Mark Ellis, anyone?
The Gold Glove awards were announced for the American League today, and as expected, Eric Chavez won his sixth consecutive award, tying him for second most all time at Third Base in the AL.Mark Ellis set the Major League record for highest fielding percentage by a second baseman.
Let me repeat that. Highest ever for a second baseman.
And he didn’t get a Gold Glove.
Now, nothing against Mark Grudzielanek. He had a fine year in the field. A Gold Glove worthy year, actually.
But Ellis was better.
I applaud the voters for getting that far, as to give the 2B GG to a deserving candidate, and not just a mediocre fielder in a large market (Derek Jeter…)
But if they’re going to go that far, why not just give it to the guy who was the best?
I’d draw this analogy; If Joe Mauer were to have hit .363 or higher this year, he would have set the record for highest batting average by a catcher (with 502 plate appearances, to qualify). If the Silver Slugger for catcher was then given to Victor Martinez, who hit .316, there would be outrage. Sure, Martinez had a fine season, but when someone sets the Major League record for a relevant statistic at the position under question, you have to give it to them.
I know there are a few flaws with this argument. And there are flaws with the award, too. Fielding percentage isn’t the best metric to measure a fielder with. Gold Gloves often don’t go to the deserving. And Joe Mauer only hit .347 this year.
But Mark Ellis is still a great fielder, and among the top few in nearly every defensive metric you can throw out there.
Ellis should have a Gold Glove on his mantle.