Alex Avila earns silver slugger award
In a surprising result for the Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger awards, Alex Avila’s name came up as winner for the catcher’s position. The Detroit Tigers’ player was an impressive figure for the club behind the plate and on the plate. However his contribution
from the bat was expected to be easily negated by the voters as Mike Napoli of the Texas Rangers had the best catcher stats with the bat, in the American League. Nevertheless, the result on Wednesday, November 2, will be aptly appreciated by the backstop.
Detroit Tigers were unlucky in losing out the award for Miguel Cabrera. The hard hitter has the best batting stats in the league but due to his late season resurgence, he was not considered by the voters for the award. Nevertheless, Avila walks off happy
as he earns his first silver slugger award.
"To be considered the best offensive catcher is great," Avila told the press on Wednesday night in a text message, "and it's an achievement I'm very proud of."
Avila may have ended his season on a weak note as his injury ridden performance with the bat notched up a hitting average of .073 in the postseason but his regular season contribution was more than notable. He had a batting average of .295. He collected
63 runs, 82 RBIs and 19 home runs in the season. His slugging percentage was .506 and his on base percentage was .389.
However most of those figures trailed in comparison to Mike Napoli’s stats. The Year of Napoli may have hit a hard and cold blockade in the World Series but his contribution during the regular season was notable, to say the least. He led the American League
in batting average, as he was .320 with the bat. He also had 75 RBIs, 30 Home Runs and 72 runs to his name.
At the end, Avila is not concerned by his triumph over Napoli. He rather enjoys the award now.
"We're from the same area in South Florida," Avila said, "and he had a great season, but it doesn't make it any better. Being a Silver Slugger is pretty good on its own."
With a good season under his belt, the 24-year-old catcher is looking to continue his work with the Tigers.
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