MVN: Most Valuable Network

Just one week ago, I talked about Nate McLouth's struggles in center field, recommending he move to a corner outfield spot in the future. Today, Major League Baseball announced the National League Gold Glove winners, and Nate was one of them. He is the first Pirate to win the award since Jay Bell in 1993. I don't think he deserved it, but I am excited to hear the news. Congratulations, Nate.

Here are the NL winners:

It never fails. No matter how many years go by, I am always amazed at some of the Gold Glove selections. This year doesn't seem to be too ridiculous, as there are some decent winners mixed in with the usual head scratchers.

My first impulse is to assume that voters just pick Maddux every year as a reaction. But according to John Dewan's plus/minus system, he was right at the top of the league again. Maddux is still sharp in the field. Yadier Molina won the Fielding Bible award, and is a good pick behind the plate.

Adrian Gonzalez was a below average first baseman in 2008, performing at a very similar level as Adam LaRoche. There were plenty of better choices, most notably Albert Pujols. Pujols, who was arguably the best offensive and defensive first baseman in baseball, gets slighted once again. Phillips is a good choice at second, making it tough to argue with the pick. But I would have liked to have seen Chase Utley take home the hardware, since he is so underrated. Oh well.

There's nothing wrong with Wright at third and Rollins at short. Both had solid seasons, and deserve their awards. Jack Wilson could have been in the discussion at short, though his time missed due to injury obviously hurt his chances.

Beltran definitely was deserving in center field, and Victorino was also impressive. It would be nice to see some corner outfielders get some love, though. Brian Giles, another underrated player, was excellent in Petco Park's right field. Also, Willie Harris was fantastic in limited playing time in left.  McLouth was dead last among center fielders in Revised Zone Rating and plus/minus.

Once again, congrats to Nate McLouth on this award.

Links:

John Dewan's Plus/Minus

The Fielding Bible Awards

Revised Zone Rating

Justin Inaz's Player Total Values