Don’t put too much stock in gold gloves or the players that have “earned” them in the past decade or so. The folks voting don’t watch the game, rather they check out the stats.
I’m not sure when official scorers and guys and gals calling the games made excuses for fielders. Having spent the last 7 years worrying about the feelings of K-4, I didn’t think it would extend to professional sports. Nobody wants to credit today’s ballplayer with an error. I think everyone is too worried about people’s self-esteem.
There are people that believe the current Cubs have gold glove outfielders. They apparently have been watching imposters bobbling hits to the outfield. Their throws to the infield and home plate don’t instill much fear in opposing baserunners. It’s really no surprise as to why the Cubs are currently four games under .500.