The Silver Slugger Awards were given out yesterday and the choices were solid across the board. Travis Hafner may have been the most deserving player left off the list after finishing 2nd in the AL in OPS at .993. He hit .331/.410/.583 with 41 doubles, 28 homers and 109 RBI.
Randy Wolf's DL stints may have cost him as he hit .273 with 3 homers and 8 RBI in 44 at-bats.; while Livan hit .247 with 1 homer and 10 RBI in 81 at-bats. Jason Marquis also was solid at the plate hitting .292 with 6 doubles and 9 RBI in 72 at-bats.
Winners were picked by major league managers and coaches, who were not allowed to vote for their own players. Selections were based on a combination of offensive statistics, such as batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, as well as general impressions of a player's offensive value.
NL Silver Slugger Team
(Chosen by managers, coaches)
1B Albert Pujols Cardinals
2B Mark Loretta Padres
SS Jack Wilson Pirates
3B Adrian Beltre Dodgers
OF Barry Bonds Giants
OF Jim Edmonds Cardinals
OF Bobby Abreu Phillies
C Johnny Estrada Braves
P Livan Hernandez Expos
AL Silver Slugger Team
(Chosen by managers, coaches)
1B Mark Teixeira Rangers
2B Alfonso Soriano Rangers
SS Miguel Tejada Orioles
3B Melvin Mora Orioles
OF Manny Ramirez Red Sox
OF Gary Sheffield Yankees
OF Vladimir Guerrero Angels
C (tie) Ivan Rodriguez Tigers
Victor Martinez Indians
DH David Ortiz Red Sox
