The Altoona Curve announced their 2012 Team Awards today, giving out honors for the Most Valuable Player, Pitcher of the Year, Fireman of the Year, and the Unsung Hero.
Brock Holt took home the top award, being named the team’s MVP. Holt was promoted to Indianapolis earlier this month, and in that time he led the Eastern League with a .322 average. He still leads the league and has enough plate appearances to qualify for the award if the lead holds. Last year Holt was named the Iron Man Award winner, playing in 132 games.
Phil Irwin was named the Pitcher of the Year, putting up a 2.93 ERA in 104.1 innings over 18 appearances. Irwin joined the team late, playing his first game on May 11th, and was promoted to Indianapolis earlier this month. But during his time with Altoona he put up impressive numbers, which are even more impressive when you consider that he had a 5.05 ERA in his first nine appearances at the level. In his next nine appearances he had a 1.24 ERA in 58 innings, with three complete games during that stretch.
Vic Black was named the Fireman of the Year, putting up a 1.74 ERA in 57 innings, with an amazing 83:28 K/BB ratio. He’s converted 10 of 13 save opportunities, and has a .193 BAA. His 13.11 K/9 ratio is the best in the Eastern League, and his BAA is third among relievers in the league.
Matt Curry was named the team’s unsung hero. He’s hit for a .283/.351/.477 line in 392 at-bats this year, with 11 homers and 33 doubles. Curry had a great first half, hitting for a .320/.376/.533 line in 244 at-bats prior to the All-Star break. Since the break he’s slumped, with a .223/.310/.385 line in 148 at-bats.
