MLB Notes: Zimmerman golden for error-prone Nats

The Associated Press

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NEW YORK — That travel team back in Virginia a decade ago must have played great defense.

Ryan Zimmerman succeeded boyhood friend David Wright as the National League's Gold Glove third baseman Wednesday. In high school, when Zimmerman was a shortstop, the two played together on a youth team.

"Hopefully if we're lucky enough to continue doing what we're doing, this will be a yearly thing," Zimmerman said. "It's fun for us."

NL Gold Gloves
- P Adam Wainwright Cards
- C Yadier Molina (2) St. Louis
- 1B Adrian Gonzalez (2) Padres
- 2B Orlando Hudson (4) Dodgers
- 3B Ryan Zimmerman Nationals
- SS Jimmy Rollins (3) Phillies
- OF Shane Victorino (2) Phillies
- OF Michael Bourn Astros
- OF Matt Kemp Dodgers

A college teammate from the University of Virginia, Arizona's Mark Reynolds, is competing with Zimmerman for a Silver Slugger award, to be announced today.

"We all push each other to work harder," said Zimmerman, who had 33 homers and 106 RBIs.

Zimmerman led major league third basemen with 325 assists and became only the second Washington player to win the award, joining catcher Earl Battey of the original Senators in 1960. He also became the second infielder to win a Gold Glove from a team with the worst fielding percentage in the majors, following Texas shortstop Michael Young last year.

The Nationals led the major leagues with 143 errors.

"Our team as a whole needs to realize that if we want to win we've got to play defense," Zimmerman said. "We need to take more responsibility on the defensive side of the ball and realize that if we want to start winning that, you know, that's just as much a part of winning as hitting and scoring runs."

Philadelphia shortstop Jimmy Rollins earned his third consecutive Gold Glove and Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino won for the second straight time.

The Gold Gloves were far more rewarding last year, when the Phillies won the World Series for the first time since 1980. This year, Philadelphia lost to the New York Yankees in six games.

Rollins became the Phillies fifth three-time winner, joining Mike Schmidt (10), Garry Maddox (eight), Manny Trillo and Scott Rolen (three each).

St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina and San Diego first baseman Adrian Gonzalez also were second-time winners announced Wednesday.

Adam Wainwright became the first Cardinals pitcher to win since Joaquin Andujar in 1984 and succeeded Greg Maddux, who won his record 18th Gold Glove last year. Wainwright also is a favorite for the NL Cy Young after going 19-8 with a 2.63 ERA.

Dodgers second baseman Orlando Hudson, who broke his left wrist in August 2008, to win for the fourth time.

Houston outfielder Michael Bourn and Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp also were first-time winners — and gave the NL three center fielders in the Gold Glove outfield.

• GM MEETINGS — General managers ended their meetings in Chicago on Wednesday with little fanfare an no trades. "It's the same thing every year at this time of year," White Sox general manager Ken Williams said. "There is nothing to report." One internal deal was struck as Seattle agreed to a one-year contract to keep Ken Griffey Jr.

• WILLIAMS WILL COACH — Former Arizona slugger Matt Williams is joining the Diamondbacks as first base coach. A five-time All-Star, Williams, 43, will make his big league coaching debut.