Red Sox’ Xander Bogaerts, Mookie Betts selected to inaugural All-MLB team

SAN DIEGO — Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts and right fielder Mookie Betts were each named to the inaugural All-MLB team announced Tuesday at the Winter Meetings.

Bogaerts was recognized as the game’s top shortstop by being selected to the first team. Betts was put on the second team. The teams were voted on by fans, media members, broadcasters and others throughout baseball to commemorate the best performers throughout the entire 2019 season.

Bogaerts was one of six players who were present to accept their award at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, and expressed some bewilderment in being named to the first team.

“I was surprised, obviously,” Bogaerts said. “There’s so many great shortstops, especially right now, in the league since I came up, there’s been a big change in that every team seems like they have the top players at shortstop. It was a hard competition. It could have gone for anyone. Everyone was deserving of it. I’m happy it was me and I’m very blessed to have gotten the call.”

Bogaerts was named an All-Star this season — albeit as a replacement — on his way to a breakout 2019. He became the second shortstop in major league history to produce at least 30 homers and 50 doubles in the same season, joining Alex Rodriguez. The 27-year-old finished fifth in American League MVP voting. A’s shortstop Marcus Semien, who was third in MVP voting, was selected to the All-MLB second team.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/36oDsja