Adrian Gonzalez, Jacoby Ellsbury and David Ortiz were all awarded with American League Silver Slugger awards as the top offensive players at their respective positions.
It is the fifth time that Ortiz has won the honor as a designated hitter, making him the first five-time winner at DH. Ortiz turned in an impressive 2011 campaign from start to finish practically, highlighted by a .309 batting average, his highest since establishing a career best of .332 in 2007. The 35-year-old also belted 29 home runs and drove in 96 RBIs.
While Ortiz is no stranger to the Silver Slugger award, it is the first time that Ellsbury has ever taken home the honor. Ellsbury, who is expected get MVP consideration as well, followed up his first career Gold Glove honor by being recognized for his offensive prowess. The center fielder became just the fourth player in major league history to have 200 hits, 30 home runs, 100 RBIs and 35 stolen bases. Ellsbury hit .328 with a .928 OPS as well. He was also named the 2011 Comeback Player of the Year after bouncing back from a injury-plagued 2010.
Gonzalez joins Ellsbury as someone who's adding both a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger to his trophy case this year. The first-year first baseman lived up to the billing as a professional hitter in his first year in Boston. Gonzalez finished behind only Miguel Cabrera in batting average with his .338 average. The first baseman also hit 27 home runs and drove in 117 runs for the Sox.
