The Red Sox failed to find glory on the field this season. Some individuals, however, will be monitoring the awards season with a bit of interest.
Adrian Beltre, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and manager Terry Francona all figure to at least receive some votes in certain categories. Beltre will have his eye on the American League Gold Glove Awards, which will be distributed Tuesday afternoon.
Here is the first installment of our awards predictions, which will be released from now until Nov. 23, when the AL Most Valuable Player is named.
AL Gold Glove:
Catcher — Joe Mauer, Twins
He’ll win a few more on reputation before Matt Wieters begins to dominate the position.
First base — Mark Teixeira, Yankees
Oakland’s Daric Barton may be the worthy winner, but Teixeira has the notoriety. Kevin Youkilis has a beef here, too.
Second base — Orlando Hudson, Twins
The O-Dawg needs more trophies to go with that smile.
Shortstop — Alexei Ramirez, White Sox
The AL leader at the position in assists, putouts, double plays and UZR rating. Time for Derek Jeter to give this one up.
Third base — Evan Longoria, Rays
Beltre deserves consideration in a wide-open race, but his 19 errors won’t help. Longoria may have the best defensive numbers across the board, whether you like new- or old-school figures.
Outfield — Ichiro Suzuki
Until he can no longer stretch unlike any other human being, Ichiro will have the legs to win this every year. This will be his 10th.
Outfield — Josh Hamilton
If he can ever stay completely healthy, Hamilton is the best all-around player in baseball. Part of that is his ability to play a very good center field.
Outfield — Carl Crawford
Although left field is less glamorous as center, where you can show off your legs, and right, where you can show off your arm, Crawford may be the best defensive outfielder in baseball relative to his position. Would look nice playing 81 games in front of the Green Monster.
Pitcher — Mark Buehrle, White Sox
OK, so this one was leaked a bit by Buehrle’s wife on Facebook. Even if it wasn’t, Buehrle would get the nod, if only for his Opening Day defensive gem.
