LaRoche, Desmond, Strasburg win Silver Sluggers

Not only did Adam LaRoche win a Gold Glove as the National League's best defensive first baseman, he also will take home a Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger as the NL's top offensive first baseman. It's the first time LaRoche has won a Silver Slugger. And LaRoche wasn't the only Nationals player to be honored for his offensive production tonight. Shortstop Ian Desmond and right-hander Stephen Strasburg also won their first career Silver Sluggers. The Nationals continue to rack up the awards for various individual performances during the 2012 season. Tonight, it was LaRoche, Desmond and Strasburg getting some hardware. LaRoche adds another trophy to his mantle after putting together the best offensive season of his career. The 32-year-old led NL first basemen in home runs (33), RBIs (100) and hits (155) while ranking second in OPS (.853). According to Fangraphs, LaRoche also had a 3.8 WAR (wins above replacement), the highest among qualifying NL first basemen. Not awful production in a contract year, I guess. For Desmond, the Silver Slugger caps off a tremendous season which saw him elevate his play to a new level. The 27-year-old led all NL shortstops in batting average (.292), home runs (25), slugging percentage (.511) and OPS (.845). Desmond also stole 21 bases, and ranked second in doubles (33), was third in RBIs (73) and had the best WAR (5.4) among NL shortstops. Strasburg beat out the Reds' Mike Leake for the honor after putting together a slash line of .277/.333/.426 with one homer, four doubles and seven RBIs. The Nationals were the only major league club to win three Silver Sluggers. The Yankees and Tigers each won two American League Silver Sluggers. The Nats' three Silver Sluggers equaled the team's total for its first seven seasons in Washington. Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman won 2009 and 2010, while outfielder Alfonso Soriano was the first National to earn the award in 2006.