2012 San Diego Padres Team Awards

Last night at the San Diego Hall of Champions, the Padres held their 15th Annual Awards Dinner. Among the recipients was Chase Headley, who took home the 2012 MVP of the Padres after a career year. Alexi Amarista took home Favorite New Padre Award. For his wonderful work around the community, Will Venable was honored with the Chairman’s Award. The Clyde McCullough Award was given to Clayton Richard. Relief Pitcher Luke Gregerson was named the winner of the Darrel Akersfeld Bullpen Award. Minor Leaguers were also recognized this year and Jedd Gyorko was named Offensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. Center Fielder Rico Noel received accolades for Defensive Player of the Year and Baserunner of the Year as well. Matt Wisler was named Pitcher of the Year.

2012 was a huge year for Headley. The 28 year old 3rd basemen set career highs in all three major offensive catergories. With his .286 batting average, 31 home runs 115 RBIs, he was a candidate for NL MVP. His 115 RBI lead the NL and he became only the second Padre ever to lead the league in RBI since Dave Winfield in 1979. Along with the team accolades, Chase was also recognized on a much bigger scale, winning the Rawlings Gold Glove Award and Louisville Silver Slugger Awards as well. Not too shabby.

Clayton Richard had himself a fine campaign in 2012. Matching a career high with 14 wins, 3.99 ERA and logging 218 innings of work, the 4th most in the NL behind Cy Young Award winner, R.A. Dickey and division rivals in Clayton Kershaw and Matt Cain. He also had 18 quality starts, leader the Padres in that catergory.

Minor leaguer Jedd Gyorko split time between Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A Tucson. Gyorko hit .311 with 30 bombs, 28 doubles, and hit the century mark on RBIs with 100. Baseball America named Wisler the 9th best prospect in the Midwest League.