Throughout the Rockies’ difficult 101-loss season, the one positive thing they could count on was their solid and often outstanding defense.
So it was no surprise that center fielder Brenton Doyle, shortstop Ezequiel Tovar and third baseman Ryan McMahon were named Tuesday morning as finalists for the National League’s Rawlings Gold Glove awards.
Three finalists were named for each position.
Doyle, known for his athleticism, strong arm, and an array of highlight-reel plays, is seeking his second consecutive Gold Glove, and he has an excellent chance of winning. Last year, the center fielder became the second Colorado rookie to win the award. The other was third baseman Nolan Arenado, who snagged the first of his 10 Gold Gloves in 2013.
Doyle was the first NL rookie outfielder in history to win a Gold Glove, and he has an excellent shot at repeating.
Tovar and McMahon were both finalists last year, Tovar for the first time and McMahon for the third time. Manager Bud Black lobbied hard for all three players to win, and was especially adamant that Tovar deserves the award.
But both Tovar and McMahon face stiff competition at positions that are stocked with talent.
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