BOSTON -- The Red Sox recently announced their 2012 minor league award winners.
Right-hander Brandon Workman was named pitcher of the year.Anytime you can have a good year and have consistently good outings it builds your confidence as you go throughout the year and it makes it easier to go out and do it again next time, Workman said.Its a huge honor. Having a good seasons great but then to be recognized by the organization is a huge honor.And reaching the major leagues?Thats kind of out of my hands, he said. Game plan is to go out there and try to throw the best that I can every time I go out there and everything else will take care of itself.Outfielder Jackie Bradley was named defensive player of the year.I stayed healthy, Bradley said of his season. That was pretty much what I wanted to do. I didn't really have any expectations going into the season. My expectation was to stay healthy and play as well as I can. It was an alright season, a good season and Ill try to reap the benefits later.Bradley could be on the major league horizon fairly soon.I like that plan, he said. Its always good hearing that, but Im going to continue to work hard. I feel like I got a long way to go and try to get better every day.Shortstop Xander Bogaerts was named offensive player of the year.It was a learning experience for me, Bogaerts said. Going through struggles and going through slumps and stuff. Its all part of baseball.This game is about the mental part. You can be physically good but you need to be strong mentally, so got to keep focused and keep doing the best you can.Third baseman Garin Cecchini is the base runner of the year. He had 51 stolen bases in 57 attempts this season, an impressive 89 percent success rate, for Greenville this season.I was at 49 the last game and I stole four times and got caught twice, he said. I wanted to get to 50. It was one of my goals that I kind of set in my head. Didnt say anything about it and obviously I got there so it was good. Got to 50 and then 51 so its fine. Next year well get the percentage.I feel like Ive developed so much since Feb. 22 when I reported to spring and thats the biggest key. You want to be in the big leagues. You dont want to be in Greenville, South Carolina your whole life. You want to be at Fenway Park and help the Red Sox win. So thats my goal.Right-hander Keivin Heras and outfielder Manuel Margot are the Latin Program pitcher and player of the year, respectively.Outfielder Daniel Nava received the Lou Gorman Award for dedication and perseverance in overcoming obstacles to reach the majors leagues.