Matt Holliday, Brian Fuentes Garner Local BBWAA Awards

Two former Rockies received awards from the local chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Matt Holliday was given the award for the best baseball player in 2008. The slugger hit .321 with 25 home runs and 88 RBI. 

Holliday ranked second on the squad in RBI despite spending 15 days on the disabled list in May and missing several games down the stretch with a bad back.

Holliday accepts the award three months after being traded to the Oakland A's for prospects Carlos Gonzalez and Greg Smith, along with reliever Huston Street.

Brian Fuentes was also named the top pitcher by the local chapter. While the award for Holliday comes as no surprise to anyone, Fuentes had stiff competition. 

Aaron Cook won 16 games for the Rockies this season. He emerged as a dependable ace for the club after Jeff Francis struggled. Cook also pitched three scoreless innings in his first All-Star appearance, all of this after coming off an injury-plagued 2007 campaign.

Another consideration for top pitcher could have been Ubaldo Jimenez. He went 12-12 after a slow start, and was one of the best pitchers in the league in the month of July.

Fuentes had 30 saves and a minuscule 2.73 ERA.  He stepped in and did a great job after Manny Corpas faltered in the closer role in April.

Ian Stewart was named top rookie, which was a surprise to no one. Clint Barmes was given the "good guy" award for being the most media friendly player.

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