Twins' Garver, Cruz win Silver Slugger awards
Minnesota Twins designated hitter Nelson Cruz, right, enjoys a laugh as catcher Mitch Garver answers a question from the media Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019, in Minneapolis as the Twins prepare for the American League Division Series baseball playoffs. The Twins and Yankees play Game 1 of a best-of-five series on Friday in New York. Jim Mone / Associated PressMINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Twins catcher Mitch Garver and designated hitter Nelson Cruz were announced as winners of American League Silver Slugger awards on Thursday, Nov. 7.
The 28-year-old Garver enjoyed a breakout year in which he established a club record for home runs by a catcher (30) while only playing in 93 games. He finished the season with .273 batting average, 31 home runs and 67 runs batted in.
Cruz, 39, was signed as a free agent in the offseason to anchor a young Twins lineup and responded by having his fourth season reaching 40-plus home runs and 100-plus RBI. His 2019 season included an on-base plus slugging percentage of 1.031 to go with 41 home runs and 108 RBI. Minnesota recently exercised its $12 million option for Cruz to return in 2020.
Multiple Minnesota pro sports teams coming back next month
New Bison assistant basketball coach had no problem taking job despite never seeing school, city
Schnepf: Wahpeton's Richie Smith and his coach, who both died recently, helped revive Creighton basketball