2013 NL Gold Glove Finalists: Second base

Aug 20, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Darwin Barney (15) forces out Washington Nationals right fielder Jayson Werth (28) during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

We’re going to continue our look at the final three players who qualified for a Gold Glove at their respected positions with our attention now on second base. If you haven’t checked out my first base post yet, go ahead and click here to check it out.

Now let’s get going on this little insight on the three guys who qualified for second base honors.

Darwin Barney, Chicago Cubs – Darwin’s not that big of an offensive threat, but boy oh boy can this young man play defense. The 27 year old second baseman does have a bright future, but with the prospects in the Chicago Cubs farm system who are about ready to make their move on up to the big leagues, he may not be with Chicago for very long. It’s sad to say but it’s true. I wish there was some way Chicago could keep him on their roster, but it seems unlikely. Barney won his first Gold Glove last season as he beat Brandon Phillips who won the previous couple. Barney posted a .997 fielding percentage last year to win the Gold Glove, this season he only fielded .993 with 363 assists, four errors and 72 double plays.

Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds – Of course, the defensive highlight reel Brandon Phillips is back in the running once again for another Gold Glove. This man has made a lot of outstanding, jaw dropping plays in his career at the second base position and has deserved every Gold Glove he’s won. This season could be his last as a Cincinnati Red (just saying) as he played 151 games this season at second base. He recorded 428 assists, 278, nine errors and 84 successful double plays on a .987 fielding percentage.

Mark Ellis, Los Angeles Dodgers – 36 year old veteran infielder Mark Ellis could have played his last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers after they signed Cuban infielder Alexander Guerrero. The team told Ellis that he would be welcomed back, but would probably see a decrease in playing time. That didn’t come from them, it came from me. Anyways, Ellis has played in 119 games this season at second base for the Dodgers and was able to pick up 302 assists, six errors and turn 78 double plays while fielding .989 on the season.

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