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MLB Awards: Week Fifteen

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Here we are in the middle of June handing out our MLB Awards once again. It’s week 15 this time around, as we give a nod to some of the best performances in baseball this week. Oh, and maybe a quick mention of a nightmare…

Performance of the Week

Oh yes, it’s Mookie Betts again. Betts’ ‘performance’ is focused on a solitary plate appearance. Battling for 13 pitches, the Boston Red Sox rightfielder eventually launched a Grand Slam.

If it wasn’t for Mike Trout, Betts would be the frontrunner for American League MVP. The combination with J.D. Martinez borders on unfair, particularly when he can battle for this long in one AB.

Start of the Week

Trevor Bauer twirled eight shutout innings for the Indians against the Reds this week. Striking out 12 in the process, the Cleveland starter furthered his case to be considered one of the best in the game.

    

It was a dominant performance worthy of his All-Star recognition. Bauer will have a huge role to play in the postseason for the Indians, particularly when it comes to protecting the vulnerable bullpen.

Defensive Play(s) of the Week

This is meant to go to one play. Manny Margot had the audacity to make two in one game. The Padres’ centrefielder is a Gold Glove calibre outfielder, and took the opportunity to show it off. The combination of a great jump with his speed makes this look relatively easy. It’s not.

https://twitter.com/statcast/status/1016903112567742464

Margot has the potential to be a real asset for San Diego. When he’s making plays like this, though, he’s worth his weight in defensive gold. These plays change games (and they’re really fun).

Nightmare of the Week

Ken Giles‘ tantrums have become memeworthy this season. He punched himself in the face earlier in the year, which was worth a chuckle and all. This time, he got himself into hotter water, unleashing a tirade at his manager when he was pulled from the game having not recorded an out in the ninth.

Unsurprisingly, Giles – who was the Astros’ closer last year – was then optioned to AAA. This just further reinforced Houston’s need for bullpen reinforcement.