Adam Eaton, Alexei Ramirez nominated for AL Gold Glove award
Aug 6, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez (10) forces out Texas Rangers designated hitter Shin-Soo Choo (17) during the eighth inning at U.S Cellular Field. The Texas Rangers defeated the Chicago White Sox 3-1. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Two Chicago White Sox players, one being an All-Star, have the opportunity to be selected as American League Gold Glove winners.
The players nominated for the “Good Guys” are centerfielder Adam Eaton and AL All-Star shortstop Alexei Ramirez.
For Ramirez, in 158 games at shortstop (157 starts), he committed 15 errors in 696 total chances for a .978 fielding percentage. He totaled 195 put outs and 486 assists for the ’14 season. He also was a part of 119 double plays.
In the Range Factor stat (total number of outs participated in, divide putouts and assists by number of innings or games played at a position), Ramirez was at 4.31.
Ramirez, who joined the White Sox in ’08, played in a total of 1,376.2 innings at shortstop this past season.
As for what Alexei did this season, in any other year he would have been the starting shortstop in the AL, if not for it being the final season of Derek Jeter. Ramirez not only replaced Jeter in the All-Star game this July, but I believe he replaced him as the best shortstop in the AL.
Also on the AL ballot at shortstop are: Alcides Escobar (Kansas City Royals) and J.J. Hardy (Baltimore Orioles).
In looking at Eaton, he finished the ’14 season with a .988 fielding percentage in 121 games played.
Eaton committed just four errors in 325 chances, equaling 1,043.2 innings. He was a part of one double play and 312 put outs.
Sep 25, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton (1) makes a catch against the Kansas City Royals during the fourth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
The centerfielder of the White Sox had a range factor of 2.65 on the season.
What I liked about Eaton’s play this season was the hustle and the flair for the dramatic he made with many of his catches at the wall.
His catches saved the White Sox some runs, and he was one of the better defensive players, but that style of play also cost him some games and some time on the disabled list.
Still with Eaton, he made watching the White Sox fun this season, and his play on the field was a big part of the improved success of the win total in ’14.
On the AL ballot at centerfield are Jackie Bradley Jr. (Boston Red Sox) and Adam Jones (Baltimore Orioles).
The winners of the 2014 Gold Gloves will be announced on Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN 2.