photo: Kolten Wong (USA TODAY Sports Images)
With a 12.3 score, St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong continues to lead all fielders at all positions in the National League in the updated SABR Defensive Index rankings, which cover the 2018 season through August 19 and were released on Friday, August 31.
This blend of five measures is especially important as it carries 25 percent of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award selection score, added to the votes from managers and coaches, which make up the other 75 percent.
Wong, 27, has been on the 10-day disabled list since August 26 with a left hamstring strain that is not expected to be long-lasting.
Other ranked Cardinals include Miles Mikolas, seven among NL pitchers, Yadier Molina, sixth on the catching list, Jose Martinez, second to last at first base, Paul DeJong, fifth among shortstops, Matt Carpenter, third at third base and Marcell Ozuna, fifth among left fielders. Center fielder Harrison Bader apparently has not played the minimum number of games to be included.
The final SDIs for 2018 will not be announced until after Gold Glove Award voting is completed.
In recent years, the top three in the final Gold Glove Award scoring at each position are pre-announced as “finalists” about two weeks before the winners are disclosed. Even though the final votes are already known to those tabulating them, this artificial interim step was created to increase fan interest level and provide greater brand marketing value for the sponsor. Award winners are usually announced in early November.
Click here to view full SDI rankings by position and league.
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