Maddux Wins 10th Gold Glove

The New York Mets fell short in their bid to put three or more of their record-setting infielders on the National League Gold Glove team.

Shortstop Rey Ordonez won his third straight Gold Glove on Wednesday and third baseman Robin Ventura won his sixth, but first baseman John Olerud and second baseman Edgardo Alfonzo fell short.

San Francisco's J.T. Snow won at first base for the fifth straight season, and Cincinnati's Pokey Reese won at second base for the first time.

"It was an injustice," Ordonez said as his wife, Gloryann, translated. "Edgardo had an awesome year defensively. He really deserved that."

The Mets made just 68 errors, 13 fewer than the previous record low, set by the 1998 Baltimore Orioles. New York's infield had 33 errors, 12 fewer than the previous record, set by the '64 Orioles.

Olerud and Ventura each had nine errors and Alfonzo five, none on grounders. Ordonez made just four errors, none after June 13.

"If he wasn't at shortstop, we wouldn't have been close to where we were," Ventura said. "The ground balls he can get to and turn into outs became obvious, especially at the end of the year."

The Mets were aspiring to equal the Orioles, who had three Gold Glove infielders in 1971 (Davey Johnson at second, Mark Belanger at shortstop and Brooks Robinson at third) and 1973-75 (Bobby Grich at second, Belanger and Robinson).

Atlanta Braves pitcher Greg Maddux won his 10th consecutive Gold Glove, breaking a tie with Bob Gibson for most by an NL pitcher. Jim Kaat has the overall record of 16.

Philadelphia catcher Mike Lieberthal joined Reese as a first-time winner. Reese was a shortstop in the minor leagues but was shifted to second after the Reds traded Bret Boone to Atlanta.

"I'm kind of surprised. At the same time, I'm not," he said. "At the beginning of spring training I said, `If I can go out and perform the way I know I can, I have a chance to do a lot of good things.' It means a whole bunch to me. I strive for my defense."

In the outfield, Colorao's Larry Walker won for the fifth time. An injured left knee limited Walker to 114 games in right field, but he still finished tied for sixth in the NL with 13 outfield assists, including seven that threw out runners at home plate.

Arizona's Steve Finley won his third Gold Glove. Atlanta's Andruw Jones won for the second straight season.

Finley, Lieberthal and Ventura each earned $50,000 bonuses, while Ordonez, Snow and Walker earned $25,000 apiece.

Awards are voted on by major league managers and coaches. AL winners were announced Tuesday.

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