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Boston Red Sox: Rick Porcello wins AL Comeback Player of the Year Award

By Rick McNair

October 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Rick Porcello (22) throws in the third inning against the Cleveland Indians during game one of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball game at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
October 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Rick Porcello (22) throws in the third inning against the Cleveland Indians during game one of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball game at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Red Sox Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello has added the Comeback of the Year Award to his trophy collection.

Failure often has rewards and baseball is not an exception as Boston Red Sox right-hander Rick Porcello added into his trophy case the American League Comeback Player of the Year Award. This is often stated as the award any player wishes to avoid since it is either returning from a significant injury or from an abysmal performance.

Porcello already had a far more prestigious reward and that was his being honored as the American League Cy Young Award winner for 2016.

Prior to that Porcello had been “rewarded” with a contract for four years at a total of $82.5 Million. The 2016 season was the first year of the contract and it was no doubt gratification for departed general Manager Ben Cherington.

"“Really, the thing that I could control was limiting my walks and establishing strike one,” Porcello said. “Plus varying eye levels, and a bunch of different things I tried to incorporate into my game plan this year.” – Rick PorcelloMore from Red Sox NewsRed Sox Nation deserves far more from Fenway Sports GroupBizarre trade deadline comes back to haunt Red Sox after Nathan Eovaldi departureRed Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contractRich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB recordRed Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure"

Porcello’s season did represent a complete turnaround from a depressing 2015 in which the right-hander went 9-15 and posted a 4.92 earned run average. The dramatic change was reflected with a league leading 22 wins – boosted by some significant run support – and a league-best 5.91 SO/W.

Porcello tossed 223 innings, registered 189 strikeouts, lowered his ERA to 3.12 and the walk stingy Porcello had a 1.01 WHIP.

This award is issued by the baseball writers and Porcello did not win the similar award issued by the players and The Sporting News – that went to Mark Trumbo of Baltimore – a free agent who may end up in Boston. Anthony Rendon of the Nationals won the National League award.

The value of Porcello was clearly recognized when he posted a 9-2 record in 16 starts following a loss. The Red Sox also recorded a 25-8 team record in Porcello’s starts. The Red Sox went from last place to first place in the American League East and Porcello was a key to that turnaround.

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The Red Sox have garnered several awards this postseason with Mookie Betts being named the Wilson Best Defensive Player, David Ortiz becoming the Aaron Award winner, Dustin Pedroia being named to the Wilson Defensive Team, a Silver Slugger Award for Xander Bogaerts, Ortiz, and Betts and Porcello being named the Player’s Choice for best pitcher.

Sources: MLB.com

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