Three Boston Red Sox players are positioned for hardware.
Rawlings announced its 2014 American League Gold Glove finalists Thursday, with Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. and left fielder Yoenis Cespedes among the group.
Pedroia’s season was cut short because of a thumb/wrist injury that required surgery. He also posted career-worst numbers offensively amid Boston’s struggles. The tumultuous campaign didn’t hinder Pedroia’s performance in the field, though. He still could land his fourth Gold Glove.
Bradley had a rough season offensively, to the point where he was optioned back to Triple-A Pawtucket. But there’s no denying Bradley has the goods to be an elite defensive center fielder, as he repeatedly wowed fans this season with his impressive jumps, excellent range and very strong throwing arm.
Cespedes, like Bradley, showed up on plenty of highlight reels in 2014. He led all MLB outfielders with 16 assists — three more than Bradley.
Bradley and Cespedes both are eyeing their first Gold Gloves.
The complete list of 2014 AL Gold Glove finalists is below.
Pitcher: Mark Buehrle (TOR), Felix Hernandez (SEA), Dallas Keuchel (HOU)
Catcher: Alex Avila (DET), Yan Gomes (CLE), Salvador Perez (KC)
First base: Miguel Cabrera (DET), Eric Hosmer (KC), Albert Pujols (LAA)
Second base: Robinson Cano (SEA), Ian Kinsler (DET), Dustin Pedroia (BOS)
Third base: Adrian Beltre (TEX), Josh Donaldson (OAK), Kyle Seager (SEA)
Shortstop: Alcides Escobar (KC), J.J. Hardy (BAL), Alexei Ramirez (CWS)
Left field: Michael Brantley (CLE), Yoenis Cespedes (BOS), Alex Gordon (KC)
Center field: Jackie Bradley, Jr. (BOS), Adam Eaton (CWS), Adam Jones (BAL)
Right field: Kole Calhoun (LAA), Kevin Kiermaier (TB), Nick Markakis (BAL)
Photo via Peter G. Aiken/USA TODAY Sports Images
