Three Yankees in hunt for Gold Glove
The finalists for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award have been announced, and three members of the Yankees have a shot to win:
Teixeira has always been known as one of the best defensive first basemen in baseball, and Gardner has the wheels to cover a lot of ground in the outfield. There was never any doubt about Gregorius' athleticism, but he really evolved into a shortstop with great range and a cannon of an arm. Filling in for retired legend Derek Jeter is, at the very least, difficult, but Didi proved his worth covering the left side of the infield.
Gregorius had an impressive .979 fielding percentage, which takes putouts, assists, and errors into account. The league average for shortstops was .972, so Gregorius showed he can handle the glove. All Star selection Brett Gardner had a solid .978 fielding percentage, however, the league average at his position was .990. Gardner ranked lower in other defensive statistical categories compared to league averages at his position, but his speed and range in the outfield most likely accounts for his nomination. Veteran Mark Teixeira was an MVP candidate before getting hurt, and his defensive numbers reflected that. Teixeira had a near perfect .997 fielding percentage, compared to first baseman's average of .994.
If Teixeira wins, this would be his sixth Gold Glove Award.