D-backs' Pollock, Goldschmidt named Gold Glove winners
PHOENIX -- Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and center fielder A.J. Pollock on Tuesday were named Gold Glove Award winners in the National League.
Goldschmidt won his second Gold Glove -- the first was in 2013 -- and joined former second baseman Orlando Hudson (2006-07) as the only D-backs infielders to win multiple fielding honors. Pollock won his first Gold Glove after leading NL center fielders with 14 defensive runs saved.
"We are all very proud that Paul and A.J. won Gold Glove Awards today," D-backs manager Chip Hale said. "A.J. worked with Dave McKay on a daily basis to become a Gold Glover, while Paul improved his game with the help of Andy Green throughout the year. These awards show not only the physical tools both players' possess but their attention to detail."
Goldschmidt, who also won the 2015 Fielding Bible Award as the best overall defensive first baseman, led all Major Leaguers at his position with 18 defensive runs saved, 1,378 putouts and 1,505 total chances, and ranked third in the NL with a .9966 fielding percentage (5 E), trailing Brandon Belt (.9973) and Lucas Duda (.9973).
Pollock is the third D-backs outfielder to garner Gold Glove recognition. Steve Finley did so in 1999 and 2000 and Gerardo Parra in 2011 and 2013). Pollock ranked first among NL center fielders in putouts (347) and total chances (355), and third in ultimate zone rating (6.5).
In the NL, St. Louis also had two winners in catcher Yadier Molina and right fielder Jason Heyward. Other NL winners were Miami second baseman Dee Gordon, San Francisco shortstop Brandon Crawford, Colorado third baseman Nolan Arenado, Pittsburgh left fielder Starling Marte and Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke.
Goldschmidt on Tuesday also was named a finalist for the NL's Most Valuable Player award, along with Washington Nationals slugger Bryce Harper and Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto. The winner will be announced next week.
