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2011 Silver Slugger Award Winners Include Detroit Tigers' Alex Avila, Not Miguel Cabrera

The Detroit Tigers had some pretty decent bats in their lineup this season to complement Justin Verlander's pitching prowess. The 2011 Silver Slugger awards, handed out on Wednesday night, didn't exactly reflect that however as only Alex Avila earned the distinction as the best offensive player at his position.

Avila's season at the plate included a .295 batting average while knocking out 19 home runs and driving home an additional 82 RBIs along with being named to the AL All-Star team.

"It's a great honor," Avila told Chris Iott via text message Wednesday evening. "To be considered one of the best at your position is a tremendous accomplishment, and I'm very proud of that."

While Avila had a solid season both at and behind the plate, it was almost more surprising that Miguel Cabrera was beat out for the award by Adrian Gonzalez. A release on MLB.com says that the award is voted on by coaches and managers from both leagues, and voters are prohibited from rewarding players on their own team.

David Ortiz and Atlanta's Brian McCann each picked up their fifth such honor.

American League
Pos. Player Team Silver Sluggers
1B Adrian Gonzalez BOS 1
2B Robinson Cano NYY 3
SS Asdrubral Cabrera CLE 1
3B Adrian Beltre TEX 3
OF Curtis Granderson NYY 1
OF Jose Bautista TOR 2
OF Jacoby Ellsbury BOS 1
C Alex Avila DET 1
DH David Ortiz BOS 5
National League
Pos. Player Team Silver Sluggers
1B Prince Fielder MIL 2
2B Brandon Phillips CIN 1
SS Troy Tulowitzki COL 2
3B Aramis Ramirez CHC 1
OF Ryan Braun MIL 4
OF Matt Kemp LAD 2
OF Justin Upton ARI 1
C Brian McCann ATL 5
P Daniel Hudson ARI 1