Gold Is A Player's Best Friend

   One of the most coveted single season individual awards is a Gold Glove. Gold Gloves are given to the best defensive player at each position at the end of each season. However, when it comes to the outfield, the award is given to the three best outfielders in each league...not necessarily the best at the three separate outfield positions. With that being said, these are my current front runners by position for this hallowed award.

American League Gold Gloves

First Base: Mark Teixeira (NYY)

Second Base: Dustin Ackley (SEA)

Shortstop: Brendan Ryan (SEA) -Despite Seattle's struggles, their middle infielders, Dustin Ackley and Brendan Ryan sweep the Gold Gloves for those positions. This is something good that the M's can take away from a rather disappointing first half.                             

Third Base: Miguel Cabrera (DET)

Catcher: A.J. Pierzynski (CHW)

Outfield 1: Curtis Granderson (NYY)

Outfield 2: Austin Jackson (DET)

Outfield 3: Michael Brantley (CLE) -With perfect 1.000 fielding percentages, Granderson and Jackson are no-brainers Gold Glovers thus far. The conflict, however, comes with the third outfield award. Texas outfielder Craig Gentry also had a 1.000, but since Gentry is not an everyday player, I gave Cleveland Indians center fielder Michael Brantley the final spot.

Pitcher: Felix Hernandez (SEA)

National League Gold Gloves

First Base: Freddie Freeman (ATL)

Second Base: Brandon Phillips (CIN) -Even though Darwin Barney of the Chicago Cubs has slightly better numbers, Phillips has been very good for a winning team, and that gives him the edge.

Shortstop: Jimmy Rollins (PHI)

Third Base: Chase Headley (SD) -Third base in the National League has been a difficult position to play this season. No one had great numbers, with the exception of Philadelphia's Placido Polanco, who has only played 78 games due to injury. Thus, Headley gets the nod, only as, what seems to be the least of many evils at third base so far this season.

Catcher: Yadier Molina (STL)

Outfield 1: Alfonso Soriano (CHC)

Outfield 2: Andrew McCutchen (PIT)

Outfield 3: Shane Victorino (PHI/LAD) -Despite being traded to the Dodgers at the deadline, his consistent play in the field and the fact that he still remains in the NL helps him grab the last outfield spot.

Pitcher: Mark Buehrle (MIA)

    Be sure to check back soon for playoff predictions and opinions on current story lines in and around Major League Baseball. See ya 'round!