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When you have a season like this, people want to talk about you. And give you stuff. But it’s well earned.
The minor league season – the regular season – ended on Monday, and yet the awards and honors are already piling up for Ronald Acuna, whose next stop in the organization will probably be with the Atlanta Braves in April.
Here’s a couple of the nods he’s seen already:
MINOR LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Braves prospect Ronald Acuna improves at every level
RAY GILER / USA TODAY SPORTS
"Acuna, through the interpreter, explained his style at the plate: “After he signed, he adopted that approach, very quiet, not like other guys who are moving a lot. That’s what he chose to be as a hitter. He always believes his hands are faster than the ball; that’s why he stays still and quiet. He always believed he can get to the pitch.”"
Staff voting from USA Today? Acuna – 5 votes, Zack Littell (Twins RHP) – 2 votes. Nobody else had more than one.
Some former winners of this award:
- 1989 Sandy Alomar Jr
- 1990 Frank Thomas
- 1993 Manny Ramirez
- 1994 Derek Jeter
- 1995/96 Andruw Jones (yes – twice)
- 1999 Rick Ankiel
- 2001 Josh Beckett
- 2003 Joe Mauer
- 2006 Alex Gordon
- 2009 Jason Heyward
- 2011 Mike Trout
- 2014 Kris Bryant
- 2015 Yoan Moncada