Golden Night for LaRoche

LaRoche, right, won his first Gold Glove. (Photo: Keith Allison)

Tonight, Nationals first baseman finally got some hardware for his impressive skill in the field. He was awarded the National League first baseman Gold Glove Award. It is the first such award for his LaRoche in his career.

LaRoche is coming off of one of the best seasons of his entire career. His 33 home runs are a career high and he tied his career high in RBI with 100. He batted .271 with a slugging percentage of .510.

But, LaRoche earned his Gold Glove for his play in the field.

LaRoche was tied for the NL lead in fielding percentage with 99.5%. That's right...darn near perfect. In 1,367 total chances, LaRoche committed just seven errors and made 1,260 put-outs. LaRoche also turned 113 double plays.

LaRoche beat out Joey Votto of the Reds and Freddie Freeman of the Braves for the award.

In related news, shortstop Ian Desmond lost to Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins for that position's Gold Glove.

For a complete list of winners, go to this link.

Question: Do you think Adam LaRoche was worthy of a Gold Glove? Do you think Ian Desmond should have won his? Comment with your opinion below!

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Nats Up For Award

Desmond, above, is up for a Golden Glove Award. (Photo: Keith Allison)

Yesterday, Rawlings announced its finalists for the coveted defensive award of the Golden Glove. The award is given to the top fielder from each position. From the National League side, the Washington Nationals had two players make the final list.

At first base, Adam LaRoche is up against Freddie Freeman and Joey Votto for the award. The fact that Votto did not play for a good chunk of the season bodes well and aids in LaRoche's campaign.

This season, LaRoche had a fielding percentage of 99 percent and committed just seven errors on 1,367 total chances. He made 100 assists and turned 113 double plays. Of those 1,367 total chances, he converted on 1,260 of them for an out.

At shortstop, All-Star Ian Desmond Zack Cozart, Jimmy Rollins, and Jose Reyes for the award. Desmond is coming off of his best year for the Nationals. It has been highlighted by his first All-Star game, which he didn't attend due to injury, and now his nomination for a Golden Glove.

This season, Desmond had a fielding percentage of 97 percent. He committed just 15 errors on 492 total chances. Desmond had 306 assists and turned 65 double plays. Desmond also made 171 put outs this past season.

The award winners will be announced live on ESPN2 at 9 PM eastern on Tuesday, October 30th. For the complete list of finalists, go here.

Question: Do you think that Adam LaRoche and Ian Desmond are worthy of winning the award? Do you believe that any other Nationals should be on this list? Leave your answer in a comment below!

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Source: CBS Sports