Hunter golden in the field for eighth time
By Lyle Spencer / MLB.com
ANAHEIM -- For the eighth consecutive year, Torii Hunter has claimed a Rawlings Gold Glove, this time for his superlative work in center field for the American League West champion Angels. Signing a five-year free-agent deal with the Angels last winter, Hunter emphasized his desire to extend his streak of Gold Glove seasons. His previous seven came as a member of the Twins. "I take a lot of pride in my defense -- it's one part of the game that can be a constant if you concentrate on what you're doing," said Hunter, who on several occasions went high above the wall to take away home runs. One such play, with Richie Sexson as his victim, saved a game against the Mariners at Angel Stadium. Only five outfielders -- Roberto Clemente (12), Willie Mays (12), Ken Griffey Jr. (10), Andruw Jones (10) and Al Kaline (10) -- have won more Gold Gloves than Hunter, who moved into a tie with Ichiro Suzuki, Paul Blair, Barry Bonds, Andre Dawson, Jim Edmonds, Dwight Evans and Garry Maddox with eight. Hunter was flawless in the field in 2008, not committing an error while playing 137 games and handling 354 total chances. He hasn't been charged with an error since Aug. 31, 2007, although he did make an error in the American League Division Series against Boston when he mishandled a line drive by Mark Kotsay. Ichiro, with division rival Seattle, also has won eight Gold Gloves in a row. "Torii solidified our defense and gave us a leader in the outfield," manager Mike Scioscia said. "He had a great season, offensively as well as defensively." The winners were selected by managers and coaches from each American League team. They are not allowed to vote for their own players. The rest of the American League winners were pitcher Mike Mussina (Yankees), catcher Joe Mauer (Twins), first baseman Carlos Pena (Rays), second baseman Dustin Pedroia (Red Sox), third baseman Adrian Beltre (Mariners), shortstop Michael Young (Rangers) and outfielders Hunter, Ichiro and Grady Sizemore (Indians). The 2008 season marked the 52nd year of the Gold Glove Award. The first were awarded in 1957 to one player at each position from both leagues, then expanded the next year to include a lineup of nine players, one from each league.
2008 American League Gold Glove Winners P, Mike Mussina, NYY C, Joe Mauer, MIN 1B, Carlos Pena, TB 2B, Dustin Pedroia, BOS 3B, Adrian Beltre, SEA SS, Michael Young, TEX OF, Torii Hunter, LAA OF, Grady Sizemore, CLE OF, Ichiro Suzuki, SEA