ARENADO WINS 5TH
LeMahieu picks up his second
Baseball’s gold standard can be found at Coors Field. That’s where Rockies infielders Nolan Arenado and DJ LeMahieu ply their trade, play after play, game after game.
They were rewarded for their excellence Tuesday night.
Arenado won a Gold Glove for the fifth consecutive season, making him the first infielder to do that in his first five seasons in the majors. LeMahieu, snared a Gold Glove for the second time. He also won in 2014.
Colorado’s Gerardo Parra failed to mine gold for a third time, beaten out by Marcel Ozuna, the Miami Marlins’ fast and graceful left fielder.
“I thank God I won again. There are a lot of great third basemen out there, so this is a great feeling,” said Arenado, who beat out Pittsburgh’s David Freese and Washington’s Anthony Rendon for the award. “I have to thank my coaches, my trainers and especially my family for never letting me settle for anything but my best.”
Arenado also gave a special nod to first baseman Mark Reynolds.
“I’ve had so much help from my teammates, and I have to thank Mark for scooping up all of those throws,” Arenado said, then laughed and added, “Of course, he never lets me forget that.”
Arenado became the first player in Rockies history to win five consecutive Gold Gloves, and he tied Larry Walker for the most in franchise history.
Arenado led all National League third baseman in total chances (423), assists (311), double plays (39), defensive wins above replacement (2.3), and range factor per game (2.64), while ranking second in fielding percentage (.979) and third in zone rating (.832). He became the first NL third baseman since Scott Rolen (2000-04) to win five consecutive Gold Gloves.
But even those gaudy statistics don’t adequately describe Arenado’s play — his diving stops, his bare-handed grabs and his laserlike throws from his knees.
“Every night he does something that amazes me,” manager Bud Black said during the season. “He’s the best third baseman in the game.”
In 2014, LeMahieu became the first second baseman in Rockies history to win a Gold Glove. Now he has two of them.
“I’m so happy for DJ. He’s amazing,” Arenado said. “He’s a quiet worker, but he’s one of the best.”
LeMahieu led all NL second basemen in total chances (729), assists (470), double plays (107), fielding percentage (.989), defensive WAR (1.2) and range factor per game (4.71) while ranking third in zone rating (.801). He beat out Miami’s Dee Gordon,and the Chicago Cubs’ Ben Zobrist for the award.
And here’s an impressive statistic to chew on. LeMahieu’s .991 fielding percentage is the highest among all second baseman in NL history (minimum 650 games).
Arenado now has a good shot at being honored as the best overall fielder in the NL. Voting for the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award, is now online at rawlings.com. The voting will remain open for 48 hours. The public can vote to weigh in as to who is “The Finest in the Field” in both the American League and National League.
Fans can only select one player among the 2017 Gold Glove winners from each league.