Third basemen David Wright of the Mets and Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees, and Bombers shortstop Derek Jeter were winners of Silver Slugger Awards announced by Major League Baseball today.
The awards honor the best offensive player at each position, selected by managers and coaches, who are not allowed to vote for a player on their team.
Wright, a back-to-back winner, also batted .302 with 33 home runs and 124 RBIs, slugging .534 with a .390 on-base percentage.
He was chosen over Atlanta’s Chipper Jones, who nit .364 with 22 homers and 75 RBIs, slugging .574 with a .470 on-base percentage in another injury-plagued season.
“It’s a very prestigious award and I am proud to win it, considering the people who vote for the award,” said Wright, 25, who also won his second straight Rawlings Gold Glove Award this year. “This honor will help motivate me to even an even better season in 2009.”
Wright is the sixth Mets player to win multiple awards. Mike Piazza won it five times (1998-2002), and Gary Carter (1985-1986), Darryl Strawberry (1988 and 1990), Howard Johnson (1989 and 1991) and Carlos Beltran (2006 and 2007) each earned the honor twice.
Rodriguez hit .302 with 35 home runs and 103 RBIs. He had a .573 slugging percentage and .392 on-base percentage.
Jeter hit .300, with 11 homers, 70 RBIs, a .408 slugging percentage and a .363 on-base percentage.
Here’s a look at the 2008 winners:
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Catcher: Brian McCann, Braves
First base: Albert Pujols, Cardinals
Second base: Chase Utley, Phillies
Third base: David Wright, Mets
Shortstop: Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
Outfield: Ryan Braun, Brewers
Outfield: Matt Holliday, Rockies
Outfield: Ryan Ludwick, Cardinals
Pitcher: Carlos Zambrano, Cubs
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Catcher: Joe Mauer, Twins
First base: Justin Morneau, Twins
Second base: Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
Third base: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
Shortstop: Derek Jeter, Yankees
Outfield: Josh Hamilton, Rangers
Outfield: Carlos Quentin, White Sox
Outfield: Grady Sizemore, Indians
Designated hitter: Aubrey Huff, Orioles