Alexei Ramirez wins second Silver Slugger Award

Alexei Ramirez bounced back from a rough season in 2013 with an excellent all-around 2014 campaign. The White Sox shortstop was rewarded on Thursday for his offensive accomplishments, winning his second Silver Slugger Award as the top offensive shortstop in the American League.

Ramirez, 33, named an All-Star for the first time in his seven-year career and a finalist for the AL Gold Glove (given Tuesday to the Orioles’ J.J. Hardy), also won the Silver Slugger in 2010. The awards, presented by Louisville Slugger, are voted on by managers and coaches.

Ramirez batted .273 with 15 homers, 35 doubles, 74 RBI and 21 stolen bases in 25 attempts this season. He had a .305 on-base percentage and .408 slugging percentage.

Ramirez also had an exceptional year in the field. He led the AL in double plays turned (119), assists (486) and range factor. After leading AL shortstops with 22 errors in 2013, Ramirez cut that down to 15 this season.

Sox first baseman and fellow Cuban Jose Abreu won the Silver Slugger for AL first basemen.

Ramirez beat out Erick Aybar of the Angels, Alcides Escobar of the Royals and Jose Reyes of the Blue Jays.