Improve your defense, earn a Gold Glove. That was Cardinals’ slugger Albert Pujols’ thought entering this past season, and the hard work paid off. The first baseman picked up the first Gold Glove award of his career, joining teammate Scott Rolen on the National League list.
It was Rolen’s seventh award at the Hot Corner, placing him third on the all-time list. Only Hall of Famers Brooks Robinson (16) and Mike Schmidt (10) have more. Rolen led NL third basemen in fielding percentage this season, while committing 15 errors.
2006 was Pujols’ third season at first base, and he worked tirelessly with third base coach Jose Oquendo to improve his defense. His award is the first by a St. Louis first baseman since Keith Hernandez took home the gold in 1982.
Jim Edmonds did not win for the first time since joining the Redbirds. He had taken home the award in the previous seven seasons, and the center fielder was the only Cardinal to win a Gold Glove in 2005.
Related web sites:
Cardinals’ Official Website