Royals Alex Gordon Wins Second Gold Glove

Tonight the gold glove winners are being announced in each league.  During an hour long program on ESPN2, winners in both leagues are being released every so often.  Four Royals were included as finalists this year.  Jeff Francouer, Alex Gordon, Mike Moustakas, and Eric Hosmer were those that made the cut.  Only one would walk away a winner this year.

I’ll start in the American League, where Matt Wieters claimed his second gold glove as the Orioles backstop.  Rays pitcher Jeremy Hellickson and White Sox pitcher Jake Peavy will share the award this year.  At 3rd base Adrian Beltre won his 4th gold glove, while at shortstop J.J. Hardy grabbed his first one.  Everybody’s favorite in KC, Robinson Cano, was awarded his 2nd gold glove tonight.  Eric Hosmer was beat out by Yankees first baseman, Mark Texeira, who collected his 5th award.

Aug 27, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder

(16) makes a diving catch in front of center fielder

(4) in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-US PRESSWIRE

In the outfield, we have Royals left fielder, Alex Gordon, who received his second gold glove award.  I definitely see Gordon winning a few more of these in the future.  Gordon has really come along in his development and transition from the hot corner to being a mainstay in left field.  He is being rewarded again for his efforts this year.  Oriole’s center fielder, Adam Jones, snatched his second career gold glove award.  Finally, wrapping up the American League in right field, Josh Reddick for the A’s grabbed his first gold glove.

In the National League, Yadier Molina, collected his 5th award for the Cardinals.  Slick-fielding pitcher, Mark Buerhle, received his 4th career award, and his first in the National League.  Padres 3rd baseman Chase Headley received his very first award tonight.  Darwin Barney of the Chicago Cubs and Jimmy Rollins of the Phillies grabbed the awards up the middle for the National League.  Nationals first baseman and Fort Scott, Kansas native, Adam LaRoche, earned his first piece of hardware.Jason Heyward claimed his first gold glove as the Atlanta Braves right fielder.  In center field, Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates, also collected his first gold glove.  Finally, winning his 2nd award is Colorado Rockies left-fielder, Carlos Gonzalez.

While the Royals only accounted for one of these awards tonight, there should be several players in the future claiming rights to a gold glove or two.  In my opinion, Salvador Perez should have at least finished as finalist this year.  Even in his injury-shortened season, he was still able to show everyone how advanced he is as a signal caller.  Mike Moustakas will have a tough time winning one as it will be hard to surpass Adrian Beltre as the league’s best defender at the hot corner.  Eric Hosmer is only a year or two away from claiming his first gold glove, and Alcides Escobar should have no trouble winning one after he receives more and more national exposure.