Monday, October 29, 2012

Desmond, LaRoche: Gold Glove finalists

Ian Desmond and Adam LaRoche are finalists to win their first Gold Glove awards.

Desmond is one of four National League shortstops up for the award, joining the Marlins' Jose Reyes, the Phillies' Jimmy Rollins and the Reds' Zack Cozart. LaRoche is one of three NL first baseman named finalists, along with the Braves' Freddie Freeman and the Reds' Joey Votto.

All winners will be announced at 9:30 p.m. EDT Tuesday in an awards show televised by ESPN2.

Gold Glove awards are voted on by major-league managers and coaches, who submit their choices in late-September.

Neither Desmond nor LaRoche has ever won the award. Desmond is coming off a breakthrough season in which he was named an All-Star for the first time while excelling in the field. He was charged with 15 errors this year, down from 23 in 2011 and a league-high 34 in 2010.

LaRoche's steadying presence at first base certainly saved Desmond (and the rest of the Nationals infield) from being charged with more errors. The 32-year-old has long been considered one of the best defensive first basemen in the game but has never won an individual honor. LaRoche's .995 fielding percentage this season was bested by only one other NL first baseman: Carlos Lee (.996).

Only one Nationals player has ever won a Gold Glove award: Ryan Zimmerman, who was honored in 2009.

95 comments:

JayB said...

I think they both win. Nobody even close to Adam and Ian get extra points from me for getting to balls Jimmy R never did ever.

Gonat said...

Gonat said...
Just got some cool news that I'm not sure they were supposed to disclose but from Kristen Hudak at ESPN tweeted me that in tomorrow's announcement of the Gold Glove, Ian Desmond and Adam LaRoche are both finalists!

October 29, 2012 12:33 PM
___________________________________

I posted this on the other thread. I didn't ever know they publicly disclosed this type of info.

Mark, did you get a Press Release?

Gonat said...

baseballswami from the previous thread, if Desi doesn't win the Silver Slugger, that would be a gigantic mistake.

MicheleS said...

I am very excited for both of them. It's good to see that Nats get some recognition.

Gonat said...

LaRoche may get beat by Joey Votto who is really good himself but Votto missed 51 games and shouldn't be considered in my opinion.

Gonat said...

Is anyone surprised Ryan Zimmerman didn't make the Final 3 for 3rd basemen?

Tcostant said...

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/10/29/gold-glove-finalists-announced/

I can't understand how Danny wasn't in the top three at 2?

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Gonat, I'm surprised Zim didn't make the Final 3 given how much pride he takes in his defense. I didn't expect him to win but expected the voters would have him in the Top 3.

Gonat said...

Tcostant said...
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/10/29/gold-glove-finalists-announced/

I can't understand how Danny wasn't in the top three at 2?

October 29, 2012 1:22 PM
__________________________________

He should have been which unfortunately tells you what the general consensus is on Danny and especially the rumors on Gold Glove voting is they look at overall numbers like offense which they shouldn't.

This award should be strictly about defense but I have long figured Brandon Phillips runs away with it.

JayB said...

Zim can not make the list if he can not make the basic plays. His arm is an embarrassment for all baseball (fans and coaches)...it is like watching a an animal slaughter house...if you have any humanity you have to look away on a straight on hopper to him.

Understand why they do not even want to go there by putting him on the list of finalists.

Danny, close and likely was good enough to be on the final list.

natsfan1a said...

Seconded.

MicheleS said...

I am very excited for both of them. It's good to see that Nats get some recognition.
October 29, 2012 1:13 PM

NatsLady said...

I think Danny lost a few points because when he first switched to SS he made a couple of errors. I think he should get extra credit for playing the more difficult position, and also for being able to switch positions mid-game, not to mention he played, I think, 160 games. But they do look at offense--which they shouldn't.

NatsLady said...

Agree, you can't overlook RZ's errors, whether they were caused by his shoulder or modifying his technique--they existed.

baseballswami said...

