For Byrd, defensive honor would fit like a glove

Managers and coaches have begun the process of voting for Gold Glove winners.

Even though he can't get votes from his own team, Cubs center fielder Marlon Byrd is receiving vocal support from his manager and teammates.

"He's in the conversation," manager Mike Quade said. "There's a lot of good ones. To me, he, (Shane) Victorino, (Andrew) McCutchen, (Michael) Bourn. Those four guys, I think, have played as well as I've seen of all the center fielders in our league.

"He gets as good a jump as any of them. A guy like Bourn is blessed with more speed. (Byrd's) at least in the conversation."

The science of measuring defense is in its infancy. One measure, called Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR), has Byrd second in the National League behind Houston's Bourn, prorated over 150 games.

"I've thought about it, right at the (all-star) break," Byrd said. "I've been focusing on trying to finish up strong, finishing up winning. That would be nice. I take pride in my defense. That's what's kept me in the game as long as it has.

"I do everything I can. Hopefully I get enough NL Central guys that have seen me enough where they put me in their thoughts when they vote. It's one of those things where if you win it, you really appreciate it. If not, come out next year and try to win it."

Byrd entered Wednesday with 3 errors and a fielding percentage of .992. He has made several diving catches, but according to one teammate, he does many other things.

"I think he's played as good a defense as any outfielder in the big leagues this year," pitcher Ryan Dempster said. "Everybody sees all the diving plays he makes. Those are great.

"But he hits every cutoff man. He's always throwing to the right base. Once he gets the ball, he gets it right in.

"So even the thought of taking an extra base is not there. He's as good a center fielder I've ever had play behind me. I think he deserves to win a Gold Glove. He's been tremendous this year."