Crawford takes pride in defensive prowess

SAN FRANCISCO -- Brandon Crawford's primary skills are like the majestic redwoods that grace his native state of California. 
The Giants can be confident that their 30-year-old shortstop will continue to loom above his peers, due to his defensive prowess that doesn't ebb.
Crawford has won three consecutive National League Gold Glove Awards for fielding excellence at his position. Six other shortstops have snared at least three Gold Gloves in a row since the award's inception in 1957: Cincinnati's Roy McMillan (1957-59), Cincinnati's Dave Concepcion (1974-77), Ozzie Smith of the Padres and Cardinals (1980-92), Cincinnati's Barry Larkin (1994-96), the Mets' Rey Ordonez (1997-99) and Philadelphia's Jimmy Rollins (2007-09).
Though few contemporary fans know much about McMillan, longtime aficionados recognize that these performers could have excelled while wearing boxing gloves.
Crawford cherishes the significance of all three awards.
"Just to be able to win one any year is definitely an accomplishment that I'll take with me for a long time," Crawford said.

He likely will stay motivated for years to come. One of his chief rivals for NL shortstop supremacy plays within the same division: Los Angeles' Corey Seager, 23.
As long as Crawford's on the field, defense will remain a top priority. Like elite members of any profession, Crawford revels in practicing -- largely because he recognizes the difficulties of his job and the competition to achieve greatness, collectively for the Giants, and individually for himself.
The Giants focused on acquiring proven figures such as third baseman Evan Longoria to help the club wipe out the last-place NL West finish and 64-98 record it recorded in 2017. But everyone who follows the Giants knows that Crawford's essential to their success.
"Defense is always a big deal," Crawford said. "In our championship seasons, we played really good defense. If we can improve on that, I like our chances going into next year."