ORLANDO — It’s hard to comprehend that a team that seemingly caught everything this past season coming up empty-handed in the Gold Glove voting.
Such was the sentiment of Rockies manager Clint Hurdle. His team committed the fewest errors in baseball, yet shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, first baseman Todd Helton and left fielder Matt Holliday, all worthy candidates in the boss’ mind, were passed over in the voting.
“You’d think we would have had one guy,” Hurdle said today. “It’s unfortunate. Obviously, there are a lot of great defensive players in the National League. I just don’t think our guys get the same exposure. You look at who won and they are from bigger markets. Maybe that will change now after our season.”
Jimmy Rollins won at shortstop, the Cubs’ Derrek Lee grabbed first-base honors and four outfielders were chosen in front of Holliday – New York’s Carlos Beltran, Atlanta’s Andruw Jones and Jeff Francoeur and Philadelphia’s Aaron Rowand.
Typically center fielders man all the Gold Glove spots since voters are not asked to distinguish by position in the outfield. Francoeur plays right field.
“Matt improved as much anybody. He had a fine season,” Hurdle said.
Beginning next week, the Rockies will learn whether they win the postseason’s biggest hardware: NL Rookie of the Year, NL Manager of the Year and NL MVP.
“Regardless of what happens, we won’t be disappointed based on the season we had,” Hurdle said.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
