Los Angeles's Erick Aybar was named the AL's Gold Glove winner at shortstop for 2011. It's Aybar's first award and the first Angel SS to do so since Jim Fergosi in 1967. (Getty Images)

I noted yesterday in this space that I felt J.J. Hardy was the clear cut favorite to win this season’s AL’s Gold Glove award so I am surprised to be writing this post today. That said, a big hearty congrats to Erick Aybar in taking home his first defensive award, and the first Angel shortstop to do so since Jim Fergosi in 1967.

Aybar joined other first-timers Adrian Gonzalez, Jacoby Ellsbury, Adrian Beltre, Matt Weiters, Nick Markakis and Alex Gordon in the American League. Clayton Kershaw, Joey Votto and Gerardo Parra were named Gold Glove winners for the first time as well over in the National League.

Each league’s complete All-Defensive Team follows the jump.

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Angels Right Fielder Torii Hunter has won 9 Gold Glove Awards. He is once again a finalist in 2011. (Getty Images)

Now that Epictober is over and the games are done, the Major League Baseball award season kicks off tonight with the announcing of the annual Gold Glove winners. Four Angels are among the finalists for the American League’s Gold Glove Award at their respective positions: Dan Haren, SP; Erick Aybar, SS; Peter Bourjos, CF; and Torii Hunter, RF. Let’s examine their chances after the jump:

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