ST. PETERSBURG (SNN-TV) – Despite the season having already come to a close for the Rays, the team’s best are still up for some end of season awards.
Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena, designated hitter Nelson Cruz and catcher Mike Zunino are among the finalists for American League Silver Slugger awards that are supposed to recognize the “best offensive players” at each position.
Arozarena hit .274 this season, with 20 HR’s and 69 RBI’s. Nelson Cruz who was acquired from the Twins in late June, hit .265 with 32 bombs and 86 RBI’s, and Zunino hit .216 with 33 long balls and 62 runs batted in.
The lone Ray left of the list, who most thought would be nominated, is Brandon Lowe.
This season, Lowe exploded for 39 homers and 99 RBI’s while hitting for a .247 average.
Of the four finalists at second base, only Toronto’s Marcus Semien had clearly better numbers than Lowe, with 45 homers, 102 RBI’s, a .265 average.
Nonetheless, winners will be announced November 11th on MLB Network.
Voting is done by the managers and three coaches for each AL team and conducted during the final three weeks of the regular season.