The old rodeo saying is “two out of three ain’t bad.” Well then consider three out of four pretty damn good. That’s how many Red Sox players took home a Gold Glove award on Tuesday night.
Dustin Pedroia, Adrian Gonzalez and Jacoby Ellsbury all received the prestigous awards for their fine defensive seasons.
For Pedroia, it was his second Gold Glove and first since 2008. Pedey led the American League with his UZR of 17.4, commited just seven errors and had a fielding percentage of .990. He also set a career mark of innings played with 1932.1 of work. But really, Pedroia just did what we all know he can do. It just took a year of injury to remind us just how special of a player he really is. When Pedey goes, so go the Red Sox.
Meanwhile, Gonzalez collected his third Gold Glove award and first in the AL. He recorded a fielding percentage of .997, a career best, thanks to only commiting four errors. When the Red Sox acquired the left handed batsman from the Padres, they knew there were getting more than an offensive powerhouse and Gonzo proved that tonight.
But perhaps the most gratifying Gold Glove recipient of the three is Jacoby Ellsbury. He is a first time recipient and there is no one more deserving than Ells. He carried this team all season long with his crafty batting and also continued to amaze everyone with his highlight reel plays in the outfield. Time after time we see Ellsbury extend his body to dive or fly through the air to make an unbelievable grab on a ball that was destined for extra bases. Consider what he went through last season, one full of injury and frustration and this award only seems fitting. This could very well be a prelude for the MVP trophy that Ells could and arguably should take home in a couple of weeks.
Kevin Youkilis was the other member of the Red Sox who was a finalist for a Gold Glove award at third base. But it was his former teammate and current Texas Ranger star, Adrian Beltre who took the award at the hot corner.
The complete list of winners can be found at mlb.com.
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