Silver Sluggers

They were a tag team all season long and through the postseason for the World Series champion Red Sox, terrorizing opposing pitching staffs. Tuesday, Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz were co-members of a different team, as both star run producers received American League Silver Slugger awards.
For Ramirez, who was one of the three American League outfielders, it was the seventh Silver Slugger Award of his career. Ortiz was selected as the DH for the AL, marking the first time he has won the award, which is presented by Louisville Slugger.

Ramirez and Ortiz have become a package deal. You think of one, and the other immediately comes to mind.

"He is one of my best friends on the team, and I think he is also the best hitter on the team," said Ramirez. "He is great, man. He is a guy that you could go and talk to him when you have some problems, like off the field and on the field, you know, so we always talk about a lot of things out there, so, you know, I am very proud to have Ortiz behind my back."

The way Ortiz sees things, it is far than coincidental that he has gone from an unheralded platoon player with the Twins to one of the elite hitters in the game since becoming Ramirez's teammate the last two seasons.

"I'm happy and proud to have a guy like Manny as a teammate," said Ortiz. "He's a great teammate and a great player and he's shown through the years how consistent he is. Everyone knows the guy is a troublemaker when he steps to the plate."

2004 Silver Slugger winners
American League

1B Mark Teixeira Rangers
2B Alfonso Soriano Rangers
SS Miguel Tejada Orioles
3B Melvin Mora Orioles
OF Manny Ramirez Red Sox
OF Gary Sheffield Yankees
OF Vladimir Guerrero Angels
C tie-Ivan Rodriguez Tigers
C tie-Victor Martinez Indians
DH David Ortiz Red Sox

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