Advertisement

Tampa Bay Rays' Jeremy Hellickson, Desmond Jennings finalists for AL Gold Glove awards

 
Published Oct. 30, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays overall didn't play the kind of tidy defense they expected to in 2012. But two Rays — leftfielder Desmond Jennings and right-hander Jeremy Hellickson — are finalists for AL Gold Glove awards, which are given to the best defensive players at each position.

Jennings, who did not make an error in 178 chances and had four assists, is competing with Kansas City's Alex Gordon (the 2011 winner, who had two errors and 17 assists this year) and Texas' David Murphy (one and four).

Hellickson, with two errors in 40 chances, is up against Chicago's Jake Peavy (one in 37) and Los Angeles' C.J. Wilson (two in 42).

The awards, voted on by coaches and managers, will be announced tonight on a live show on ESPN2 starting at 9:30.

In other Rays news:

• With the World Series over, six Rays on Monday officially became free agents: right-hander Kyle Farnsworth, left-hander J.P. Howell, infielder Jeff Keppinger, first baseman Carlos Peña, right-hander Joel Peralta and centerfielder B.J. Upton. The Rays have exclusive rights until 12:01 a.m. Saturday, when players are free to sign with other teams. Howell, Keppinger and Peralta have expressed interest in returning.

• The Rays have until Friday to act on their options on catcher Jose Molina ($1.8 million), right-hander Fernando Rodney ($2.5 million), DH Luke Scott ($6 million) and right-hander James Shields ($10.25 million).