The defensive accolades keep coming for Orioles third baseman Manny Machado and Atlanta Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons, who now have Platinum Gloves to add to their Gold Gloves:
2013 #RawlingsPlatinumGlove Award winners: @Orioles Manny Machado & @Braves @Andrelton Simmons pic.twitter.com/Mh4caK3ljE
— Rawlings Sports (@RawlingsSports) November 9, 2013
Here's more on the Platinum Glove Awards:
#RawlingsPlatinumGlove award winners are decided by combination of fan vote & the SABR Defensive Index. Machado led AL in both. #Orioles
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) November 9, 2013
Platinum Gloves are awarded to the two-best defenders among Gold Glove winners.
Here's how the voting went, with Machado winning easily in the American League:
#RawlingsPlatinumGlove voting-AL: @Orioles Machado 27.6%, @RedSox Pedroia 17.6%, @Orioles Hardy 12.8%
— Rawlings Sports (@RawlingsSports) November 9, 2013
It was much tighter in the National League:
#RawlingsPlatinumGlove voting-NL: @Braves Simmons 20.2%, @Cardinals Molina 20.0%, @Brewers Gomez 19.7%
— Rawlings Sports (@RawlingsSports) November 9, 2013
The two best defenders in baseball won, according to FanGraphs. Machado's defense at third base was a ridiculous 35 runs above average in 2013, according to Defensive Runs Saved. Simmons' defense at short was even better: 41 runs above average. We're not worthy.
The Orioles, in their infinite wisdom, have put together a highlight reel of Machado's work at the hot corner this past season. Sit back, relax, and enjoy:
Video courtesy MLB.com
