Fielding Bible Awards Announced

The Fielding Bible Awards do what the Gold Glove Awards should (but don't) do: recognize the best defensive player at each position. Voted on by smart baseball people (Bill James, Peter Gammons, and the like), they are far more legitimate than the Gold Gloves. Those are decided by coaches and managers, and too often they're just given to the previous year's winner or to a mediocre defender with big offensive numbers. Only one Fielding Bible Award is given at each position, not one per league, so the competition is stiff. This year's winners:

Catcher: Yadier Molina, Cardinals
The best defensive catcher in baseball by far, a top-five MVP candidate, and possibly the most valuable defensive player in baseball. He'll rightfully win the Gold Glove, too. Threw out a remarkable 46% of basestealers.

First Base: Mark Teixeira, Yankees
Another typically stellar defensive season from Teixeira, who stands alone as a first baseman who can actually throw to take out lead runners or start double plays. But he may lose the Gold Glove out of everyone's respect for Albert Pujols.

Second Base: Darwin Barney, Cubs
He's another one who might lose the Gold Glove, because of Brandon Phillips' reputation, but Barney tied the major league record for most consecutive error-less games (141).

Third Base: Adrian Beltre, Rangers
Don't think anyone is complaining about this choice. He'll win the Gold Glove, too.

Shortstop: Brendan Ryan, Mariners
Easily the best defensive shortstop in baseball. Here's a player who probably can't win the Gold Glove because of his offense (hit .194 this year). Watching Brendan Ryan's defensive highlights is addicting. His old-school facial hair just completes the package.

Left Field: Alex Gordon, Royals
A unanimous winner, as a third baseman with a cannon arm playing in left field. His toughest competition, Brett Gardner and Carl Crawford, wasn't even on the field for most of the season.

Center Field: Mike Trout, Angels
The first of many, one would imagine.

Right Field: Jason Heyward, Braves
If Heyward loses the Gold Glove, it would be a travesty of the highest order.

Pitcher: Mark Buehrle, Marlins
Buehrle is going to win these fielding awards every year until he finally breaks down and retires.

The Gold Glove winners are announced in a couple of days, and like every year, they're going to be controversial. For the time being, it's nice to recognize the truly elite defensive players at each position without worrying about the politics of voting within baseball.