor at shortstop over Alcides Escobar and Yunel Escobar.
While I’m a big fan of Davis, I was a little confused seeing him on this list. Don’t get me wrong, he played much better at first base than I expected going into the season, but his -1.2 UZR ranks 9th in the American League.
As for Markakis, he’s looking for his second in three seasons. His competition is tough though, Shane Victorino and Josh Reddick.
Um, pretty sure Nick Markakis has won a gold glove before in 2011. So I’m not sure why it would “finally” be his year Zach
Pingback: Simmons, Heyward are Gold Glove finalists – Atlanta Journal Constitution | Today-News
Remember mid way through the 2012 season when the Orioles had the worst defense in baseball?!?
Buck and his staff fixed it, just as they will improve on the pitching.
While it may not go from near the bottom to the top, as the defense did, it will get better. It all starts with Buck getting his guy in as pitching coach.
Is this MGW or Boffo Forsyth?
Only Machado and Wieters really deserve the glove,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Jones defense is way over rated and the competition will kill the others,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,If the O’s had an Ace they would be in the world series,,,,,,,,,front office missed the boat a few years ago when a couple were available , you have to be ahead of the curve and know when your position players are ready to step up , they missed the boat,,,,,,,guess it really doesn’t matter because Angelos would never pay for one and some of the kool-aid drinkers think they can do it without one,,,,,,,,,so naive ………….
What price glory…………….