As was reported yesterday, three Yankee players won gold gloves. They have all released statements through the Yankees largely speaking of how honored they are to receive this award. We at the RJG were able to intercept the original statements from the players that were later edited and released by the Yankees. Below you can see the pre-edited and edited versions of the statements:
Mark Teixeira
Pre-Edit: "My defense is untouchable. I'm an autobot!"
Edit: “As a player who works very hard on defense, it is an honor to win my fourth Gold Glove. I am blessed to play with great teammates, and it’s special to share this achievement with Robinson Cano and Derek Jeter.”
Robinson Cano
Pre-Edit: "Two years ago some of you said that I was lazy and had no hustle. I dedicate the middle finger of this gold glove to all of you. Bring back Melky!"
Edit: “Winning the Gold Glove Award along with my teammates Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter is an honor. It’s a great feeling to be recognized by managers and coaches for my defensive skills. This is an award I’ve worked for since becoming a Major Leaguer and will continue to do so each season.”
Derek Jeter
Pre-edit: "It is a tremendous honor to receive the Gold Glove Award, especially since this recognition comes from managers and coaches for whom I have a great deal of respect. It is particularly gratifying to be recognized for defense, as it is something I take a lot of pride in and am constantly working to improve.”
Edit: "It is a tremendous honor to receive the Gold Glove Award, especially since this recognition comes from managers and coaches for whom I have a great deal of respect. It is particularly gratifying to be recognized for defense, as it is something I take a lot of pride in and am constantly working to improve.”
No one dares edit Jeter's statements.
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In case anyone missed this: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/yankees/2010/11/scout-jeter-deserved-gold-glov.html
The Haters can suck it.
This is hardly a ringing endorsement of Jeter's defense. Keep in mind that the GG is supposed to go to the best defender in the league.
"I know his range is not as good as a lot of other guys, but aside from that, I still think he’s above average. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see that his range is declining, but that’s age."
So there are "a lot of other guys" with better range than Jeter, and it's easy to see that Jeter's "range is declining." The scout says that Jeter uses his instincts to make up for his lack of range, but that's facile. Range just means a fielder's ability to get to a batted ball. If Jeter's instincts are so good that he can still make a lot of plays despite decreased physical skills, then he still has good range. The scout is saying he has average range despite his great instincts. He shouldn't be in the running for GG - he should be considered average.
"The scout said that Mark Teixeira's presence at first base helps Jeter ... as throws that may be difficult for other first baseman are scooped up with ease by Teixeira. "Teixeira at first plays a large part in Jeter’s success," the scout said."
While this is probably true, it doesn't help the scout's case. If Jeter deserves the GG, he shouldn't need his first baseman to "play a large part" in his fielding.
“If that’s what UZR says, then flush it down the toilet. Those guys are exceptional and their defense is in a class of its own.”
Everyone knows UZR is a work in progress, but why should anyone "flush it down the toilet" based on this argument? "Jeter has average range and needs a great first baseman, but is still the best SS in the league because he's smart" trumps watching every single batted ball hit to Jeter and seeing if he makes a play?
The GG is a stupid award. The refrain is always "statheads don't watch the games," but the players and managers who vote get to watch only a small fraction of plays made throughout the league. They are just voting based on fleeting impressions and hearsay.
However, Jeter still deserves some kind of gold-themed award for his golden statements to the media.
Damn, Rich. Damn. When did you start hating freedom so much? I mean . . . man. What's your issue with puppies, sunny days, and democracy? I don't get it, man. I just don't get it. People voted for that award. People. With souls. Unlike you. Voted. When the lights go out in your cave, do you assume it's another drone assault or do you have to poke your head out to check? That's right. I called you a member of the Taliban. I'm not trying to be mean right now. It's just that I'm so hurt. Voted.
Let's leave sunny days out of this, thank you very much.
I apologize. I crossed the line.
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