Maddux adds No. 18 to Gold Glove stash

Age is no issue for Greg Maddux when it comes to fielding his position.

The 42-year-old pitcher won his record 18th Gold Glove yesterday while outfielder Shane Victorino of the World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies was among five first-time winners in the National League.

Slick shortstop Jimmy Rollins joined Victorino from the Phillies, winning for the second consecutive season. The New York Mets also had two winners: outfielder Carlos Beltran and third baseman David Wright, both of whom repeated.

"Winning a Gold Glove is a tremendous honor for me in what was already an amazing season," Victorino said. "I take a lot of pride in playing defense and to get the recognition of the managers and coaches around the league is a great compliment."

Other first-time honorees for defensive excellence were St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina, San Diego first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, Cincinnati second baseman Brandon Phillips, and Pittsburgh outfielder Nate McLouth.

The Houston Astros, who committed 16 fewer errors than any other team, did not have a winner.

Mussina, Glavine file

Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina was among eight players who filed for free agency. Mussina, 39, won 20 games for the first time in his 18-year career, but hasn't said if he'll play in 2009. Tom Glavine, a 305-game winner who is recovering from elbow and shoulder surgery, also declared for free agency. The 42-year-old started 13 games last season for the Braves. Players have until Nov. 13 to become free agents . . . Yankees general manager Brian Cashman wants pitcher Andy Pettitte to stay with the team for the 2009 season. The 36-year-old lefthander confirmed Tuesday he'd likely remain with the team. "It's great to hear," Cashman said yesterday at the general managers' meetings in Dana Point, Calif. "Obviously, Andy is a guy you'd like to have back."