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All That Glitters Is Not Gold

I had some fun over at SI.com yesterday taking a look at the 2008 Gold Glove winners through the lense of UZR and The Fielding Bible. Along the way I name the best and worst defender at every position on the diamond according to those metrics and point out some surprises. Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez, Johnny Damon, Jose Molina, and Mike Mussina all make appearances. Derek Jeter comes up too, but only in passing.

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7 comments

1 Bama Yankee   ~  Jul 22, 2009 12:20 pm

When I saw the title, I thought you might be referencing the Dan Seals song. Then I watched the clip...they're slightly different. ;-)

btw, good work on the SI.com piece, Cliff.

2 Rob Abruzzese   ~  Jul 22, 2009 12:32 pm

I'm wondering if Jeter's recent rise in UZR has more to do with his change in manager than his improving ability at this age.

3 Cliff Corcoran   ~  Jul 22, 2009 12:44 pm

[2] Change in coaching/positioning, sure. Mick Kelleher is getting a lot of credit for Jeter's defense this year.

[1] No kidding. I'd never heard of Dan Seals before, FWIW.

4 Horace Clarke Era   ~  Jul 22, 2009 1:10 pm

Wow, this makes Wells look even WORSE. He can't hit, and it looks like he's just awful in the field now.

Maybe he overtakes Zito as the worst signing after all.

5 thelarmis   ~  Jul 22, 2009 1:47 pm

i haven't read the article, i've never heard of Dan Seals and i haven't watched the vid clip (i suck, i know), but...i'm guessing the the title of this post is in reference to:

Led Zep "Stairway To Heaven"

whaddo i win?! ; )

6 Bama Yankee   ~  Jul 22, 2009 3:19 pm

Dan Seals was originally part of England Dan & John Ford Coley (they had a few pop hits back in the 70's). He then went solo and had 11 number one hits on the country charts. Unfortunately, he passed away back in March at age 61 after a bout with mantle cell lymphoma. He had some pretty good stuff, even if you're not into country music you should check him out.

7 Cliff Corcoran   ~  Jul 23, 2009 9:01 am

[5] A big fat nothin'. The phrase is biblical, but the song I was thinking of is the one in the video. But thanks for playing (or not, in this case).

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