Four Cardinals Earn Gold Gloves
Edmonds, Rolen, Vina Win Again
Renteria Gets First
Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
November 15, 2002
The Cardinals became the season's most celebrated defensive team Thursday when second baseman Fernando Vina, third baseman Scott Rolen, shortstop Edgar Renteria and center fielder Jim Edmonds were named Gold Glove recipients at their respective positions.
Considered by many industry experts to have their league's most potent lineup at season's end, the Cardinals also established themselves as the game's most star-studded defensive club. Thursday marked the first time since third baseman Ken Boyer, first baseman Bill White, center fielder Curt Flood and pitcher Bobby Shantz won in 1963 that the Redbirds have earned four Gold Glove Awards, given by Rawlings since 1958.
Renteria was the first Cardinals shortstop named since Ozzie Smith won in 1992 and Rolen the first Cardinals third baseman since Terry Pendleton in 1989. No other team received more than three awards this year.
"It goes to show this team what it's all about to have four guys named Gold Glove winners," Vina said. "You add (first baseman) Tino Martinez and (former winner, catcher) Mike Matheny -- guys that could have won, too -- and this is a special team."
How much are four Gold Gloves worth to the Cardinals?
In this case, $250,000.
Vina and Renteria each receive a $100,000 incentive bonus for being selected. Edmonds, who captured his sixth consecutive Gold Glove and third in the National League, earned a $50,000 bonus. Rolen, who signed an eight-year, $90 million contract extension with the Redbirds in September, didn't have a Gold Glove incentive in his previous contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.
The award was Vina's second straight and the first for Renteria, who along with Rolen earned a Silver Slugger at his position earlier this month for offensive excellence.
Edmonds and Renteria also received mention in NL Most Valuable Player balloting released earlier this week.
The only infielder named outside the Cardinals clubhouse was Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton. Houston Astros catcher Brad Ausmus, Rockies right fielder Larry Walker, Atlanta Braves center fielder Andruw Jones and Braves pitcher Greg Maddux also won.
National League managers and coaches clearly based their votes on more than raw numbers. The Cardinals ranked sixth in the league in team fielding but were third in double plays turned and fourth in passed balls allowed. Renteria committed 17 errors, his fewest since making 15 with the 1997 Florida Marlins. Vina committed 13 errors, his most since 1996 with the Milwaukee Brewers but still outplayed perennial candidates Roberto Alomar and Pokey Reese.
Edmonds made five errors compared with 11 assists. Rolen's 16 errors were his most since his 1997 rookie season and included eight in 55 games with the Cardinals, but he also led NL third baseman in total chances.
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