Platinum Glove is an award given to the best defensive player in Major League Baseball (MLB). It is the highest defensive honor a player can receive, and is awarded to just one player each year. This article will explore how the Platinum Glove is determined.
Background of the Platinum Glove
The Platinum Glove Award was first introduced in 2011. It is given to the best defensive player in each league, regardless of position. It is a joint effort of Rawlings Sporting Goods and MLB Network, and is presented to the player with the most votes from fans. The award is part of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award program, which recognizes the top defensive players in each of the nine defensive positions in MLB.
Voting Process
Fans are allowed to vote for the Platinum Glove Award winner online. This voting process begins in September of each year, and is open to all registered voters. The winner is determined by a combination of fan votes, a panel of experts from MLB Network, and statistical data from the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR).
Voting Rules
The voting rules for the Platinum Glove Award are designed to ensure fairness and accuracy. Fans are limited to one vote per day, and only votes cast on or before the voting deadline are counted. Votes cast after the deadline are not counted. Voters must also select a player from each of the nine defensive positions in MLB.
SABR Defensive Index
The SABR Defensive Index (SDI) is used to measure a player’s defensive performance. The index tracks players’ defensive contributions and is used to compare players at various positions. The index uses advanced metrics to evaluate players, such as range factor, ultimate zone rating, defensive runs saved, and total zone rating.
MLB Network Panel
The MLB Network panel is made up of experts from MLB Network who are selected to evaluate the top defensive players in each league. They use a variety of metrics, including the SABR Defensive Index, to determine the best defensive player in each league. The panel is comprised of former players, coaches, and analysts from MLB Network.
Selection Process
The selection process for the Platinum Glove Award is a multi-step process. First, the fan voting is tallied and the top vote-getters are selected. Then, the SABR Defensive Index is used to compare players across positions. Finally, the MLB Network panel evaluates the top players and votes on the winner. The player with the most votes from the panel is declared the winner of the Platinum Glove Award.
Criteria for Award
The criteria for the Platinum Glove Award are designed to recognize the best overall defensive player in each league. The criteria include: range factor, defensive runs saved, ultimate zone rating, total zone rating, and fielding percentage. These criteria are based on advanced metrics that measure a player’s defensive ability.
Platinum Glove Winners
Since the introduction of the Platinum Glove Award in 2011, there have been many players who have won the award. Some notable winners include Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (2017), St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina (2016), and Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (2015).
Conclusion
The Platinum Glove Award is the highest defensive honor a player can receive in MLB. It is awarded to the best overall defensive player in each league, and the winner is determined by a combination of fan votes, a panel of experts from MLB Network, and statistical data from the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). The criteria for the award include range factor, defensive runs saved, ultimate zone rating, total zone rating, and fielding percentage. Since the introduction of the award in 2011, many players have won the award, including Corey Seager, Yadier Molina, and Manny Machado.