The Silver Slugger is awarded to the best offensive player at each position. Joe Mauer won the award for his 2006 performance at the catcher position. Mauer ended the season with a .347 average, 181 hits, and a .429 OBP. This is Mauer’s first Silver Slugger award, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there are 5 of these things sitting on his mantle by the end of his career.

According to the Twins official website, Mauer and Morneau became the fourth and fifth players in franchise history to pick up a Silver Slugger trophy. They join designated hitter Paul Molitor (1996), second baseman Chuck Knoblauch (1995, 1997) and Kirby Puckett (1986-1989, 1992, 1994).