Moreland, Beltre nominated for Gold Glove Awards

More than perhaps any two teams in baseball, the Cubs and Indians have used stellar defense to buoy their other skills and send themselves rolling toward a historic World Series. So it should come as little surprise that both teams, one of them set to snap a championship drought that’s spanned decades or even more than a century, flexed star power when the finalists for this year’s Gold Glove Awards were announced on Thursday.

The Rawlings Gold Glove Awards have honored defensive excellence since 1957. On Thursday, 54 finalists for the 2016 awards were named. The winners will be revealed Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

• Vote for Best Defensive Player in MLB Esurance Awards by Nov. 11

The Cubs and Indians, who are tied at a game apiece in the best-of-seven Fall Classic that resumes play on Friday at Wrigley Field (8 p.m. ET on FOX), have a total of five finalists.

Pitcher Jake Arrieta, first baseman Anthony Rizzo, shortstop Addison Russell and right fielder Jason Heyward give Chicago four finalists, tied with the Tigers for the most of any team in the Majors. All are seeking their first Gold Gloves except Heyward, who could win his third straight and fourth overall.

Cleveland’s finalist is All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who is seeking his first Gold Glove in his second Major League season.

The Tigers’ finalists are pitcher Justin Verlander, catcher James McCann, second baseman Ian Kinsler and shortstop Jose Iglesias. All are seeking their first career Gold Gloves.

Eight teams feature at …

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