NEWSFLASH: Josh Hamilton Wins Silver Slugger Award

Josh Hamilton (pictured above) has won his first career Silver Slugger. - Samara Pearlstein/MVN.comTexas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton has been named to the American League Silver Slugger Team by vote of the league's managers and coaches, representing his first career Silver Slugger Award and denoting the first Silver Slugger Award bestowed upon a Ranger since 2005, when first baseman Mark Teixeira and second baseman Alfonso Soriano each took home the trophies.

Hamilton, who hit .304/.371/.530 (136 OPS+ and .309 EqA) with 32 home runs in 704 plate appearances in 2008 and was recently named the Players Choice Most Outstanding Player of the American League, is also the first Texas outfielder to win the award since Juan Gonzalez (1998), and is just the fourth outfielder in club history to take home the honor, preceded by Gonzalez (1992-93, 1996-98), Al Oliver (1980), and Ruben Sierra (1989).

The complete list of winners, courtesy of MLB.com:

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Catcher: Joe Mauer, Twins
First Base: Justin Morneau, Twins
Second Base: Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
Third Base: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
Shortstop: Derek Jeter, Yankees
Outfield: Josh Hamilton, Rangers
Outfield: Carlos Quentin, White Sox
Outfield: Grady Sizemore, Indians
Designated Hitter: Aubrey Huff, Orioles

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Catcher: Brian McCann, Braves
First Base: Albert Pujols, Cardinals
Second Base: Chase Utley, Phillies
Third Base: David Wright, Mets
Shortstop: Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
Outfield: Ryan Braun, Brewers
Outfield: Matt Holliday, Rockies
Outfield: Ryan Ludwick, Cardinals
Pitcher: Carlos Zambrano, Cubs

Hamilton will receive the Silver Slugger hardware during a ceremony sometime early in 2009.