Gonzalez, Trout Among Silver Slugger Honorees
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and Angels outfielder Mike Trout were among the 18 winners of the 2014 Silver Slugger Awards announced Thursday night.
It was the third Silver Slugger for Trout, while Gonzalez won his second, and was the only major leaguer this year to win both a Silver Slugger and a Gold Glove.
The winners — considered to be the top offensive producers at each position in both the American and National leagues — are determined by a vote of managers and coaches, according to a news release from Major League Baseball. Voters may not choose players from their own teams.
"I'm excited to win the Silver Slugger Award, especially with so many deserving first basemen in the National League this year," Gonzalez said in the news release. "I'm grateful for the consideration and votes for this prestigious honor."
Gonzalez knocked in 116 runs to lead the majors while batting .276, with 41 doubles and 27 homers. His other Silver Slugger was in 2011, while he was a member of the Boston Red Sox.
Meanwhile, Trout picked up a Silver Slugger for the third-straight season. He hit .287 in 2014, with 39 doubles, 36 homers and 111 RBIs.
Eight of this year's 18 winners are first-timers while Texas' Adrian Beltre won his fourth Silver Slugger. Trout, Toronto's Jose Bautista, Washington's Ian Desmond and Pittsburgh's Andrew McCutchen each won for a third time.