For the most part, the Giants’ defense was an obvious weakness for a team that struggled in all facets of the game.
Still, as the rest of the team crumbled, Brandon Crawford’s glove remained a strong point.
For the third straight season, Crawford is a favorite to win the Rawlings’ Gold Glove Award, as the Giants’ shortstop was named one of five finalists on Thursday morning. Even though Crawford’s production at the plate dipped in 2017, his performance in the field on a daily basis continued to save the Giants’ pitching staff.
#Rawlings #GoldGlove Award Finalists – NL SS – @Phillies @freddygalvis10, @SFGiants @bcraw35, @Dodgers @coreyseager_5 pic.twitter.com/7OY4nLNKoZ
— Rawlings Sports (@RawlingsSports) October 26, 2017
Crawford and catcher Buster Posey are the Giants’ only two finalists for Gold Glove Awards a year after San Francisco had a franchise-record three players honored. Second baseman Joe Panik joined the duo in 2016, but Panik’s defense fell off this season.
The Giants have had several impressive defensive shortstops through the years, but Crawford is already considered one of the sharpest middle infielders in franchise history.
Winners of the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards will be announced on November 7 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.