On his worst day, Zim still makes plays no other 3B comes close to making.

NatsLady said...

swami, that is true also. That's why his errors on the "routine" plays stand out so much. I have great hope he will fix those and get his Gold Glove next year.

RickH said...

Congrats to both! Agree with swami about Zim.

Gonat said...

baseballswami said...
On his worst day, Zim still makes plays no other 3B comes close to making.

October 29, 2012 1:55 PM
_______________________________

That's my feeling. Tough crowd today. I don't care about style points meaning Zim's ugly throws are like watching Hunter Pence play the OF, it ain't pretty but they get the job done.

NatsLady said...

Wonder if there's any chance of getting this guy?

Koji Uehara, TEX

Dr Trea (formerly #werthquake) said...

Should be interesting..i'll be so mad if my cable is out

SCNatsFan said...

No way his errors does RZ win. Even with that I'll happily take him at 3B next year even with the lazy throw errors.

MicheleS said...

Well, Rollins better not win. He is just such a whining cry baby.

NatsLady said...

So, if the Nats lost the NLDS because of Storen, did the Tigers lose the World Series because of this guy? Great interview, tears your heart out.

the-game-of-baseball-just-kicked-me-in-the-butt


http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/10/29/phil-coke-the-game-of-baseball-just-kicked-me-in-the-butt/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

whatsanattau said...

Zimmerman may make plays others don't but he is a little error prone. I take him over any other third baseman but there are some very consistent third basemen who make enough spectacular plays to earn a gold glove.

Espinosa will earn a gold glove at some point.

Suzuki should get a little love too. He was not not in the league long enough to win it, but he certainly seems to have all the tools.

whatsanattau said...

Who was the Nats best fielding starting pitcher this year? In my judgment, Jackson. (It wasn't Wang). Gio? Zimm?

baseballswami said...

Who are those very consistent third basemen who have Zim's range and never boot a ball or sail a throw? Zim made some bad throws, but he hardly ever booted fielding a ball. He also gets to things no one else gets to. Lots of 3B's are just guys who used to play else where. Longoria is great but is hurt a lot more than Zim. Sandoval is ok for a big guy, but there is no way he makes plays that Zim makes. Really - who are these great third basemen who are better than Zim at range, fielding , error rate and throwing all as one package. And even though they are not supposed to include offense - you know they do, and not many are better than Zim. This just cannot be a very long list. It's not called the hot corner for nothing. It's a very tough position.

MicheleS said...

AFL schedule for game on MLB Network:

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121029&content_id=40120924&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb&tcid=tw_article_40120924

Gonat said...

NatsLady said...
So, if the Nats lost the NLDS because of Storen, did the Tigers lose the World Series because of this guy? Great interview, tears your heart out.

the-game-of-baseball-just-kicked-me-in-the-butt
_______________________________

Good interview. Did the Tigers upset the baseball gods when they were a little too cocky after sweeping the Yankees in 4? That's why the Cardinals were humbled and embarrassed by the Giants after the gar-bage they spewed on the Nats.

Note to Nats in every series and after every post-season game, be humble and gracious.

MicheleS said...

I think JZ was our best defending pitcher, but as long as Buerhle is in the NL, doubt anyone else will even be considered. Plus our entire staff needs to work on the pickoff move.

Gonat said...

whatsanattau said...
Who was the Nats best fielding starting pitcher this year? In my judgment, Jackson. (It wasn't Wang). Gio? Zimm?

October 29, 2012 3:05 PM
_______________________________

No way, EJax had a hard time throwing over to 1st. JZim is an above average fielding pitcher. You learn that after getting a broken jaw in college.

NatsLady said...

If you want to watch some baseball... (and you have MLB Network), they will be televising some AFL games.

MLB Network to televise select AFL games


http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121029&content_id=40120924&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb&tcid=tw_article_40120924

baseballswami said...

whattsanattau -- I say JZimm is our best fielidng pitcher.

