Three Reds win NL Gold Glove awards

Associated Press

NEW YORK

The new version of the Big Red Machine plays some pretty slick defense, too.

Cincinnati third baseman Scott Rolen won his eighth Gold Glove on Wednesday, one of three Reds players to be honored following the team’s first playoff appearance in 15 years. Second baseman Brandon Phillips and pitcher Bronson Arroyo also were among the National League recipients announced by Rawlings.

It’s the first time Cincinnati has had more than one winner since the days of the Big Red Machine, when catcher Johnny Bench, second baseman Joe Morgan, shortstop Dave Concepcion and center fielder Cesar Geronimo won four straight years from 1974-77.

“I think our defense won a lot of games this year,” Rolen said.

St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina and Philadelphia outfielder Shane Victorino each garnered their third Gold Glove in a row. Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez joined Arroyo as first-time winners.

“It was definitely a shock,” Arroyo said. “Honestly, it never even crossed my mind once throughout my entire career.”

Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols won for the second time (2006), and speedy Houston center fielder Michael Bourn was a repeat winner.

“Michael’s second Gold Glove comes as no surprise to anyone who has watched him play,” Astros general manager Ed Wade said. “You see the ball leave the bat, and you say, ‘No way that one gets caught,’ and then Michael runs it down. Some guys make plays look tougher than they are. Michael makes the impossible catch look routine. It’s nice to see his hard work get recognized.”

Phillips also won in 2008 before Orlando Hudson took the NL award at second base last year.

Rolen was selected for the first time since 2006. His eight Gold Gloves rank third at his position behind Hall of Famers Brooks Robinson (16) and Mike Schmidt (10).

The 35-year-old Rolen joked that he and general manager Walt Jocketty had already discussed a six-to-eight-year contract extension for “unlimited dollars” so he could chase Schmidt and Robinson.

“I think Mike Schmidt was the best third baseman to ever play the game,” Rolen said. “To be with those guys obviously is an amazing compliment.”