2015 San Francisco Giants Awards: MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, and more

Aug 13, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Hunter Strickland (60) pitches the ball against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Relief Man Award

#60 Hunter Strickland RHP

Perhaps Strickland made a bad impression on the league after he gave up six home runs in just 8 1/3 innings during the 2014 MLB Playoffs. On top of that, he decided to get a little heated and displayed some immaturity by stirring up commotion with Royals catcher Salavador Perez after Strickland surrendered a crucial home run to Omar Infante.

“Strick” bounced back quick in 2015, even adding a solid change up to his arsenal that allowed him to be the 7th inning-man for San Francisco. In his 55 games this season, Strickland was 3-3 with a 2.45 ERA, totaled 50 strikeouts in just 51 1/3 innings pitched, gave up just four home runs, and was even tied for 23rd in the MLB with 20 holds.

The 27-year old Strickland has electric stuff and everything a manager wants in a closer. The Giants may be looking for Strickland to take over Santiago Casilla’s role as the long-term closer.

Next: Iron Man Award