Why does everyone cite gold gloves as proof that someone still is a good defender? Even if I did believe that gold gloves were proof of the best defender at that position for that season (which is dubious, but for the sake of avoiding that argument, I'll concede), isn't it possible for defensive ability to rise and fall like hitters often do with their hitting prowess. Izturis has not won a gold glove since 2004. It's possible that his defense has slipped. It's not like he was an annual winner. He won one gold glove. Even if that was a recognition of his ability in that season, could it be akin to a hitter having a career year and then returning to earth? What is known is that Izturis is a black hole with the bat. Theriot provides some value with the bat. Taking offense and defense into account, Theriot >>> Izturis, and it's not even close.