Four Newcomers Earn Annual Team Awards
DBBC Announcer Ken Tanner (l to r), GM Mike Birling and Manager Jared Sandberg with 2015 Goodmon Award winners: MVP Taylor Motter, Pitcher of the Year Scott Diamond, and Team Spirit Award Jhan Marinez in the on-field presentation before the Bulls game on Saturday, Sept 5th.
Prior to the final Saturday evening game of the 2015 season, the Durham Bulls recognized the winners of the 2015 Goodmon Awards. The 22nd Annual Goodmon Awards, named for Capitol Broadcasting Company CEO Jim Goodmon, acknowledge Bulls players for their contributions to the success of the team both on and off the field.
Utility man Taylor Motter has been selected as the Team’s Most Valuable Player in his first season at the Triple-A level. The International League Midseason and Postseason All-Star has set career-highs in RBI (68), doubles (42), stolen bases (26) and walks (55). The 25-year-old leads the circuit in doubles, while ranking second in the IL in extra-base hits (54) and fourth in slugging percentage (.452). The product of Coastal Carolina University has started at least five games at six different positions in 2015, while he’s compiled five separate hitting streaks of at least eight games.
29-year-old LHP Scott Diamond is the team’s Pitcher of the Year, going 11-5 with a 3.62 ERA. His 11 wins rank tied for second-most among IL pitchers, while his 144 1/3 innings are seventh-most in the league. The southpaw, signed just one week prior to Opening Day, has posted four streaks of at least four unbeaten starts throughout the season.
Relief pitcher Jhan Mariñez has been selected for the Goodmon Award for Team Spirit. Named an IL Midseason All-Star, the 27-year-old right-hander was promoted to Durham from Double-A Montgomery in late April. In his first season in the Rays’ minor league system Mariñez has been an integral part of Durham’s bullpen since joining the team, going 4-1 with a 1.95 ERA and five saves in 44 appearances.
Promoted to Tampa Bay at the end of August, INF/C JP Arencibia is the recipient of the Community Service award. Signed by Tampa Bay and assigned to Durham in mid-April, the 29-year-old Miami native immediately became a favorite of DBAP patrons through his lively and frequent interactions with fans. The IL home run leader, Arencibia autographed numerous pieces of memorabilia for auction throughout his time in Durham, while he and his wife Kimberly also donated personal items.
Thanks to DBBC’s Scott Carter for this capcom story & photo.
