The George M. Trautman Award, also known as the Topps Player of the Year, is presented to a player in each of the sixteen domestic Minor Leagues each year. Trautman played an integral role in establishing the current standard relationship between what we know as Major League and Minor League Baseball in the 1930s and '40s, so it seems appropriate that such an award would bear his namesake. The award does not consider prospect status, nor is it necessarily a precursor for Major League success - case in point, Shelley Duncan took home the award for his fantastic 2009 season in the International League last season. Austin Romine won the award in the Florida State League in 2009, as well.
Melky Mesa (Florida State League) and Brandon Laird (Eastern League) were recognized for their outstanding 2010 seasons. Perhaps not coincidentally, Mesa was protected on the 40-man roster yesterday, and it's expected that Laird will join him shortly. Uber-prospects Mike Trout of the Angels and Mike Moustakas of the Royals were among the winners, as well. Some relevant stats:
Mesa - .260/.338/.475, .378 wOBA, 19 HR, 31 SB, 137 wRC+
Laird - .291/.355/.523, .383 wOBA, 23 HR, 2 SB, 135 wRC+
(Hat-tip to Chad Jennings.)
