MLB Best Defensive Plays of 2013: Infielders (Video)
2013 was full of web gems all around the league and it is going to be tough to trim it down to the top five. With that being said there are plenty of plays that will miss this list of the top five that probably deserve to make it. So if you have a play that you believe deserves to make this list, please put it in the comment section! Without further ado let’s get this started.
This play was something special. He not only has the ability to range to his glove side to get it, but then has the thought process to flip it behind his back with his glove. While all this is going on he has to make the play with speedy Dustin Pedroia running down the line. What a magnificent play from a shortstop that always seems to be in the correct spot when the pitch is thrown. It is going to be hard for him to win a Gold Glove in the American League but, man does he deserve one.
What a fabulous play by a player that got snubbed all season long. First he doesn’t make the All-Star game, then he doesn’t get a Gold Glove and doesn’t even get noticed for the MVP. Josh Donaldson was one of the best third baseman in the entire MLB and he deserves something for that. I am going to give him a little recognition at this moment, because he deserves it.
Also if you are paying close attention, newly acquired Nat Jerry Blevins was on the mound when this fabulous catch occurred. Hopefully he gets that type of defense from the corner infielders this season in D.C.
If you follow me on Twitter you will notice that I am not a big fan of the way Brandon Phillips plays the game. His lack of hustle really eats at me, but what can you say about this play? This is a nightly event in Cincinnati. Phillips is a human highlight reel on defense and has been for multiple seasons now.
This play will be one of the best you see up the middle for a long time. The trust he has in himself to make the bare handed grab and then the ability to place his knee on the bag and throw to first. Unbelievable. This took some courage on his part to know that he could be plastered at second base by the sliding runner. Great all around play as Joey Votto picks the throw on the back end of the play.
Here is another unbelievable play made by Manny Machado. This is one of many that he made in 2013, but definitely the most difficult. The ability to find the ball after it hits off the heel of his glove is amazing. Most players just let that one roll and get the next one. Not this time.
This could of easily been the play of the year if it wasn’t for the next play on this list that was just unexplainable.
Can you say unexplainable?? How does he make that throw? Jose Iglesias is something special in the middle of diamond and will be for years to come. Now you understand why I said it will be hard for Yunel Escobar to win a Gold Glove in the American League, he has Iglesias to fight it out with.
Watching this play over and over again and I still don’t understand how he did it. The awareness to leave his feet and make the throw at the same time is something that you can’t teach. That is absolute instinct at it’s best ladies and gentleman.
While we are at it, why don’t we just go ahead and add this one in here too. Game 5 of the ALCS and Iglesias makes an unbelievable catch.
He starts the play from the right side of second base and ends up in short left field for the catch. How does that even happen? This kid is something else and it is going to be fun to watch him make plays like this for years to come.
It was a rough season for the Nats overall, but there were some bright spots, including this diving catch from Ian Desmond off the bat of
Giancarlo Stanton.
Desmond with quick feet was able to get over just in time to make the diving grab to rob a hit. He has come a long way defensively from a few seasons ago, and it shows on the field.