SEATTLE, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, second baseman Bret Boone and designated hitter Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners highlighted the 2001 Louisville Silver Slugger Award team announced Wednesday.
The Mariners tied the San Francisco Giants with a team-high three representatives. Outfielder Barry Bonds, who belted a record 73 homers, second baseman Jeff Kent and shortstop Rich Aurilia were on the National League squad.
The Silver Slugger team is chosen by managers and coaches from each league and based on a combination of offensive statistics and a general impression of a player's overall offensive value. Managers and coaches cannot vote for anyone on their own team.
The 28-year-old Suzuki is assured of winning AL Rookie of the Year honors after he batted .350 with a 242 hits and scored 127 runs in leading the Mariners to a record 116-win regular season.
A native of Japan, Suzuki joined third baseman Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals as the only rookies on the two squads.
Boone set AL records for second baseman with 36 homers and 141 RBI. He was the first second baseman in AL history to bat .300 or better with 30-plus homers.
Martinez hit .306 with 23 homers and 116 RBI. He finished among the league leaders in doubles (40), RBI, walks (93), on-base percentage (.423) and slugging percentage (.543) en route to a third Silver Slugger team appearance.
Joining the three Mariners on the AL squad were Oakland first baseman Jason Giambi, shortstop Alex Rodriguez of the Texas Rangers, Anaheim third baseman Troy Glaus, outfielders Manny Ramirez of Boston and Juan Gonzalez of Cleveland and New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada.
Completing the NL team were Colorado first baseman Todd Helton, outfielders Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs and Arizona's Luis Gonzalez, New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza and Colorado pitcher Mike Hampton.
