Anthony Rizzo, Addison Russell, Jason Heyward, Jake Arrieta finalists for Rawlings NL Gold Glove Awards … Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez win Fielding Bible Awards
Rawlings announced between games two and three of The World Series the Gold Glove Finalists for the 2016 season. The winners will be announced Tuesday, Nov. 8 on ESPN during a special edition of Baseball Tonight.
The Cubs have four players that are finalists for the prestigious fielding award at their respective positions, the most of any team in the majors.
Anthony Rizzo, Addison Russell, Jason Heyward and Jake Arrieta are one of three finalists at each position. Rawlings does not have a multi-position award which kept Javier Baez from being in the running for a Gold Glove this season.
Anthony Rizzo was charged with six errors in 154 games and finished the season with 11 defensive runs saved and a 5.7 UZR (Ultimate Zone Rating). Rizzo does not receive the credit he deserves for his defense. As was recently pointed out, Rizzo’s defense has shined in the postseason to the point that the perception about him as a first baseman around the rest of the league will change.
Addison Russell, in his first full-season as a Major League shortstop, committed 14 errors. In 148 games, Russell had 19 defensive runs saved and a 15.4 UZR. Russell is one of the best defensive shortstops in the game at 22 years old. Russell is as steady and smooth as it gets while being the glue that holds the Cubs infield defense together.
It was a rough season for Jason Heyward at the plate. To his credit, he did not take his struggles at the plate to the field. Heyward helped improve the Cubs outfield defense. Heyward was charged with two errors and had 18 defensive runs saved with a 20.4 UZR.
Jake Arrieta had a better regular season than he’s given credit for. It wasn’t Historic Jake but it was still Pretty-Darn-Good Jake. And Arrieta fielded his position well enough to be a finalist for the NL Gold Glove Award.
Arrieta was charged with only three errors and had five defensive runs saved.
Rawlings 2016 Gold Glove Awards Finalists
National League
• Pitcher: Jake Arrieta (Cubs), Zack Greinke (D-Backs), Adam Wainwright (Cardinals)
• Catcher: Jonathan Lucroy (Brewers/Rangers), Yadier Molina (Cardinals), Buster Posey (Giants)
• First Base: Paul Goldschmidt (D-Backs), Wil Myers (Padres), Anthony Rizzo (Cubs)
• Second Base: D.J. LeMahieu (Rockies), Joe Panik (Giants), Jean Segura (D-Backs)
• Third Base: Nolan Arenado (Rockies), Anthony Rendon (Nationals), Justin Turner (Dodgers)
• Shortstop: Brandon Crawford (Giants), Freddy Galvis (Phillies), Addison Russell (Cubs)
• Left Field: Adam Duvall (Reds), Starling Marte (Pirates), Christian Yelich (Marlins)
• Center Field: Billy Hamilton (Reds), Odubel Herrera (Phillies), Ender Inciarte (Braves)
• Right Field: Carlos Gonzalez (Rockies), Jason Heyward (Cubs), Nick Markakis (Braves)
American League
• Pitcher: R.A. Dickey (Blue Jays), Dallas Keuchel (Astros), Justin Verlander (Tigers)
• Catcher: James McCann (Tigers), Carlos Perez (Angels), Salvador Perez (Royals)
• First Base: Chris Davis (Orioles), Eric Hosmer (Royals), Mitch Moreland (Rangers)
• Second Base: Robinson Cano (Mariners), Ian Kinsler (Tigers), Dustin Pedroia (Red Sox)
• Third Base: Adrian Beltre (Rangers), Manny Machado (Orioles), Kyle Seager (Mariners)
• Shortstop: Jose Iglesias (Tigers), Francisco Lindor (Indians), Andrelton Simmons (Angels)
• Left Field: Brett Gardner (Yankees), Alex Gordon (Royals), Colby Rasmus (Astros)
• Center Field: Jackie Bradley Jr. (Red Sox), Kevin Kiermaier (Rays), Kevin Pillar (Blue Jays)
• Right Field: Mookie Betts (Red Sox), Adam Eaton (White Sox), George Springer (Astros)
Fielding Bible Awards
Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez were honored by The Fielding Bible. Rizzo won the award as the best fielding first baseman and Baez’s outstanding defense was recognized with a multi-position award.
The 2016 Fielding Bible Awards: 1B Anthony Rizzo (Cubs), 2B Dustin Pedroia (Red Sox), 3B Nolan Arenado (Rockies), SS Andrelton Simmons (Angels), LF Starling Marte (Pirates), CF Kevin Pillar (Blue Jays), RF Mookie Betts (Red Sox), C Buster Posey (Giants), P Dallas Keuchel (Astros), Multi-Position Javier Baez (Cubs)
Javier Baez played in 142 games during the regular season and while he’s mainly played second base in the postseason, Joe Maddon had him all over the field during the first 162 games. Baez played five different positions, mainly the infield. Baez lined up at third base (62), second base (59), shortstop (25), first base (6) and left field (2).
Baez had 11 defensive runs saved at second base (5.3 UZR), one defensive run saved at third base (1.7 UZR) and four DRS at shortstop (3.4 UZR).
The Cubs defense was historically good throughout the year while seemingly producing highlight reel plays on a daily basis.