Chicago Cubs News: Gold Glove leaves questions for many

When the Chicago Cubs had Anthony Rizzo and Jason Heyward named as finalists, all was well. But Ben Zobrist? While he was an effective and efficient second baseman, the Gold Glove should be about more than making just the plays that you are supposed to.

The Chicago Cubs‘ Ryne Sandberg was one of the best second basemen in the game. He won the Gold Glove nine times. But one thing I recall when looking back was while he made all the plays he was supposed to, Sandberg rarely got dirty going for a ball. And that’s to take nothing away from him. It seems that the Gold Glove is still hung up on that with Zobrist getting the nod as a finalist over Javier Baez. The same with Willson Contreras. Clearly, this is enough to overlook them–and it shouldn’t be.

That being said, the finalists the Cubs do have give hope. With Zobrist slowing at the plate, his ability to still play what is considered “Gold Glove” defense will help hold his value through the remainder of his contract. Jason Heyward is still an everyday player because of his defense. Now, with a new hitting coach in Chili Davis coming in, there’s some hope that he’ll be able to turn things around at the plate. Rizzo was last years Gold Glove and Platinum Glove winner, given to the best overall fielder in the league. And this with Contreras and Baez being snubbed. Cubs will do fine moving forward.

After the Cubs won the World Series last season, they opted not to pay big money for Aroldis Chapman. They instead traded Jorge Soler for an established closer in Wade Davis. The Cubs gave up some control in Soler, but they felt it was the best move for Soler and the team. Davis impressed all year, blowing just one save in the regular season. With a weak class in the closer market, Davis is going to get a hefty raise this offseason. Will the Cubs be that team to give it to him?

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Gold Glove finalist proof of a flawed system’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs have three Gold Glove finalists’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Davis’ free agency comes at a great time‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘Astros’ Gurriel remorseful for actons’ – MLB.com

‘Cubs Rizzo wins Clemente Award‘ – ESPN

#Cubs on Twitter

Next: Theo's best deadline deals

Be sure to check back later today for more Cubs news and analysis! And follow us on our Twitter @CubbiesCrib, like our Facebook page and follow us on G+!