DETROIT – For the first time in three years the Detroit Tigers will not bring home an MVP or Cy Young award in the American League. But here are the awards within the team from the 2014 regular season:
Most Valuable Player: J.D. Martinez
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Who would have thought the Tigers' most explosive offensive player would be an offseason minor league signing from the Houston Astros' drop list? But J.D. Martinez was one of the most important players on the team despite playing just 123 games.
When Martinez established himself as a power threat in the heart of the Tigers' order, he not only rounded out one of the best 3-4-5 combinations in the AL, he also provided the protection Victor Martinez needed to have his best offensive season of his career. J.D. Martinez hit a home run every 20.5 plate appearances, which was second on the team to Victor Martinez (19.72).
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Why isn't Victor the MVP? J.D. not only forced pitchers to pitch to Victor more often, he also played a corner outfield spot fairly well. Though J.D. was a slightly below average outfielder, he was much less of a liability than Victor was during his 37 games in the field, in which he accumulated a negative 1.6 WAR.
J.D was also much more effective on the base paths, where Victor is one of the slowest runners in baseball. The 27-year-old stole six bases and scored 57 runs with a weak bottom of the order behind him.
Runner up: Victor Martinez
Cy Young Award: Max Scherzer
Scherzer ran away with this award after Rick Porcello's terrible September. The defending AL Cy Young winner posted an AL-best 18-5 record to go with his 3.15 ERA and 252 strikeouts.
Scherzer will start Game 1 of the ALDS against the Orioles on Thursday because he gives the team the best chance to win. 2014 was another great season for the right-hander in Detroit.
Runner up: Rick Porcello
Gold Glove, infield: Ian Kinsler
Ian Kinsler gave the Tigers a tremendous upgrade on the infield when he came over from the Texas Rangers, not only making the routine plays, but also showing great range and arm strength. Kinsler is one of the best in baseball at ranging both left and right and adjusting his body on the run to make an accurate throw.
Runner up: Andrew Romine
Gold Glove, outfield: Rajai Davis
When the Tigers traded Austin Jackson to the Seattle Mariners, defense in center field became the most obvious concern. But Davis filled in nicely for Jackson, covering a ton of ground in the spacious Comerica Park outfield and even dazzling fans with some great diving catches. If it wasn't for Davis, the Tigers would be playing in the wildcard game Tuesday.
Runner up: None
Rookie of the year: Nick Castellanos
Nick Castellanos wins this award almost by default, but he did provide a solid bat in the No. 6 spot for the Tigers. As a rookie he played in 148 games, hitting 11 home runs and driving in 66 while batting a solid .259.
His defense will need to improve, but he had an elite ability to charge and bare-hand bunts and choppers and has great arm strength.
Runner up: Blaine Hardy
Relief Award: Al Alburquerque
In his fourth season with the Tigers, Al Alburquerque finally took care of the problem that always held him back: Walks. With one of the best sliders in the game and an electric fastball, Alburquerque posted a 2.51 ERA and 63 strikeouts during his best season.
Brad Ausmus used Alburquerque 72 times this season while the rest of the bullpen struggled, and the righty threw 57 1/3 innings and walked only 21 batters.
Runner up: Blaine Hardy
The Tigers did just enough to get into the ALDS against the Orioles, and now they need former MVPs Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander to take over for the guys that led the team all season.