Jeter snags first Gold Glove Award
Derek Jeter’s diving grab caught the attention of all of baseball and perhaps earned him his first American League Gold Glove.
The New York Yankees shortstop won the honor Tuesday, taking over from teammate Alex Rodriguez, who had won it two consecutive years before moving to third base this year.
In the 12th inning of a game against Boston on July 1, Jeter sprinted after Trot Nixon’s pop down the left-field line with runners at second and third. He made the catch in fair territory, went sprawling into the crowd and was stopped by the hard-backed seats. He was taken to a hospital with a bloodied chin, red-and-swollen cheek and bruised shoulder, and New York went on to win in the 13th.
“I take pride in my defense, and I work hard each year to improve in the field,” Jeter said.
Toronto outfielder Vernon Wells also was a first-time winner.
In his first season with Detroit, catcher Ivan Rodriguez won his 11th Gold Glove, his first since 2001 with Texas and the most for any catcher. Johnny Bench won the award 10 times.
Texas Rangers pitcher Kenny Rogers won for the third time.
Oakland third baseman Eric Chavez, Minnesota center fielder Torii Hunter and Seattle right fielder Ichiro Suzuki all won the award for the fourth consecutive season. Mariners second baseman Bret Boone won his third consecutive Gold Glove, his fourth overall, and Anaheim first baseman Darin Erstad won his third.
Bonds grabs 12th Silver Slugger
San Francisco Giants outfielder Barry Bonds extended his record by winning his 12th Silver Slugger award, given to the top offensive players at their positions in each league.
For the first time since the awards began in 1980, there was a tie at one position, with Detroit’s Rodriguez and Cleveland’s Victor Martinez sharing the honor as the top-hitting A.L. catcher. It was the seventh award for Rodriguez, the first for Martinez.
In the A.L. outfield, Boston’s Manny Ramirez won his seventh Silver Slugger, Anaheim’s Vladimir Guerrero his fourth and the New York Yankees’ Gary Sheffield his third. Texas second baseman Alfonso Soriano won for the second time.
Texas first baseman Mark Teixeira, Baltimore shortstop Miguel Tejada and third baseman Melvin Mora and Boston designated hitter David Ortiz were first-time winners in the A.L.
St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols won for the third time in the National League, in which there were seven first-time winners: San Diego second baseman Mark Loretta, Pittsburgh shortstop Jack Wilson, Los Angeles third baseman Adrian Beltre, St. Louis outfielder Jim Edmonds, Philadelphia outfielder Bobby Abreu, Atlanta catcher Johnny Estrada and Montreal pitcher Livan Hernandez.
Martinez files for free agency
Red Sox star Pedro Martinez filed for free agency, a week after his Game 3 victory helped Boston win its first World Series title since 1918.
Martinez just completed a $75 million, five-year contract. Boston has exclusive negotiating rights with him until Nov. 11, when other teams can make an offer for the three-time Cy Young Award winner.
“If they don’t get me, it’s probably because they didn’t try hard enough,” Martinez said after what might have been his final start in a Red Sox uniform. “My heart is with Boston.”
Leyland won’t manage Mets
Jim Leyland finally spoke to the New York Mets about becoming their manager and decided he wasn’t interested, leaving Yankees coach Willie Randolph, Texas coach Rudy Jaramillo and former Houston and Anaheim manager Terry Collins as the three finalists.
Leyland, a former Pittsburgh, Florida and Colorado manager, had a telephone conversation with new Mets general manager Omar Minaya.
“We decided at this particular time it’s not a good fit for either of us,” Leyland said.
Minaya said he was looking for a manager who would join him in scouting the winter leagues and instructional leagues during the off-season.
“The job description that I presented was not was what he was looking for right now,” Minaya said.
Backman arrests revealed
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Wally Backman will keep his new job despite revelations of two arrests and financial problems in his past.
“I’ve made a few mistakes in my life, and I think everybody has,” Backman said.
Backman acknowledged that he was arrested in 2001 after an altercation with a female family friend at his home in Prineville, Ore. He said he agreed to plead guilty to fourth-degree assault.
Backman was also arrested on a charge of driving under the influence in Kennewick in 1999, when he was manager of the Tri-City franchise of the independent Western League. He said he fought the charge for two years before pleading guilty.
He also has had financial problems, and filed for bankruptcy several years ago.
Clearing the bases
Closer Eddie Guardado will return to the Seattle Mariners next season after exercising his $4 million option for 2005. … Anaheim won’t offer closer Troy Percival a new contract, choosing instead to rely on Francisco Rodriguez in the ninth inning. … Red Sox ace Curt Schilling will have his right ankle examined on Friday, and could have surgery early next week. … Baltimore second baseman Jerry Hairston underwent ankle surgery and is expected to be fully recovered within six weeks. … Former commissioner Bowie Kuhn, 78, is home following heart surgery and planning to attend the home opener of Washington’s new major league baseball team in April.