SonnyG10 said...

whatsanattau said...
Who was the Nats best fielding starting pitcher this year? In my judgment, Jackson. (It wasn't Wang). Gio? Zimm?
October 29, 2012 3:05 PM


I might lean toward Jordan Zimmermann. I think he is the most athletic.

SonnyG10 said...

Thanks for the AFL link NatsLady.

SonnyG10 said...

Oh, and congrats to Desi and Adam for making gold glove finalists. I hope you both win.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

I was going to say JZ and a bunch of you said it. By the way, MicheleS with the perfect response.

NatsLady said...

Nats depth chart

http://www.mlbdepthcharts.com/2012/10/washington-nationals-2012-13-offseason.html#.UI7YpcXA_8k

NatsLady said...

This is fun, WS stats and stuff. You can tell I'm cooped up with nothing but the internetz.

WS info

http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/40119254/?partnerId=aw-7541410635549058624-996

Gonat said...

Yes, I owe MicheleS a drink!

baseballswami said...

NatsLady - me, too. I am happy to still have power, but I have been a tv and internet junkie today. Seems so odd to be lazing around when I am usually so busy. The "catch up" list is just sitting there giving me the fish eye. I am choosing to ignore it.

NatsLady said...

Actually, swami, I pretty much caught up before the storm and had planned to use the free time "creatively." So far, um, not so much.

Gonat said...

NatsLady said...
Nats depth chart

http://www.mlbdepthcharts.com/2012/10/washington-nationals-2012-13-offseason.html#.UI7YpcXA_8k

October 29, 2012 3:30 PM
__________________________________

I see they are just taking out the Free Agents and inserting players currently in the system. They have Corey Brown as the 25th man.

NatsLady said...

Bernie Pleskoff ‏@BerniePleskoff
#AFL12 Slow, over the head windup for Perry results in quick rush at finish. Breezes through first inning in order. Won't miss many bats.

NatsLady said...

Yes, the "depth chart" is basically a reference document, doesn't include any possible trades, promotions, etc. Doesn't add much for an alert fan, just puts it all in one place. It's more interesting to look at the charts for other teams that you are not as familiar with.

Gonat said...

Brian Goodwin threw out a runner at 2nd.

Gonat said...

Goodwin got the start today in a Lefty-Lefty matchup. So far, not so good. 0-2 and K'd on 3 straight pitches.

Gonat said...

Rendon 1-2 Goodwin 0-3

Gonat said...

Perry through 4 innings with 1 hit and no runs

Gonat said...

Perry through 5 innings with 1 hit and no runs

Faraz Shaikh said...

where are you watching the game, Gonat?

Gonat said...

Faraz, I have AFL Gameday.

Gonat said...

Perry done with his 5 innings of work which is his longest of the AFL season. Final line 0 runs, 1 hit, 0 walks, 3 K's ERA 4.50

Gonat said...

Perry has now pitched 9 scoreless over his last 2 outings

NatsLady said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Faraz Shaikh said...

oh ok, I thought you were watching it live.

NatsLady said...

Never too early to start.

Odds to win the 2013 World Series

Detroit Tigers 6/1
New York Yankees 7/1
San Francisco Giants 10/1
Texas Rangers 12/1
Washington Nationals 12/1
Los Angeles Angels 12/1
Philadelphia Phillies 14/1
St. Louis Cardinals 14/1
Cincinnati Reds 14/1
Atlanta Braves 14/1
Los Angeles Dodgers 18/1
Tampa Bay Rays 20/1
Boston Red Sox 22/1
Arizona Diamondbacks 25/1
Baltimore Orioles 25/1
Milwaukee Brewers 25/1
Oakland Athletics 25/1
Chicago White Sox 28/1
Pittsburgh Pirates 30/1
Toronto Blue Jays 35/1
Seattle Mariners 40/1
Miami Marlins 40/1
New York Mets 40/1
San Diego Padres 60/1
Minnesota Twins 66/1
Chicago Cubs 75/1
Cleveland Indians 75/1
Colorado Rockies 75/1
Kansas City Royals 75/1
Houston Astros 150/1

---from Bovada

Gonat said...

