This Day in Nationals History: November 8

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

November 8, 2012 was a special day in Washington Nationals History. The Silver Slugger award’s were handed out on this day and three Nats came home victors. First Baseman Adam LaRoche, Short Stop Ian Desmond and Pitcher Stephen Strasburg all won a Silver Slugger for their respective positions in the National League.

Adam LaRoche had arguably his best season in the Majors in 2012. He finished sixth in MVP voting, won a Gold Glove and won a Silver Slugger. LaRoche tallied up 33 homers to go along with 100 runs batted in. This is in fact his only 30/100 season as a major leaguer. He was an overall player, hitting the ball to all fields and not only hitting homers but he added 35 doubles as well. His 100 RBI ranked eighth in the National League, which is decent, but for a player that doesn’t really have a strong track record of great seasons, he deserved the Silver Slugger.

Ian Desmond came home with his first Silver Slugger. As J.W. Lumley posted on Thursday Ian Desmond has now won consecutive Silver Sluggers. In only his third full season in the big leagues, Desmond came out with a bang. His 2012 slash line of .292/.335/.511 was the best of his young career. He came into his own showing power, collecting 33 doubles and 25 homers. This was also his first 20/20 season a major leaguer. He isn’t a great sabermetric player, but he gets the job done and that is all the Nats are asking from him.

Stephen Strasburg was the third and final National to come home with the hardware. Strasburg has a fantastic year at the plate going 13 for 47 and also drawing three walks. Of those 13 hits, four were doubles and one a big fly. You can’t ask more from your pitcher at the plate. So all you American League junkies, can love the DH while us National League fans enjoy our pitchers getting extra base hits.