Will Blue Jays Gloves Come Up Gold?

Mar 13, 2013; Bradenton, FL, USA; (EDITORS NOTE: multiple exposure image) Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Mark Buehrle (56) throws against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the bottom of the third inning of a spring training game at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Blue Jays season may have been marred by a plethora of defensive miscues, but that hasn’t stopped two members of the team standing out above the rest.

On Friday morning, Rawlings announced their Gold Glove finalists (h/t Gregor Chisholm) for each league, and two Blue Jays were among those heading to the final round. Unfortunately, they both man the same position, with Mark Buehrle and R.A. Dickey receiving two of the three nominations for pitcher (opposing Doug Fister of the Tigers).

The 34-year-old Buehrle is no stranger to the Gold Glove award, having won one in each of the last four seasons. Three of the awards came while Buehrle was a member of the Chicago White Sox, with the fourth coming last season in Miami with the Marlins. 2013 was somewhat of an anomaly for Buehrle though, as he made two errors on the season, the first time he’s done that since 2005.

R.A. Dickey has yet to win a Gold Glove during his career, but is well regarded for his ability to put himself into a good fielding position and make the necessary plays.

The Blue Jays also saw two prominent omissions from the nominations in third baseman Brett Lawrie and center fielder Colby Rasmus.

Lawrie’s case was hurt for two reasons. Firstly, he missed a substantial amount of time during the season. Secondly, his UZR was actually down to -0.1 and his defensive runs saved was also down this year at just 4, compared to 20 a season ago.

Rasmus may be the more glaring omission. The 27-year-old actually lead American League center fielders with a 11.2 UZR, was third in defensive runs saved at 11, and was second in range runs above average with a 14.6 mark. To not even give Rasmus a nomination is an insult to just how sound a defensive season he had in 2013.

The winners will be announced on Tuesday evening at 7:00pm, Eastern Standard Time.