Predicting Every NL Silver Slugger Award Winner for 2012

As the major league season is coming to a rather exciting conclusion, the debate over postseason awards will start to heat up.

The Silver Slugger awards are given to the players who have had the best offensive seasons in their league at their positions.

This year, the field may be rather different in the National League, as some of the staple winners have moved to the American League. The awards still need to be given, however; so, here are my predictions for each and every National League Silver Slugger award winner for 2012.

Pitcher: Mike Leake, Cincinnati Reds

2012 Stat Line: .286, 2 HR, 3 RBI

In general, pitchers are hard to judge because they have such a limited sample size of at-bats. However, in the case of Mike Leake, he has come to bat 56 times and is almost hitting .300. He is one of only two pitchers who have had two home runs this season; so, he was a relatively easy selection.

Honorable Mention: Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies

Catcher: Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants

2012 Stat Line: .333, 21 HR, 89 RBI

Buster Posey has been a major part of all of the success the San Francisco Giants have had and he has been among the best offensive catchers in the National League this season. He has the second-highest batting average, second-most home runs and most RBI at that position.

Honorable Mention: Carlos Ruiz, Philadelphia Phillies

First Base: Adam LaRoche, Washington Nationals

2012 Stat Line: .269, 29 HR, 92 RBI

Adam LaRoche has rebounded in a huge way this season, and the Washington Nationals have performed better at a similar level. Injuries to Ryan Howard and Joey Votto have definitely made this a much more wide-open field, and LaRoche took advantage of that.

Honorable Mention: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds

Second Base: Aaron Hill, Arizona Diamondbacks

2012 Stat Line: .294, 22 HR, 67 RBI

Aaron Hill burst onto the scene as a power-hitting second baseman way back in 2009, but after that season, he saw his batting average drop off. This year, he has regained that part of his offensive attack and he could easily be rewarded with a Silver Slugger.

Honorable Mention: Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds

Third Base: David Wright, New York Mets

2012 Stat Line: .314, 17 HR, 81 RBI

I know that some of David Wright's power numbers leave a little bit to be desired, but his ability to get on base as well as his plate discipline are definitely better than anyone else at the position. There are several qualified candidates who bring different offerings to the plate, but Wright is just a notch above.

Honorable Mention: Chase Headley, San Diego Padres

Shortstop: Ian Desmond, Washington Nationals

2012 Stat Line: .295, 23 HR, 67 RBI

Ian Desmond is leading all shortstops in home runs and he is second in both RBI and batting average. While his plate discipline could definitely use some improvement, he is a highly talented shortstop with a lot of power who should without a doubt win this award.

Honorable Mention: Starlin Castro, Chicago Cubs

Outfielder: Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers

2012 Stat Line: .310, 38 HR, 100 RBI

Last year's MVP Ryan Braun is having another very strong offensive season for the Milwaukee Brewers, and he should really be a no-brainer for a Silver Slugger. So far, he is the only outfielder to get into triple digits in the RBI column, and he is leading all outfielders in home runs.

Honorable Mention: See final outfield slide.

Outfielder: Matt Holliday, St. Louis Cardinals

2012 Stat Line: .299, 26 HR, 94 RBI

Matt Holliday has been a strong hitter for a long time, and this year is really no different. His consistently high performance should earn him a Silver Slugger in the near future, and he needs to continue playing a major role for the St. Louis Cardinals as they fight for that final wild-card spot.

Outfielder: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates

2012 Stat Line: .340, 26 HR, 85 RBI

Andrew McCutchen has always had the tools to become an amazing outfielder, and he is finally realizing that potential this season. He began to break through last season, but his batting average has come along very nicely this year, and he is one of the best offensive outfielders in the National League.

Honorable mentions:

Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds

Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins

Corey Hart, Milwaukee Brewers

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