Top Pitcher: Cedric Ayers
You know you've had a rough season when you're forced to hand off your top pitcher award to a guy with an ERA over four. The Seattle Storm finished the 2006 season dead last in the Frick League in team ERA, 11th in walks, 10th in opponent batting average, and 10th in BABIP. It's safe to say there's room for improvement in the pitching department. Thankfully, the organization has a powerful assortment of young pitching on the rise, and will likely improve on last seasons performance. Then again, it's kinda hard not to....
Cedric Ayers was the one constant for the Storm starting rotation this season. An ace in Seattle, a mediocre pitcher on any other staff, Ayers posted a 4.07 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 2006 to go along with a 10-13 record and 138 strikeouts. This was Cedric's second season with the Storm, and he will be returning to the team in 2007.
Top Batter: Will "Skates" Simmons
Following the departure of former Seattle centerpiece Armando Santos to Greenville, Will Simmons quickly established himself as the teams most effective offensive producer. Simmons, one of the leagues most under-valued players, struggled with injuries throughout the 06' campaign, though still managed to put up his typical big-time numbers. Simmons finished the season with a .329 AVG, .439 OBP, and 17 stolen bases in just 102 games played. The season marked the first year of a six-year extension signed by Simmons in November of 2005. Storm fans can look forward to many more years of watching this kid tear up opposing pitchers.
Top Reliever: Missing...if you find one let me know.
