Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Getting Love For The Glove

The 2009 AL Gold Glove winners were announced today and the Yankees, as expected, had 2 winners. Congrats to Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter on picking up the honors.

For my money, both were no-brainers. Teixeira was just amazing with the glove. Tex ranked 2nd in fielding percentage for all AL 1Bs, .001 points behind Lyle Overbay. Tex also had the 2nd highest zone rating @ 2.907, trailing only Carlos Pena whose rating was 2.922. Pena had a much lower fielding percentage though @ .991. Tex's ZR was much higher than Overbay's (2.627). Is it me or did it seem like Tex was making an outstanding play every game? He definitely saved many a run with his glove. How awesome is it having a stellar glove at 1B? I like Jason Giambi and all but every time a ball was hit to first it was an adventure. Something tells me Tex will this award several more times before all is said and done.

There's been a lot of talk in recent years that Derek Jeter is the worst defensive SS in all of MLB. I think that notion can officially be dismissed. DJ had arguably the best defensive season of his career. He led all AL SS with a .986 fielding percentage. The .986 fielding percentage is a career-high, tying his % from 1998. DJ also typically gets knocked for his lack of range. He led all MLB SS with a 6.480 zone rating. I wanted to look up his ZRs from prior years but I'm lazy and didn't find it right away. I'm sure it's up there. This award, Derek's 4th, was definitely well deserved. Even though people will try, you can't front on that. All you haters can suck it.

Peace, love and Pinstripes,

J-Boogie

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Derek Jeter has no range plain and simple. People who argue that he is good are either Yankee fans or know nothing about baseball.

Janney said...

Then if one doesn't deserve it what could have been the basis of giving this award to him? I wonder. Thanks for sharing. By the way, being a great sports fan is rewarding too! Here's one from Premio Foods, the producer of delicious and quality sausage products in the U.S. They're giving away free buy one get one coupon whenever your favorite team wins. Be a Premio Facebook Fan and check out the details. Thanks and have a great day!

J-Boogie said...

Coaches and managers vote for the Gold Glove Awards. I like to think they know more than those of us watching at home. I'm sure many vote based on a player's reputation but as you said the only people who think Jeter has range are Yankees fans or know nothing about baseball. Based on that, Jeter's rep with coaches/managers can't be that good so their votes couldn't be based on his rep, only on his performance.

Big D said...

The haters can go take a leap. DJ is a champion. His play to get Punto out in Game 4 of the ALDS was baseball genius.

sam enriquez said...

After viewing the power the Yankees punched this series, I bet Yankees Memorabilia will continue to fly off the shelves this holiday season.

J-Boogie said...

Big D: I agree. People love to have on DJ. I think it all boils down to jealousy.