ARCATA (Aug. 9, 2009) — With the 2009 season in the books, it's time to give out the traditional postseason awards. And for an impressive third straight season, Jeff Giacomini was named the team MVP after leading the team with six home runs and a cool 50 RBIs. He also batted .303 and his 56 hits were second on the team. Joining Giacomini on the honor roll are:
John Austin and Scott Heinig — Co-Pitchers of the Year
In 10 appearances, including nine starts, Austin went 8-1 with a 2.11 ERA. Heinig proved very versatile, starting four games but also providing solid relief when needed, compiling an 0.94 ERA along the way. The two finished tied for the team lead with 58 strikeouts apiece.
Eric Draxton — Closer of the Year
Draxton was the anchor of a solid bullpen, racking up 10 saves and posting an impressive 0.82 ERA in a team-leading 18 appearances.
Nick Melino — Offensive Player of the Year
Melino, the only switch hitter in the lineup, hit .318, and his 40 RBIs were second on the team to Giacomini. His four home runs and 11 doubles were also tied for the second-most on the team.
Isaac Vivas — Defensive Player of the Year
Vivas was a veritable vacuum at short, and turned in one of the most incredible plays ever seen at the Arcata Ball Park — sort of. On Aug. 1 against the Southern Oregon River Dawgs, Vivas ranged deep into the hole to snag a grounder and flipped it from the outfield grass all in one motion, apparently getting the Dawgs' Aaron Hassel by a step. Hassel was called safe, prompting loud protests from the crowd, but not taking away from the spectacle they had just witnessed.
Karson Klauer — Coaches' Award
The ever-humble Klauer started the season at the top of the order and on fire, but didn't complain when a slump dropped him to the nine spot for awhile. Whatever it was the team needed done, he was happy to do it.
Crabs Manager Matt Nutter also made sure to extend a special thank you to Bobby Ethel for three great seasons of service to the team. Ethel's third year got off to a rough start — literally — when he broke his nose the day before the first game moving equipment on the field. But he was undeterred and once again became an integral part of the team.