Goodwin reached on an error and then got picked off. Now 0-4.

NatsLady said...

From a guy at the AFL games (in person).

Bernie Pleskoff ‏@BerniePleskoff
#AFL12 What I Liked: Kent Matthes smoked the ball. Perry and Flynn pitched well. Davis, Pillar, Marisnick 2 hits each. Yelich solid At-Bats.

Bernie Pleskoff ‏@BerniePleskoff
#AFL What I Didn't Like: Salcedo scuffled on defense at 3B, Goodwin left 5 men on in lead off role, Rasmus Rearick tough outings on mound.

NatsLady said...

Bernie Pleskoff ‏@BerniePleskoff
#Nationals Rendon loves fastballs. Seeing more off-speed pitches now. Timing them much better. Especially those that get too much plate.

Gonat said...

Yep, Rendon finished 2 for 5 with a double. Raised his BA to .250

Gonat said...

Phillies declined their option on 3B Placido Polanco.

sm13 said...

Whatsanattau said... Who was the Nats best fielding starting pitcher this year? In my judgment, Jackson. (It wasn't Wang). Gio? Zimm? October 29, 2012 3:05 PM

An under-rated fielding pitcher is Sean Burnett. He gets a lot of come backers and makes some awfully good plays, including accurate throws to 2nd to start double plays.

NatsLady said...

Like it or not, the system has changed, October ("tournament") baseball has become more important.

-- From 1903 to 1968, the team with the best record in baseball won the World Series a little more than 50% of the time.

-- When four teams made the playoffs, the team with the best record in baseball won the World Series 28% of the time (7 out of 25)

-- Since 1995, team with the best record won the World Series 17% of the time (3 out of 18) and one of those winners, the 2007 Red Sox, actually tied for the best record.

Full article, very interesting (IMO).

October

http://joeposnanski.blogspot.com/2012/10/it-all-about-october.html?m=1

Hope y'all have power, it's awfully quiet around here...

NatsLady said...

I checked fangraphs, because that's what I do, but there is not enough data to assess the question of best fielding pitcher on the Nats. So--go with your eyes, peeps.

Theophilus T. S. said...

As much as is possible for any Phillie, I feel sort of sorry for Polanco. His crimes are being somewhat old, injured and a little overpaid. The Phillies don't have anything better than him at 3B, and they have zero quality backup infielders. Unless they sign a FA 3B -- which they probably can't afford -- or trade a better than average pitcher (Kendrick?) for somebody's younger 3B, they won't be better, and probably worse than they were w/ Polanco, and certainly won't have any capable reserve IFs. (Does anyone see an opening for Alberto Gonzalez?) For Polanco's sake, I hope they make him a respectful offer.

NatsLady said...

Theo, agree. The Phillies have problems and there is no easy solution. I am surprised that "gamblers" are rating them so high. I'm not very familiar with their farm system, but unless they have some good prospects coming up, I don't see hope for them in 2013 beyond a .500 team.

baseballswami said...

Lots of my relatives live where the Phil's AAA team, the Iron Pigs, play. They don 't see the team as a place to see exciting young prospects play. They go there to see veterans that are stashed until needed or in rehab assignments. They make comments about how they hope those guys don't get called up because they will never be ( fill in the blank here with Utley, Howard , etc). They cannot let go of their beloved veterans. Well, except for Jayson, and my sister is still bitter that he is gone.

MicheleS said...

Swami
From what I can tell from twitter most Philly women are bitter about Jayson leaving ;-)

baseballswami said...

