The folks over at the Sweetspot blog on ESPN almost went a full season without namingAndrelton Simmonstheir Defensive Player of the Month. That changed on the final day of September however, asSimmons was given the honorover San Francisco Giants shortstopBrandon Crawford, who led the league’s shortstops with defensive runs saved.
According to defensive runs saved, Simmons was the best shortstop in baseball last season, leading all at the position with 28 runs saved. The folks at Sweetspot believe that’s good enough to make him a lock for the Gold Glove award again this year:
"After a slow start, Simmons finished the season with 28 Defensive Runs Saved and should be a lock to win the National League Gold Glove at shortstop.Simmons didn’t lead the league in Defensive Runs Saved. His teammate Jason Heyward did, finishing with 32. Simmons placed tied for second with New York Mets outfielder Juan Lagares, who won this award in August.Simmons had 14 Defensive Runs Saved in his first 109 games, than had 14 in his last 37 games of the season (helped by plays like this one)."
With everything that’s going on with the Atlanta Braves right now, it’s actually nice to sit back and just enjoy the bright spots on the team. Yes, Simmons struggled terribly at the plate–to the tune of a .244/.286/.331 triple slash–but he continues to be an elite defender at a premium position, which will always be valuable.
Here’s to hoping Simmons does bring home another Gold Glove award and that next year he’ll beef up his offensive numbers as well. Havinga new hitting coachmight help in that regard.
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