Marlins hand out awards

The Florida Marlins named their Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Year, with Jacksonville Suns teammates taking home the honors.

Shortstop Ozzie Martinez was named Minor League Player of the Year, after batting .302 with a .372 on-base percentage in helping the Suns successfully defend their Southern League crown. The league leader in runs (90), Martinez played for the World Team during the Futures Game, and was called up to the Marlins in September after the Suns’ playoff run, hitting .326 in 14 games.

Elih Villanueva went 14-4 with a 2.26 ERA in 179 innings over 28 starts for the Suns, and pitched a no-hitter on August 11th. He threw four complete games, including three shutouts, and led the league in ERA.

Barring trades, both Martinez and Villanueva stand a good chance of beginning 2011 with New Orleans.