Anthony Rendon, Ian Desmond win NL Silver Slugger awards
By Pablo Roa
Oct 6, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman
Anthony Rendon(6) bats in front of San Francisco Giants catcher
Buster Posey(28) during game three of the 2014 NLDS baseball playoff game at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Nationals had a great season in 2014, finishing the year with the best record in the National League and winning their second division title in the last three years.
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While the entire roster contributed to the Nationals’ 2014 success, a big reason the team was able to accomplish what it did was the offensive contributions of third baseman Anthony Rendon and shortstop Ian Desmond. Rendon and Desmond were rewarded for their efforts Thursday night, winning the National League Silver Slugger awards for third base and shortstop, respectively.
It’s the first career Silver Slugger award for Rendon, who dominated with the bat in his first full season with the Nationals.
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Rendon was arguably the team’s most valuable player in 2014, hitting .287 with 21 home runs and 83 RBIs. Not only was Rendon a strong presence in the middle of the lineup, but he also played Gold Glove-caliber defense at second and third base all season long.
The 24-year-old third baseman was one of the few Nationals players who carried over their regular season success into the playoffs. Rendon was a bright spot in the Nationals’ disastrous NLDS against the San Francisco Giants, batting .368 with a .400 OBP in 19 postseason at-bats.
Desmond also had an excellent season with the bat, winning the Silver Slugger award for the third straight year.
Desmond was arguably the Nationals’ most productive bat during the regular season, hitting 24 home runs while driving in 91 runs. The 29-year-old shortstop once again proved that he is one of the team’s best players as he not only won his third Silver Slugger award, but he also completed his third straight season with at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases.