| Grand Slam Baseball View the Forum Registry |
| |
| 0 |
Subject: O2: Rangers awards Posted by: blue hen - [386331314] Tue, Aug 01, 11:17 Two days after clinching the American League West for the second straight year, the Rangers announced their Season 2 Awards. TEAM MVP: 1. JOSE VALENTIN - Jose led all regulars in batting average, walks (19), stolen bases (15), RBI, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage. After leading the AL in slugging and hitting for most of the year, Jose tailed off but still finished among the leaders. Acquired for Kevin Millar during last offseason, Jose came through for the Rangers again and again and again. 2. NICK JOHNSON - Nick, acquired with Wilson Sido for ex-ace Philip Norton early in Season One, led the American League in homers and has emerged as the most talented young hitter in the league. 3. PEDRO LOPEZ - Part of the booty from the Aramis Ramirez deal, Lopez filled a perennial weak spot for the Rangers, providing exceptional hitting from the catcher position and serving DH duties on his off days. BEST PITCHER: 1. JEFF URBAN - Thrust into the closer's role with the departure of Rich Rodriguez and an injury to Ricky Bottalico, Urban came through with flying colors, leading the majors in saves, and adding a level of security to the Rangers' bullpen. After several years of revolving door closers, the Rangers should be counting on Jeff for years to come. 2. DONOVAN OSBOURNE - In the midst of his worst season, Osbourne came to the Rangers and carried the starting rotation on his back, shocking opponents with his pinpoint control as well as his fastball. 3. JARET WRIGHT - An early-season disappointment, Wright turned it around and earned his rightful place at the top of the Rangers' rotation. Wright was another part of the Aramis Ramirez deal. ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: 1. JUNIOR ZAMORA - When Scott Rolen got injured, Zamora jumped right into the fray, AKA a starting position without a day of MLB experience, and actually led the Rangers in hitting down the stretch as they marched towards the division championship. 2. SCOTT ROLEN - Two years younger than Zamora, Rolen had developed much quicker, and had almost rendered Junior expendable until a season-ending injury shelved him and gave Zamora the chance he needed. 3. JASON ROMANO - The only other rookie to see action in Season Two, and he'll still be a rookie in Season Three, thanks to having only 14 at-bats. | ||||||
| |||||||
Post a reply to this message: (But first, how about checking out this sponsor?) | |||||||