Colorado Rockies 2B DJ LeMahieu, 1B Justin Morneau, 3B Nolan Arenado named Rawlings Gold Glove finalists
By Andrew Dill
May 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) talks to first baseman Justin Morneau (33) between innings of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
Although the Colorado Rockies 2014 was a complete disaster, they will however have something to look back on — the outstanding play from their defense. Three Rockies’ were named Rawlings NL Gold Glove finalists Thursday morning; DJ LeMahieu – 2B, Justin Morneau – 1B, and of course Nolan Arenado – 3B.
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Personally, I believe LeMahieu deserves a Gold Glove this year. DJ’s defensive WAR (wins above replacement) was seventh in the National League with 2.2 — most by a second baseman. LeMahieu also ranked 2nd among second baseman’s in assists with 413 and led the league with 99 double-plays turned from the second base position. Not to mention, he finished third with a fielding percentage of .991%.
Second base finalists: DJ LeMahieu (COL), Brandon Phillips (CIN), and Chase Utley (PHI).
Justin Morneau was brought in strictly due his bat as many questioned his defensive abilities. Morneau proved the naysayers wrong, collecting a fielding percentage of .997% while committing just four errors all season over 1105.2 innings. Morneau also went on to win the National League Batting title, sporting a .319 average in his first season as a member of the Colorado Rockies.
First base finalists: Justin Morneau (COL), Adrian Gonzalez (LAD), and Adam LaRoche (WSH).
Nolan Arenado is flat-out one of the best third baseman I’ve ever seen play the game. The plays he makes from the hot corner wows Rockies’ fans every single night. The 23-year-old earned a Gold Glove during his rookie year, despite being called up in late-April. One thing that might affect Nolan’s chances is that he played in just 111 games this season after suffering a broken finger. He finished the season with a fielding percentage of .959%, committing 15 errors over 967 innings.
Third base finalists: Nolan Arenado (COL), Pablo Sandoval (SF), and Juan Uribe (LAD).
I’d like to congratulate DJ, Nolan, and Justin for being nominated for the NL Rawlings Gold Glove and hope all three of them can bring the hardware home to 20th and Blake.