The 3rd BBA Award of the postseason, the Goose Gossage Award, which is given to the best relief pitcher in each league, was a bit more of a challenge for the Boston Chapter–we actually had to vote a 2nd time to break the 2 ties we had in our 1st round of voting…

After much discussion, and back and forth, the Boston Chapter had these results to submit for the 2010 Goose Gossage Award:

8 points Joaquin Benoit, Tampa Bay Rays

7 points Rafael Soriano, Tampa Bay Rays

5 points Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees

4 points Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals

It was close, and the relievers from Tampa Bay were the 1st tie the Boston Chapter had, and with both players doing so well in 2010 you can see why:  In 63 appearances, Joaquin Benoit ended the 2010 regular season with a 1-2 record and a 1.34 ERA and 75 strikeouts. Teammate Rafael Soriano, the Rays’ closer,  ended his 2010 with a record of 3-2 with a 1.73 ERA and 45 saves in 64 appearances.

This time, our chapter voting was a little different than my thoughts on the post season award, specifically the choice of Mariano Rivera. If he had a season like any of his past campaigns, the choice would be clear, but it feels like he didn’t do as well this year–that his age and injury may FINALLY be catching up with the veteran, who had far fewer strikeouts in 2010 (45) than in 2009 (72) as well as 25% fewer saves (33 this year to 44 in 2009)  And then there are the 5 blown saves this year (he has 2 in 2009)–and his K/9 is down to 6.75 from 9.77–his ERA is close ( 1.80 vs 1.76) and the W/L is the same–but like I said, Rivera FEELS less dominant to me…

Coming up: The Boston Chapter selections will continue with the Walter Johnson (best pitcher) Award later in the next week, and well as the BBA results…