Rendon, Taylor emerge as defensive standouts

Anthony Rendon makes a great jumping grab on a line drive off the bat of Andrew McCutchen in the top of the 7th inningWASHINGTON -- Anthony Rendon and Michael A. Taylor were the two players who stood out among the Nationals' defense in 2017, one stopping nearly everything at the hot corner and the other chasing down fly balls for seemingly improbable catches in center field.

Rendon and Taylor are being recognized among baseball's best defenders, as they are both finalists for the Rawlings National League Gold Glove Award. The winners will be revealed on Tuesday night at 9 ET.

Though both players are considered underdogs at their respective positions, they made major defensive strides in 2017,…