Beltre continues to build Gold Glove reputation with M’s

Carlos Garcia laments the fact that the Gold Glove award, despite its supposed recognition of baseball’s best defensive player at each position, often is determined by more factors than defense.

Otherwise, says the Mariners coach who is responsible for infield play, Adrian Beltre already would have a Gold Glove.

“He should have one,” Garcia said. “Unfortunately, what you’ve done offensively also if a part of that.”

Eric Chavez of the Oakland A’s has won the last six American League Gold Gloves at third base, and Garcia has a hard time believing he’s a better defensive player than Beltre.

During Beltre’s two full seasons with the Mariners, his numbers compared well with Chavez. Beltre had a .967 fielding percentage in 2005 (Chavez was .966) and .968 in 2006 (Chavez .987).

Beltre, however, has established a reputation in Seattle – and in Garcia’s mind – for turning impossible plays into outs with his quick, soft hands and strong arm.

“A.B. is the best I’ve ever seen,” Garcia said.

Garcia believes Beltre is penalized because he plays on the West Coast, although playing in Oakland hasn’t hurt Chavez.

“If he played on the East Coast, he would be exposed to more media,” Garcia said. “They would see every day how good his defense is. Chavez has an advantage because the A’s have been in the playoffs so much. But in my mind, no way is Eric Chavez a better defensive player than Adrian.”

Defending the call

Manager Mike Hargrove said his reason for calling a hit-and-run in the seventh inning Thursday was to keep the M’s out of a double play, even though they trailed by three runs at the time.

It ultimately cost Ichiro Suzuki his A.L.-record streak of 45 straight stolen bases when he was thrown out after Jose Vidro didn’t swing at Bartolo Colon’s pitch, which was too far outside to reach.

After the game, Ichiro said he had “a bad feeling” about the play when he saw the hit-and-run sign.

“It was an amazing streak. I’m sorry it ended the way it did,” Hargrove said. “I hope he gets another 45.”