PITTSBURGH — Both shortstop Ronny Cedeno and second baseman Neil Walker compiled a consecutive errorless streak of at least 42-games this season with the Pirates. And on Tuesday, their hard work in the infield was brought to attention as it was announced that both Cedeno and Walker were nominated for a Gold Glove.
It marks the first time that either player has been nominated for the prestigious award.
Joining Cedeno in the National League are the Colorado Rockies Troy Tulowitzki and Atlanta Braves Alex Gonzalez.
Cedeno went 45 consecutive games at shortstop and one at second without committing an error. Cedeno turned a career-high 72 double plays and ranked fourth in the league with a .978 fielding percentage.
The Pirates declined Cedeno’s $3 million club option for the 2012 season making him a free-agent. Cedeno batted .249 with 25 doubles, three triples, two homers and 32 RBI in 128 games with Pittsburgh.
Joining Walker in the NL at second base is Brandon Phillips of the Cincinnati Reds and Omar Infante of the Florida Marlins.
Walker finished the season with a 56-game errorless streak and lead all NL second basemen with a .992 fielding percentage. Walker also had a 42-game errorless streak earlier this season with the Pirates.
Walker, who was originally drafted as a catcher, credits his fine defense from working with Hall-of-Famer Bill Mazeroski in spring training and third base and infield coach Nick Leyva throughout the season.
“Maz helped me out a lot during spring training, especially turning double plays,“ Walker told me in September. “Nick Leyva does a great job keeping all of us in the right position and where we need to be. After that, that’s really all they can do, compare us, help us prepare and hope that we’re in the right position. It’s been a good year for me on the defensive side of the ball but there’s still a lot to improve upon.”
Walker hit .273 with 36 doubles, four triples, 12 home runs and 83 RBI in 159 games with the Pirates. His 83 RBI as a second baseman led the National League; the most by a bucco second baseman since Tony Piet (85 in 1932).
The winners will be announced Tuesday on ESPN.
Photo credit: Yahoo! Sports
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