The Twins announced the recipients of their 2014 Diamond Awards. Some great choices:

 

Calvin R. Griffith Award (MVP): Phil Hughes

Joseph W. Haynes Award (Pitcher of the Year): Phil Hughes

Carl R. Pohlad Community Service Award: Brian Duensing

Bill Boni Award (Rookie): Danny Santana

Charles O. Johnson (Most Improved): Eduardo Escobar

Mike Augustin (Media Good Guy) Award: Ron Gardenhire

Jim Kaat Award (top defensive player): Brian Dozier

Bob Allison Award (exemplifies determination, hustle, tenacity, competitive spirit, leadership): Kurt Suzuki

Dick Siebert Award (Upper Midwest Player of Year): Pat Neshek

Sherry Robertson Award (Minor League Hitter): Kennys Vargas

Jim Rantz Award (Minor League Pitcher): Jose Berrios

Kirby Puckett Alumni Community Service Award: Jim Kaat

 

From the Press Release:

 

 

 

All proceeds from the event will benefit the University of Minnesota’s innovative research and patient care focused on ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), ataxia, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.   Along with the award winners, current and former Twins players and coaches are scheduled to appear at the event.  Corporate sponsorship opportunities, tables and individual tickets are now available.  For more information on the event visit
minnesotadiamondawards.org or call (612) 625-7490.

 

 

I can't argue any of these choices, although I would have voted for Trevor Plouffe for Most improved.

Solid choices.

Nice - I agree, I think Plouffe got a bit snubbed, though I would say that Escobar is a great choice for most improved.

Good choices!  And if Plouffe got snubbed, he must of really, really been bad last year. 

I think Defensively Plouffe was most improved, offensively Escobar saw the larger jump in production.

It is a touch sad that an actual player didn't get the media award.  It kind of emphasizes the void still on this team from a media/fan presence since Cuddy and Hunter left.

It baffles me that year after year Scott Diamond continues to get awards.  I don't think he's been deserving since 2012.

 

Interestig to see Jim Kaat get the community service award.  Is that area community service?  Or is this award going to him for service in New York or where ever he is living these days?  I'm curious because I'd think we'd see him around the ballpark or in the paper from time to time if he was back in these parts.

It is a touch sad that an actual player didn't get the media award.  It kind of emphasizes the void still on this team from a media/fan presence since Cuddy and Hunter left.

 

I'm sure they wanted to acknowledge Gardy in some way.  It seemed like the logical choice for an award for him. 

 

Even if there was a player who was good with the media (and Brian Dozier is) Gardy has been the point man for the media for years simply because he has the (surely frustrating) honor of hosting post game interviews after every single game.

Yes - I think the media just wanted to acknowledge Gardy.  I think there are a number of players that actually are pretty decent with the media.  

 

Gardy probably deserves the media award just for attending the press conference for his dismissal.  He handled what could have a contentious situation with grace and class and even a bit of humor.

Does this mean we'll get to watch Gardy laughing it up with the players during a losing season a little bit more next year during rain delays?

I am glad that Hughes took the team MVP Award. He was the most enjoyable player too watch this year, and this is coming from a guy who focuses more on the offense.

 

It is nice to have a pitcher where you don't have to turn the channel because you don't have the guts to watch the impending doom unfolding.

 

No offense to Gibson, he was okay for the most part, the inconsistency was painful.

 

Congrats Phil - let's do one better next season!

On another note. I see that Jim Kaat won an award. What the hell is wrong with the writers who elect HOFers, get his ass in the HOF!

 

To the Twins: Retire his number no matter the outcome. No offense to Bert, but Kaat is the best pitcher in the history of the MN Twins.

 

Note: Not franchise history.

I can't argue any of these choices, although I would have voted for Trevor Plouffe for Most improved.

 

Plouffe's defense improved dramatically, and his offense took a small step forward, but Escobar went from utility infielder who was sent back to Rochester for about 6 weeks in 2013 to everyday shortstop with a ton of doubles who needed to be in the lineup most every day. I thought Escobar was an easy choice for most improved.

It is a touch sad that an actual player didn't get the media award.  It kind of emphasizes the void still on this team from a media/fan presence since Cuddy and Hunter left.

 

I don't think that's true. I definitely think that both Perkins and Dozier have tremendous media/fan presence. I think this was more of an award for an outgoing (multiple meanings) manager. There are several guys in that clubhouse who have a very good media presence. 

On another note. I see that Jim Kaat won an award. What the hell is wrong with the writers who elect HOFers, get his ass in the HOF!

 

To the Twins: Retire his number no matter the outcome. No offense to Bert, but Kaat is the best pitcher in the history of the MN Twins.

 

Note: Not franchise history.

 

I actually completely agree with you. Kaat's number should be retired, and he is the best pitcher in Twins history. Santana probably for a shorter term, but overall, it's hard to say it isn't Kaat.