Carlos Beltran and David Wright are the 2007 Gold Glove winners at their respective positions, but not Jose Reyes, who lost out to the Phillies' Jimmy Rollins. The awards are selected through balloting of managers and coaches, but the results are often controversial, and Wright is a prime example this year. The All-Star third baseman committed 21 errors -- four NL third basemen had more and the Brewers' Ryan Braun led the league with 26.
“I have worked hard at trying to become a complete player,” Wright said in a statement released today by the Mets. “I want to especially thank our coach Sandy Alomar who put in so much extra time this season, hitting me ground ball after ground ball.”
Beltran, known as a five-tool player before coming to the Mets, is not what many would consider to be a Gold Glove centerfielder, though this is his second award. Beltran's numerous leg injuries have cut down his mobility in center and his highlight-quality plays have been few and far between.
“I really take pride in my defense and I try to keep improving and improving each season.” Beltran said in a statement. “It’s nice to be recognized for your hard work.”
The Mets first had two Gold Glove recipients in 1999 when shortstop Rey Ordoñez and third baseman Robin Ventura were honored. Beltran, who lead all NL outfielders by averaging 2.76 putouts per game, became the second Mets outfielder to win a Gold Glove last season. Tommie Agee won the award in 1970.
Past New York Met recipients of the prestigious award are Robin Ventura, 3B (1999); Ordoñez, SS (1997-1999); Ron Darling, P (1989); Keith Hernandez, 1B (1983-1988); Doug Flynn, 2B (1980); Buddy Harrelson, SS (1971); and Agee, OF (1970).
Comments (7)
Beltran's gold glove didn't help him when Jimmy Rollins ball flew over his head in September.....
Hey Ken, do you even watch the Mets? Beltran is one of the most accomplished centerfielders in the majors, and has been for the bulk of his career. Zone Rating and other fielding statistics that are more highly regarded than the relatively meaningless Fielding Percentage have long placed Beltran at or near the top of the list of centerfielders. So no matter what our eyes tell us, the statistics have long told us that he is gold glove caliber. In some recent years, his Zone Rating numbers have been better than Andruw Jones.
Numbers don't lie. But our eyes do. And perhaps your misconception arises out of the ease with which Beltran patrols the outfield. Everything he does "looks" easy. To me that just means he's that much more accomplished when he can make a difficult task look easy.
Sorry Dave. I thought the piece written above was by Ken Davidoff. The comments still stand. Just got the author wrong.
No prob, BD. I understand where you're coming from. But Beltran did not have a particularly good year in centerfield, zone rating or not. There were four GG OFs this year because of a tie, and I'd take the other three -- AJones, Francouer and Rowand over Beltran this year. Just didn't think he was deserving, and much of that, I believe, had to do with his nagging leg injuries. No shame in that.
I'd like everyone to remember something about David Wright. His biggest problem is with his throwing. If he actually had a good 1st baseman, he'd have about 5 less errors this year. But with the GLOVE, stopping the ball and catching it, He's as good as there is. I still Remember the barehanded over the shoulder on a full run catch he had. It won him an ESPY award. I still remember the all out dive and catch of a bunt this year. He landed on the 1ST BASE LINE !!!! It was an awsum play in a criticle situation. He also made a lot of plays way into foul ground this year also. So please everyone, remember the Glove work of David, not the throws.
The problem with Wright's throwing is not the difficult plays, it's the routine ones. Those are the throws he airmails into the stands
Correct, Alph.