Thursday Rockpile: Michael Cuddyer wins his first Silver Slugger

The Silver Slugger awards were announced yesterday and Michael Cuddyer was rightfully rewarded for his best season with the first silver bat of his career. Wilin Rosario was beaten out by Yadier Molina and for the second year in a row Troy Tulowitzki's injuries allowed voters to hand the award to Ian Desmond. This award truly shows the effect injuries had on the team's lineup as, talent wise, they should have two to three winners with a couple of runner's up. The major awards are the last things that must be decided before MLB closes the book on 2013.

Meanwhile, teams are starting to target their top players for free agency this year. While the White Sox have signed Abreu and the Rangers have signed one catcher while still targeting the Brave's Brian McCann, the Rockies have made what I can only assume is a roster filler move by making an offer to Mets' pitcher Greg Burke. The market for outfielders make get pricey as the Rays agreed to pay their own David DeJesus more than $5M a year for two years. If a 34 year old outfielder who hasn't hit over .265 batting average or a .753 OPS in the last three years is worth $5 million a year, what will the Rockies have to pay for a decent quality player?

Other Daily Links:

Renck talks about Belisle's return on the mutual option he and the team agreed to.

MLB list of free agents for your perusal.

Thursday off-topic.