2009 Yankees July Awards

The month of the All-Star Game has come and gone, and now the two most exciting months of the season await the first-place Yanks. But first, let’s dish out some awards for the top performing Yankees in July.

Best Hitter: Robinson Cano
Cano lived up to expectations in July, hitting .330 AVG/.373 OBP/.544 SLG and leading the team with 20 runs. He also hit four dingers and totaled 14 RBI. One might complain about his low walk total (6), but it’s nice to see the strikeouts down (9). With Johnny Damon’s weak July, one could make the argument for swapping Cano into the two-hole.

Honorable Mention: Alex Rodriguez
A-Rod hit .289/.369/.536 in July, which is a significant improvement in batting average and slugging percentage from June (.207/.387/.415). He also finished tied for the team-lead in RBI with 19 (Hideki Matsui), and led the team in homers with seven.

Best Pitcher: A.J. Burnett
Burnett was flat-out filthy in July. In five starts: 4-0, 2.43 ERA, 21 K and five quality starts. He was easily the best starter for the Yanks in July and might have been the most valuable player as well. In the one start he didn’t earn the win, the Yanks beat the Tigers 5-3.

Honorable Mention: Mariano Rivera
Rivera was perfect in July. Ten saves in ten chances, no runs in 11-2/3 IP and nine K. The only concern: tying his whopping walk total from June, two. Well done, Mo.

Surprising Standout: Hideki Matsui
Matsui was awful in June (.204/.348/.407, 3 HR, 9 RBI). But he turned it around in July, hitting .293/.407/.560 with five homers and 19 RBI. Not bad for a guy who can barely run to first. He is still yet to play the field this season, but at least he’s giving us some confidence with his bat now.

Honorable Mention: Phil Hughes
Hughes continued his dominance from the pen in July, only allowing a single run in his last appearance against the White Sox. He finished with a win, a loss and a save in 14-2/3 IP. His 16/3 K/BB ratio is extremely impressive for the majors. Hopefully he can move past his “rough” outing against the White Sox and deliver another great month.

Previous Monthly Awards:
2009 Yankees June Awards
2009 Yankees May Awards
2009 Yankees April Awards