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Fri, Nov 13th 2009, 12:58
Hanley wins second Silver Slugger
Switching spots in the batting order didn’t change the Silver Slugger Award results for National League shortstops.
On Thursday, Hanley Ramirez was announced as a repeat winner of the Silver Slugger Award.
Primarily a leadoff hitter his first three seasons, Ramirez was moved into the No. 3 spot in the Marlins’ order. He produced big numbers that earned him another major honor.
Presented by Louisville Slugger, the official bat of Major League Baseball, Silver Slugger Awards are given to each position in both leagues. Managers and coaches select the winners.
For the second successive month, Ramirez was singled out by Louisville Slugger.
In October, the 25-year-old won the Silver Bat Award, presented to the batting champions in both leagues. Ramirez’s .342 average paced the NL, while Joe Mauer of the Twins, who hit .365, was the American League winner.
Ramirez is the first NL shortstop since Dick Groat of the Pirates in 1960 to win a batting title.
“Nothing surprises me about this guy,” Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said a few days before the regular season ended. “With this guy, the sky is the limit. I think we’re just reaching the tip of the iceberg on him. Everybody talks about his offense, but how about his defense? His numbers have improved tremendously.”
While Ramirez wasn’t a Gold Glove Award winner, he did make great strides in the field as well in 2009. He had 10 errors after committing 22 in ’08.
Thursday’s award is yet another in a growing list of accomplishments for Ramirez, who is expected to finish in the top five in the NL MVP Award voting later this month.
Already established as one of the elite players in the game, Ramirez has now won back-to-back Silver Slugger Awards. The last Marlin to do so was Miguel Cabrera (2005-06).
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