Wells wins third straight Gold Glove

The Blue Jays have breathed easy on balls hit in the vicinity of center field since Vernon Wells assumed command of the position in 2002. Whether it be a shoestring catch, a leap at the wall, a diving snag or a routine play, Wells has cut short many opponents' chances of reaching base.
On Thursday, Wells was lauded by winning the Rawlings Gold Glove Award for a third consecutive season.

"Vernon Wells is the ultimate player," said former Jays outfielder Lloyd Moseby, who visited the team during a July promotion. "I was lucky enough to coach that kid in 1997, and I knew he'd do this. I'm not shocked at all."

Arguably Toronto's best player last season, as well as the team's landslide pick for MVP, Wells led the Jays to a runner-up finish in the American League East, higher than they'd finished in 13 years.

The 27-year-old made four errors in 332 attempts in center field this year (.988 fielding percentage), but has made only 13 total in 797 games in center for Toronto, spanning eight seasons.

"If [Wells] is not the best, he's one of the best defensive outfielders in the league," said teammate Troy Glaus earlier in the season. "There isn't anything in the game that he can't do."

Though Gold Gloves are awarded solely for defensive prowess, Wells is no slouch at the plate either. In 2006, he led the team in hits (185), RBIs (106), total bases (331), stolen bases (17) and at-bats (611).

He was second in runs scored (91), doubles (40), triples (5), homers (32) and slugging percentage (.542), showing exactly why Moseby, who patrolled the Toronto outfield from 1980-89, calls Wells "the [complete] package".

"Playing center field, hitting is almost a plus," Moseby said. "It's like catching. If you can get a good catcher who can call a good ballgame and throw guys out, you've got a diamond."

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb...t=.jsp&c_id=tor

As I said in the MLB General Discussion, I really don't think he deserved it this year, but I'll take it.

didn't Vernon have no errors in 05?

Well deserved, congrats to him.

yea...but he was much better in 05.

Well he was still good this year, you can't always compare years and say oh well he sucks now. He did a hell of a job out there man.If you ever want to dump him off on the Yankees just ask.

*TOR* Vernon Wells is an amazing fielder, he is one of the best in the MLB and maybe in the history of baseball. *TOR*

lol..THU..if you wanna send AROD back this way..we are in!

No Thanks, I would give you Pavano though.

naw...i think the jays will pass...

No it's okay. We could drive a Zamboni into A.J. Burnett and we'll be fine.

W00T! Go Wells! :D

Even though he wasn't his best, I'm not complaining because he still better than the rest! B)

Congrats Vernon Wells!

Gary Matthews Jr. was, if not more, equally as deserving. But Matthews might want more doe than Wells so yeah.

yes sweet

I can see him wining 5 or 6 straight or something crazy like that.

Wells Deffinatly deserved it

yea he will be the recipient for many years to come..