The 2010 Soxies

The Sox played their last game today and beat the Yankees 8-4, after splitting a doubleheader yesterday. That's all the October baseball they'll play this year, but they ended on a high note after a frustrating, disappointing season. Without further ado, here are the winners of the 2010 Soxies

The King of the Hill Award It's a very tough choice this year because there were two pitchers who had outstanding seasons. Although both are deserving, the 2010 Soxie this year goes to Clay Buchholz, who was consistently good from April through September. He missed some time on the DL, which cost him some innings and, most likely, some wins, but his breakout season was inspiring to watch, especially after his struggles in recent years. He finishes the season ranked second in the league in ERA (a sterling 2.33) and posted a 17-7 record. I look forward to what he can do next year. Honorable Mention: Jon Lester, whose 19 wins and 225 strikeouts rival Beckett's 2007 season.

The Teddy Yaz Award This was another very tough choice between two deserving candidates. One overcame a miserable April to put up his best numbers since 2007. Another endeared himself to fans with his .321 batting average and his quirkiness. Lover of consistency that I am, I award the 2010 Soxie to Adrian Beltre. The guy hit well against righties and lefties, at home and on the road, and often knelt at the plate when he hit the long ball. It remains to be seen whether Beltre will be with the team next year, but his contribution this year helped keep the Sox in the race against all odds. Honorable Mention: David Ortiz, with 32 HR and 102 RBI

The Dirt Doggery Award With the usual suspects riding pine on the DL, an impressive rookie grabbed the 2010 Soxie and that would be Ryan Kalish Compared favorably to the original Dirt Dog Trot Nixon, Kalish was not averse to throwing his body at balls in the outfield. Perhaps he was a circus acrobat in his previous life. Honorable Mentions: Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis

The Golden Welcome Mat Award He was among the first of the injury-related replacement players and he made a huge impression in his Red Sox debut in April with a home run in his first at-bat and a walk-off hit in the very same game. The 2010 Soxie goes to Darnell McDonald who proved himself deserving of a spot on a major league roster. Honorable Mentions: Ryan Kalish, Daniel Nava

The Comeback Kid Award First it was the injured wrist that took its sweet time to heal. Then, it was an attack of mono that took him out of commission for over half a season. Once he came back in late July to fill in at second base, we saw the guy who impressed us two years ago, when he replaced an injured Julio Lugo at shortstop. The 2010 Soxie goes to Jed Lowrie, who came back with a little more pop in his bat to go along with two more years of maturity. Lowrie finished the season with 9 dingers, three of which he hit against the Yankees. He's definitely a keeper for the 2011 season. Honorable Mention: Adrian Beltre, for bouncing back from his lackluster 2009 with the Seattle Mariners.

The Bullpen Cowboy Award Really, there's only one guy this award can go to this year. He was the one constant in a bullpen full of...well...creatures of somewhat misguided generosity. The 2010 Soxie goes to Daniel Bard who was so reliable that he was overused, leading to a little dropoff in September. Overall, he's head and shoulders above anyone else in that bullpen.
Honorable Mention: Well, Felix Doubront had the most potential before he got hurt.

The Team Player Award He played most of the season with a painful rotator cuff injury and a pinched nerve because the team was already decimated by injuries. The 2010 Soxie goes to Marco Scutaro for his willingness to play through the pain and be the leadoff hitter in the absence of Jacoby Ellsbury. Honorable Mentions: Bill Hall for his versatility and Victor Martinez for his commitment to improving his defense behind the plate.


These next awards are new for this season and do not include honorable mentions.

The Misdirected Laser Show Award goes to Dustin Pedroia for drilling himself in the foot and familiarized Red Sox Nation with the navicular bone.

The Simply Smashing Award goes to Darnell McDonald for his car window-smashing shot over the Monster.

The Grand Entrance Award goes to Daniel Nava for starting off his major-league career by taking the first pitch he sees yard for a grand salami.

The Most Dangerous Teammate Award goes to Adrian Beltre for breaking a minimum of 10 ribs of two left fielders

The Designated Head Toucher Award goes to Victor Martinez for always being the first one to drive Adrian Beltre nuts by touching his head in the dugout after a home run.

The Don't Call Me Mr. April Award goes to David Ortiz for putting his struggles in the first month of the season behind him and turning in his best numbers since 2007.

The Rubik's Cube Award goes to Terry Francona for all the work he had to put into putting out a lineup card each game in a season full of injuries and roster moves. It was like trying to solve a particularly perplexing puzzle

And the 2010 Red Sox MVP goes to.... Daniel Bard This was another tough choice. Bard was the one constant in the shaky bullpen and the go-to guy for key outs late in games. He stayed healthy all season and made a name for himself as one of the premier setup men in the league.

Honorable mentions: Adrian Beltre, Marco Scutaro, David Ortiz, Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester, Victor Martinez.