YOOOOOOOO Adrian

Adrian Gonzalez won his first, of hopefully many, Gold Glove today. The San Diego native, and smooth fielding first baseman was one of the lone bright spots in an otherwise dismal season for the Padres.

Straight from the Padres site ....

SAN DIEGO -- John Boggs, the agent for San Diego first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, was talking about the National League All-Star last month, though the conversation wasn't so much about his offense as his defense.

"What does he got to do to win a Gold Glove?" Boggs said.

On Wednesday, Boggs and Gonzalez got their answer, as the 26-year-old was awarded the National League's Rawlings Gold Glove Award for his defensive play at first base.

It is the first Gold Glove Award for Gonzalez and the 20th in franchise history, as well as the first for a first baseman in franchise history.

Gonzalez, the 10th Padre to win the award, joins the likes of Tony Gwynn, Ozzie Smith, Dave Winfield and Ken Caminiti.

Gonzalez, who along with Philadelphia's Ryan Howard were the only National League players to appear in 162 games last season, tied with Houston's Lance Berkman and St. Louis' Albert Pujols for the best fielding percentage (.996) among NL first basemen.

The left-handed Gonzalez made six errors in 1,442 chances in 161 games at first base.

"He made plays with his arm," said Padres manager Bud Black, who often marveled at Gonzalez's ability to make the 3-6-3 double play look easy.

Gonzalez, a first-time All-Star, wasn't bad with the bat, either. He hit .279 with 36 home runs and 119 RBIs, ranking fifth in the league in home runs and third in RBIs.

"Without him, I do not know where we would be. He's played pretty much every day. He's been tremendous, with the power, the RBIs, the defense; he's been an All-Star performer, no doubt. He's been our best player," Black said.

Also, Greg Maddux picked up a record 18th Gold Glove Award of his illustrious career, named the NL recipient for pitchers. Maddux, traded to the Dodgers on Aug. 19, made just three errors in 77 chances overall, including his time with the Padres before the waiver trade. He was involved in four more double plays, extending his all-time record for a pitcher to 98.

Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Play Ball !!!