The AL Gold Glovers and Flaws

Congratulations to the 2009 American League Gold Glove Winners:

P: Mark Buehrle
C: Joe Mauer (2nd consecutive GG)
1B: Mark Teixiera (3rd GG)
2B: Placido Polanco (2nd GG)
3B: Evan Longoria
SS: Derek Jeter (4th GG)
OF: Adam Jones
OF: Ichiro Suzuki (9th consecutive GG)
OF: Torii Hunter (9th consecutive GG)

A little bit of controversy here, but not as much as previous years. Franklin Gutierrez, arguably the best outfielder defensively this year, was snubbed. Adam Jones only played in 113 games.

Derek Jeter wins his fourth gold glove, having one of his better defensive season. Jeter has won gold gloves in the past despite being a below average defender. If this doesn't tell that the Gold Glove system is flawed, then look at Ichiro and Hunter. It shows that if a player wins their first Gold Glove, they are favorites to win the award for many years to come.

The choices weren't horrible, and not to take anything away from the winners. They are each great defenders, but the argument is whether or not they were the best option. That being said, it was "leaked" that Orlando Hudson will win the National League Gold Glove at second base. Once again, Chase Utley will be snubbed. Utley had a 10.8 Ultimate Zone Rating, second in MLB, compared to Hudson's -3.3. Plus, Hudson played about 100 innings less than Utley.

Does this mean that Greg Maddux will win his 19th Gold Glove?

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Phillies Look To Add onto Division Lead

Philadelphia Phillies (85-60) at Atlanta Braves (78-68)

J.A Happ (10-4, 2.77 EA) vs. Tim Hudson (1-0, 3.63 ERA)

Fresh off their sweep of the Washington Nationals, the Phillies travel to Atlanta to take on the Braves. This is a big series for both teams. The Phillies can lower their magic number (10), but the Braves can pick up ground. Currently, the Phillies stand 7.5 games above the Braves in the National League East.

J.A Happ will make his first start since September 2. Happ missed two starts due to a strained oblique. The lefty will try to help his Rookie of the Year campaign as he seeks his eleventh win of the season. Happ is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA against the Braves this season. Braves hitters are batting .190 against him.

Happ will be opposed by Tim Hudson, who has made three starts since returning from Tommy John Surgery. Hudson has been up in down against his division rivals. He is 4-5 with a 3.79 ERA in his career versus the Phillies, but in his most recent start, he pitched 7.2 innings allowing only one run. Ryan Howard is batting .323 against him in his career. Who could forget his three homer game against Hudson in 2006?

Shane Victorino is out with gastrointestinal problems. Ben Francisco will start in place of Victorino.