Since we're getting close to season's end, I thought I'd evaluate who I think are the Gold Gloves candidates are for the 2015 season in the AL:
(stats provided by FanGraphs, qualified batters only)
Pitcher:
Dallas Keuchel (HOU) (13 dRS)
Wade Miley (BOS) (5 dRS)
Mark Buehrle (TOR) (4dRS)
Gotta give it to Keuchel there.. though Buehrle has a good shot as well because of his history, and his previous Gold Gloves.
Catcher:
Sal Perez (KC) 6 DRS, 11.0 Def
Russel Martin (TOR) 11.7 Def, -3 DRS (mostly due to catching Dickey)
Brian McCann (NYY) 10.9 Def, 1 DRS
James McCann (DET) 7.1 Def, 3 DRS
Three way race between Martin, McCann and Sal Perez. Martin would be a leading candidate if he weren't catching Dickey.
First Base:
Mitch Moreland (TEX) 8.5 UZR
Mike Napoli (TEX/BOS) 5.9 UZR
Albert Pujols (LAA) 5.0 UZR
Second Base:
Omar Infante (KC)
Carlos Sanchez (CHW)
Ian Kinsler (DET)
Jose Altuve (HOU)
Jason Kipnis (CLE)
Tighter race here.. but because Infante isn't really an everyday player anymore. Kinsler/Altuve/Kipnis should be the favorites. Surprised Carlos Sanchez is here.. if only he could hit.
Third Base:
Adrian Beltre (TEX)
Manny Machado (BAL)
Josh Donaldson (TOR)
Evan Longoria (TB)
Machado or Donaldson have the best shot.. Beltre missed time earlier this season due to injury.
Shortstop:
Alcides Escobar (KC)
Didi Gregorius (NYY)
Xander Bogaerts (BOS)
JJ Hardy (BAL)
Looks like another gold glove for Escobar... JJ Hardy would be in the mix if he stayed healthy.
Outfield
Kevin Kiermaier (TB)
Jake Marisnick (HOU)
Yoenis Cespedes (not in AL mix due to trade)
Kevin Pillar (TOR)
Adam Jones (BAL)
Kole Calhoun (LAA)
Lorenzo Cain (KC)
Kiermaier, Pillar and Jones should be the front runners.. Cespedes is not eligible due to trade to the NL. Cain would be a favorite if he didn't have so many errors in CF (9).. any reason why so many? As for Marisinick, it's a similar situation to JBJ last year.. doesn't play regularly.
Not sure if Mike Trout should be in the mix.. but I just don't see him as a gold glover.
If you have any suggestions for gold glove candidates, let me know. I was just going by FanGraphs numbers, including UZR, DEF, DRS, etc.