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          New York Mets

          Lagares gets Fielding Bible Award

          • Adam Rubin, ESPN Staff WriterOct 30, 2014, 04:19 PM ET
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              Adam Rubin has covered the Mets since 2003. He's a graduate of Mepham High School on Long Island and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He joined ESPNNewYork after spending 10 years at the New York Daily News.
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          Juan Lagares

          Juan Lagares

          #12 CF
          New York Mets

          2014 STATS

          • GM116

          • HR4

          • RBI47

          • R46

          • OBP.321

          • AVG.281

          NEW YORK -- Juan Lagares has been named the top defensive center fielder in the majors for the 2014 season by The Fielding Bible Awards.

          “In 2013, Juan Lagares started only 88 games in center field, yet he saved 26 runs there defensively for the Mets," said John Dewan, owner of Baseball Info Solutions. "He finished second in the 2013 Fielding Bible Award voting. This year he started 105 games, blew away the field with another 28 runs saved, and won his first Fielding Bible Award.

          "His throwing arm in center field is superb and deeply respected by baserunners; he had six Outfield Arm Runs Saved in 2014. But it's his ability to cover ground that sets him above the rest. He saved 20 more bases on deep balls than an average center fielder (+20 Plus/Minus), the highest total among all center fielders. This is true despite the fact that, generally speaking, he plays on the shallow side. He had a +11 total on shallow balls, second best among center fielders. His +9 on medium hit balls was fourth best. Lagares finished first on every ballot except one.”

          The Gold Glove Awards will be announced on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.