Michele- I know you are right, but I don 't get it. The brooding, intense type? Heathcliffe in Wuthering Heights??

MicheleS said...

Swami
Think Heathcliffe in Sons of Anarchy. We all like the dangerous type.

baseballswami said...

I just hope he is dangerous at the plate next season.

SonnyG10 said...

So far, so good here on the west side of Reston. Still have power and all my trees.

peric said...

http://www.mlbdepthcharts.com/2012/10/washington-nationals-2012-13-offseason.html#.UI7YpcXA_8k

These guys try with their conjectures ... but in the end Ladson's is the official depth chart ... after the one Rizzo keeps hidden behind his door of course ... :)

peric said...

Gonat, I'm surprised Zim didn't make the Final 3 given how much pride he takes in his defense. I didn't expect him to win but expected the voters would have him in the Top 3.

He'll get there again when he becomes the Nat's everyday first baseman.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Things look quiet on here. Probably the lack of internet and power in DC. Be safe.

baseballswami said...

Still hanging in. Watching Moneyball- again.

peric said...

Looks like NYC is getting the brunt of it. Wind and flood ravaged ... its going to be a huge mess there.

Dr Trea (formerly #werthquake) said...

nothing like getting high out in a hurricane when classes are cancelled!

Another_Sam said...

Fine here. Lost power @ 9PM; back up at 6AM.

baseballswami said...

Fine here- never lost power. I used to live in Florida, on the Gulf, this wasn't a powerful storm, but it was huge and relentless. No damage at my house- small limbs. New Jersey is wrecked.

SCNatsFan said...

Still waiting word on my jersey shore house. I never thought living in south carolina that my hurricane worries would be in nj. Glad to hear DC fared well.

baseballswami said...

People around here like to think they have it tough, but we were so lucky compared to our neighbors to the North. It was inconvenient and unpleasant, but not so bad.

NatsLady said...

No problem. Going to doctor appointment, gym, and probably to work if my studio (in Burke) has power. No Nats news (other than AFL) that I can spot around the Internetz...

MicheleS said...

Survived the night and the house guests (invaded by a devil dog). Never lost power. Will do another day from home.

baseballswami said...

Watching news channel 8 - only local news-- Adam Caskey, the live reporter , is wearing a Nats cap!!!!! Curly W sighting!

Gonat said...

NatsJack in Florida said...
Everybody survive the night? Reports down here are that you haven't been hit as hard as expected.

October 30, 2012 7:44 AM
____________________________

The "derecho" storm was much worse in the DC area but now the fear is flooding as the rain keeps falling it could bring more trees down.

MicheleS said...

Swami.. Tom Sherwood at NBC 4 was rocking his Curly W hat last night as well.

mick said...

lost power for about 3 hours and back on, not bad at all.

Gonat said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
NatsLady said...

Gym not opening until noon, no answer at my studio. It's raining steadiliy and the Potomac is high. Guess I'll just watch Netflix...

Gonat said...

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/8572138/washington-nationals-set-well-offseason-mlb

"Fear the Nationals. Washington had a great year and is set up perfectly for the offseason"

baseballswami said...

Yeah -- we have guys in the rising stars game! Rendon, Goodwin and Barrett. SAturday? Hoping for more good news tonight at 9.

JD said...


JayB,

Read the link Gonat has sent and see if you can introduce any negativity to that.

baseballswami said...

Mark - no pressure for a new post or anything ( not that we would mind, we all seem a little bored) but just check in to let us know your family is ok!

Steady Eddie said...

Swami -- and your wih is granted seven minutes later.... (presumably Mark's family is fine too)!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

JD at 12:23, I just fell out of my chair laughing. There are those that would be negative at the route of the World Series parade.

JayB and I agree but disagree on Danny Espinosa. Let's see how he does in Spring Training and if he hasn't shortened that swing, send him to AAA to work on it. This team has "it". Embrace IT, love it, enjoy it.

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