Dominican big leaguer Albert Pujols has been named Rookie of the Year by The Sporting News magazine, which also named Barry Bonds as Player of the Year. Pujols, of the Cardinals, broke several records this year. His average was 329 with 36 home runs, 112 runs scored and 130 runs batted in (RBIs). Mets player Armando Benítez, also Dominican, was named along with Robb Nenn as Reliever of the Year by The Sporting News publication. Meanwhile, Sammy Sosa of the Cubs and Alex Rodríguez of the Texas Rangers were chosen yesterday for the fifth time as winners of the Silver Bat. The prize honors players in each position from both leagues. Albert Pujols of the Cardinals and Manny Ramírez of the Red Socks were also named as Silver Bat winners.
