Quintin Berry named Tigers rookie of the year

Detroit Tigers outfielder Quintin Berry has been named the Tigers rookie of the year, beating out pitcher Drew Smyly. The award is given out by the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association and was announced on Monday.

Berry appeared in 93 games for the Tigers in 2012, making his debut on May 23 as a replacement for an injured Austin Jackson. Berry got off to a hot start, but cooled off in August and September. He finished the season with a .258 batting average with 29 RBIs and 44 runs. In his postseason debut Berry got two hits and a stolen base against the Oakland Athletics. He appeared in 11 postseason games for the Tigers, batting .192.

He beat out left-handed pitcher Drew Smyly, who started 18 games for the Tigers and posted a 3.99 ERA with a 4-3 record and 94 strikeouts. Other Tigers rookies in 2012 were pitchers Darin Downs, Duane Below, Casey Crosby, Adam Wilk, Luis Marte, Luke Putkonen, Jose Ortega, outfielder Avisail Garcia and infielder Hernan Perez.

Berry's 28th birthday is on Wednesday, Nov. 21. He is expected to compete for a starting corner outfield spot in 2013.