Blanco honored as Giants' top defensive player

Outfielder Gregor Blanco was deemed the Giants' top defender, according to the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Awards, handed out on Thursday to the top defender on each Major League club.

It was the second year of the Wilson awards, which are determined through a formula that balances scouting information, sabermetric analysis and basic fielding statistics.

Blanco did not commit an error in 1,022 innings over 149 games and had six outfield assists. He saved 10 runs with his defense from all three positions, which was tied with Juan Perez for the most on the Giants this season and for 13th among National League outfielders.

Blanco's 11.8 UZR (ultimate zone rating, which combines arm strength, double plays turned, range and errors) was second on the team, behind only Perez (13.7), who played only 218 innings.

The Wilson awards honor each league's best defensive player, the best defensive team in each league and the best defensive player on each team. Arizona's Gerardo Parra was named the NL's top defender, and the D-backs also took home the NL team award. Boston's Dustin Pedroia got the nod in the American League, with the Royals and Orioles sharing team honors.

The GIBBY trophy for Defensive Player of the Year will be awarded as part of the 2013 Greatness in Baseball Yearly Awards, which are based on voting by media, front-office personnel, MLB alumni and the Society for American Baseball Research, as well as fan balloting on MLB.com.

Through Sunday, Dec. 1, fans will be able to cast their ballots at MLB.com for the year's top defensive star, with no individual league affiliation.