Braves SS Andrelton Simmons wins Platinum Glove Award

Sep 28, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons (19) throws a runner out at first against the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

It was no surprise that Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons was the winner of the National League’s Gold Glove Award this season, as he was generally regarded as an utter slam dunk in the category. However, every year, Rawlings also gives out a “Platinum” Glove Award to the best overall defender in each league (AL and NL), and while Simmons would be the front-runner for any Atlanta Braves fan, it wasn’t a “lock” that he would take the prize home.

On Friday night, Rawlings took to Twitter to announce this year’s winners, and Braves fans will be happy with the results:

For me, there is absolutely no doubt that Andrelton Simmons was the best defensive player in all of baseball this season, as he posted a 5.4 defensive WAR (according to Baseball-Reference) that places him tied for the best season ever, and he shattered the previous mark for DRS (defensive runs saved) as calculated by the Fielding Bible. On top of that, Simmons led the NL in putouts (for all of the traditional stat lovers in the audience), and was generally spectacular in the field throughout the march to the NL East crown.

It should be noted that Simmons actually squeaked by St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina for the NL award by less than 1 percentage point, but in the end, justice was done. It was an absolute pleasure to watch Andrelton in the field this year, and Braves fans will be in for that treat for the foreseeable future.