ANNOUNCING THE 2022 SALTDOGS PLAYER AWARDS

MVP – Ryan Long

Since joining the Saltdogs in 2021, Ryan Long has been one of the league’s most consistent hitters and put together an excellent campaign in 2022. The Texas native hit .288 with 10 homers and 44 RBIs, while playing stellar defense at third base all season long. Long also finished as one of the few qualified hitters in this league with more walks than strikeouts.

Pitcher of the Year – Greg Minier

Greg Minier was excellent in 2021, and he was even better in 2022 — finishing with a 6-6 record and a 2.48 ERA in 19 starts. He was among the top vote-getters for the league’s Pitcher of the Year award. Minier was also among the league leaders with 116 strikeouts in 109 innings and he put together one of the best single seasons for a starter in Saltdogs history. Minier never failed to impress with his attitude and demeanor, and he’s been a fan favorite ever since he began his Saltdogs career a season ago.

Rookie of the Year – Matt Cronin

Matt Cronin joined the Saltdogs in the middle of June and quickly became one of the league’s most dominant relievers. In 26 games, Cronin pitched to a 1.99 ERA and limited opponents to a .163 batting average. He averaged more than one strikeout per inning and was one of the most reliable relief pitchers in the American Association this year after making 19 starts with the Houston Apollos in 2021.

Newcomer of the Year – Steffon Moore

Few pitchers had a run like Steffon Moore did to begin the year, when he finished the first half of the regular season with a 0.39 ERA. Moore earned American Association West Division All-Star honors after his incredible first half, and owned 49 strikeouts in 41.2 innings this season. Moore had on the best debut seasons in franchise history, and he led the bullpen with 11 saves.

Two Way Player of the Year – Garett Delano

Delano — a two-way standout at Mercer University — was a stalwart in Lincoln’s rotation all season long, making 19 starts with 21 total appearances, all while hitting .266 with an .806 OPS and three homers to go along with 18 RBIs. Delano finished 8-3 with a 4.46 ERA, with 49 walks and 78 strikeouts on the mound. Delano was the only true two-way threat in the American Association in his second year with the ‘Dogs.