Rafael Palmeiro, 1996 Topps Laser #88

This afternoon I found out that Derek Jeter had won his fifth Gold Glove. I was annoyed at first, but I soon realized that it wasn't worth it. The coaches and managers obviously don't take their votes very seriously, and haven't for years. Rafael Palmeiro famously won a Gold Glove at first base in 1999, a season in which he played 28 whole games in the field. So if they don't care, why should I? I really don't feel like any Orioles deserved the honors this year, with the possible exception of Nick Markakis, but I'm used to him being overlooked. I also can't argue with the outfielders chosen in Nick's stead: first-time winners Franklin Gutierrez and Carl Crawford, and the evergreen Ichiro. So let Jeter have his baubles. The sun will rise again tomorrow morning.