Five Royals Nominated For Gold Gloves

In the end, its an honor just to be nominated.

The Royals played some historically great defense this year, and that defense was recognized today when it was announced that five Royals have been nominated for Gold Gloves. Only the Orioles had more players nominated. The five Royals are:

Salvador Perez

Perez threw out 35% of would-be basestealers this year and led the American League with eleven runs saved at the catcher position this year. He had the second-most games caught in the league, and led all AL catchers in assists. According to Baseball-Reference, he was fourth in defensive WAR among all players. This is the first time Perez has been nominated. He will be up against Matt Wieters of the Orioles and Joe Mauer of the Twins.

Eric Hosmer

Hosmer led AL first basemen in assists, and was fifth in Range Factor. He was third in defensive runs saved. Hosmer was nominated last year, but did not win. He is up against James Loney of the Rays and Chris Davis of the Orioles.

Alcides Escobar

Escobar was second in the league in games played at shortstop and  fourth in assists. He was fifth in fielding percentage and second in Total Zone Runs. This is Escobar's first nomination. He is up against Yunel Escobar of the Rays and J.J. Hardy of the Orioles.

Alex Gordon

Gordon is a two-time Gold Glove winner. For the third straight year, he led the league in left-field assists with 17, and in two of those three years he led all outfielders. He led the league in range factor per game in left field and was second in fielding percentage in left-field.  He led AL left-fielders in defensive runs saved as well with 16. He is up against Yoenis Cespedes of the Athletics and Andy Dirks of the Tigers. Gordo should be a hands-down favorite for his third Gold Glove.

Lorenzo Cain

Cain was amazing this year when healthy. He was second in the league in defensive WAR at 2.9 behind only Manny Machado. He led AL centerfielders in defensive runs saved, and was third in range factor per game in center field. This it Lorenzo's first nomination. He is up against Jacoby Ellsbury of the Red Sox and Adam Jones of the Orioles.

A complete list of nominees.

For the first time, sabermetrics will be used in voting, so don't be surprised if Derek Jeter doesn't win.