Beltre, Moreland earn AL Gold Glove Awards
ARLINGTON -- Rangers third baseman Adrián Beltré and first baseman Mitch Moreland were selected as American League Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners on Tuesday for defensive excellence at their positions.
It is the fifth honor for Beltre and the first for Moreland. Beltre also won in 2007-08 and 2011-12. Beltre is just the fifth infielder to win a Gold Glove Award at age 37 or older.
Beltre is tied for seventh all-time for most Gold Glove Awards by a third baseman. Brooks Robinson is the leader with 16, followed by Mike Schmidt with 10, Scott Rolen with nine, Buddy Bell with eight, and Eric Chavez and Robin Ventura with five each.
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Beltre led all AL third basemen with an .821 Zone Rating, while finishing third with a .976 fielding percentage. He ranked second in the AL in total chances, assists (301), and double plays (43).
Moreland, who is a free agent, is the third Rangers first baseman to win a Gold Glove. Rafael Palmeiro won in 1999 and Mark Teixeira won in 2005-06. Moreland led AL first basemen in fielding percentage, finishing the season with a 52-game errorless streak.
This is the first time the Rangers have had multiple Gold Glove Award winners since Teixeira and pitcher Kenny Rogers in 2005. It's the first time they have had two infielders win in the same season.
The Gold Glove Awards are presented for defensive excellence in voting conducted by managers and coaches. Staff members may not vote for players on their own teams.