Rodriguez leads Silver Slugger winners

NEW YORK, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees won his 10th Silver Slugger Award Thursday, highlighting a relatively new group of players receiving the honor.

The Silver Slugger Award goes to the top offensive performer at each position in both leagues.

By winning his 10th award, the Yankees third baseman tied Mike Piazza for second-most Silver Sluggers in a career. Only Barry Bonds, with 12, has more.

Of the American League winners, Minnesota first baseman Justin Morneau, Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia and Baltimore designated hitter Aubrey Huff were first-time honorees. The entire American League outfield -- Texas' Josh Hamilton, Cleveland's Grady Sizemore and the White Sox's Carlos Quentin -- also won for the first time.

New York shortstop Derek Jeter picked up his third straight award and Twins catcher Joe Mauer won his second.

There were three first-time winners in the National League -- Milwaukee outfielder Ryan Braun, St. Louis outfielder Ryan Ludwick and Florida shortstop Hanley Ramirez.

Outfielder Matt Holliday -- who played for Colorado in 2008 but was traded to Oakland Wednesday -- won his third in a row, as did Philadelphia second baseman Chase Utley.

Other NL winners were St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols, Mets third baseman David Wright, Atlanta catcher Brian McCann and Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano.