Buster Posey’s grand slam helped the Giants to victory. (Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports)
The San Francisco Giants, a team noted for its pitching, picked up some hitting hardware Thursday.
Three Giants — catcher Buster Posey, shortstop Brandon Crawford and pitcher Madison Bumgarner — were selected as winners of Silver Slugger Awards, which honor the best hitter at each position in both major leagues.
The Colorado Rockies picked up two National League Silver Sluggers, for third baseman Nolan Arenado and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez. The Detroit Tigers topped the American League with two honorees, first baseman Miguel Cabrera and outfielder J.D. Martinez.
Two of the three nominees of AL Most Valuable Player, Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson and Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout, picked up Silver Sluggers. The third MVP candidate is Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain.
Similarly, two NL MVP candidates, Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, received Silver Sluggers. Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto is also up for NL MVP.
Four winners of the Gold Glove, awarded for defensive excellence, also captured Silver Slugger honors for their offense. The group consists of Arenado, Crawford, Goldschmidt and Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve.
Cabrera and New York Yankees catcher Brian McCann each won a sixth Silver Slugger. Trout and Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen became four-time winners, and Posey won for the third time. There were nine first-time winners.
The complete Silver Slugger list:
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Catcher — Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants (third Silver Slugger)
First base — Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks (second)
Second base — Dee Gordon, Miami Marlins (first)
Third base — Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies (first)
Shortstop — Brandon Crawford, San Francisco Giants (first)
Outfielders — Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates (fourth); Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies (second); Bryce Harper, Nationals (first)
Pitcher — Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants (second)
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Catcher — Brian McCann, New York Yankees (sixth)
First base — Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers (sixth)
Second base — Jose Altuve, Houston Astros (second)
Third base — Josh Donaldson, Toronto Blue Jays (first)
Shortstop — Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox (first)
Outfielders — Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels (fourth); J.D. Martinez, Detroit Tigers (first); Nelson Cruz, Mariners (first)
Designated hitter — Kendrys Morales, Kansas City Royals (first)
