Nine first-timers win Gold Gloves -- but not Trout
Newcomers received their due when Major League Baseball announced the annual Gold Glove winners Tuesday, with nine of the 19 honorees receiving the award for the first time.
However, the one newcomer considered a shoo-in for the award, Los Angeles Angels rookie center fielder Mike Trout, was snubbed.
Trout robbed four opponents of home runs this season. His spectacular defense was considered a major factor in his case for the American League Most Valuable Player award. Trout's major competition for the MVP is Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera, a Triple Crown winner who is considered a mediocre defender.
The first-time Gold Glove winners included both pitchers who tied for the AL award, Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Jeremy Hellickson and Chicago White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy.
Tuesday proved to be a special day for Peavy, who also agreed to a two-year, $29 million deal with the White Sox.
Two other AL winners were first-timers: Baltimore Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy and Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick.
The first-time National League recipients were Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen, Atlanta Braves right fielder Jason Heyward, Washington Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche, Chicago Cubs second baseman Darwin Barney and San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley.
Lending Gold Glove experience to the AL team are New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira, a five-time winner, and Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre, a four-time winner. Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano, Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon and two Baltimore Orioles teammates, catcher Matt Wieters and center fielder Adam Jones, each won a second trophy.
In the NL, St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina captured his fifth award, while Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins and Miami Marlins left-hander Mark Buehrle each won for the fourth time. Colorado Rockies left fielder Carlos Gonzalez became a two-time winner.
Molina was the only NL winner to repeat from 2011. He also has the longest streak of Gold Glove wins at five. Buehrle has won four in a row, the first three while he played for the White Sox.
Beltre, Gordon and Wieters were the only AL players to retain the Gold Glove after winning it last year, excluding Buehrle, who changed leagues.
