Despite setting a franchise record for most losses in a regular season and finishing with the worst record in Major League Baseball, the Houston Astros had its fair share of standout performances over the course of 2011 under the direction of Brad Mills.
Veteran slugger Carlos Lee added to his career body of work, while Matt Downs emerged as arguably the top pinch-hitter in the game.
Also, rookies Jose Altuve, J.D. Martinez and Jimmy Paredes helped to create long-term optimism by creating a spark in the second half.
Starting pitchers Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Myers, Bud Norris and J.A. Happ experienced several highs and lows, but for the most part, they did a respectable job of executing down the stretch.
Mark Melancon stepped up and filled the closer's role when Brandon Lyon underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in June.
Here are the 2011 Astros' award winners from Examiner.com:
MVP -- Carlos Lee
-Lee led the Astros in home runs (18), RBI (94), hits (161), doubles (38), walks (59), at-bats (585), runs scored (66) and games (155).
-He reached 90 RBI for the ninth time and has compiled 80 or more RBI in all 13 major league seasons, with Yankees star Alex Rodriguez representing the only active player with more 80-plus RBI seasons (15).
-After hitting a horrid .194 in April, Lee recovered to hit .316 in May, .303 in June, .283 in July, .293 in August and .273 in September.
Rookie of the Year -- J.D. Martinez
-Martinez hit .274 with six home runs, 35 RBI and 13 doubles over 208 at-bats in 53 games after earning a much-deserved call up from Double-A Corpus Christi on July 29 to fill the spot vacated by Hunter Pence, who was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.
-The 2010 Astros' Minor League Player of the Year posted 28 RBI in August -- the most by an Astros rookie in any calendar month, as well as the second-highest total in August by an NL rookie behind Todd Helton (29, 1998) and David Justice (29, 1990).
-He proved to be an effective run producer in the No. 3 spot and everyday starter in left or right field at the major league level.
Mr. Clutch -- Matt Downs
--Downs hit .276 with a career-high 10 homers, 41 RBI and 18 doubles over 106 games in his first full season at the major league level.
-The 27-year-old utility infielder led MLB with 15-pinch RBI -- the most in franchise history by a right-handed batter in a season.
-He did an exceptional job of filling a role similar to infielder Jeff Keppinger, who was traded to the San Francisco Giants on July 19.
Pitcher of the Year -- Wandy Rodriguez
-Rodriguez posted an 11-11 record with a 3.49 ERA and 166 strikeouts over 191 innings in 30 starts to lead the Astros in victories.
-The 32-year-old veteran passed Bob Knepper to become the all-time franchise leader in strikeouts (1,004) by a left-handed pitcher.
-He went 10-8 with a 3.13 ERA over 161 innings in his last 25 starts after going 1-3 with a 5.40 ERA in five starts to begin the season.
Top reliever -- Mark Melancon
-Melancon went 8-4 with a 2.78 ERA and 20 saves in 25 opportunities over 71 relief appearances while filling the closer's role.
-He compiled 11 consecutive scoreless appearances down the stretch, allowing just three hits over 11 2/3 innings with two walks and 15 strikeouts while going a perfect 6-for-6 in save opportunities.
-The 26-year-old Melancon posted the most wins (eight) by an Astros reliever since right-hander Doug Henry won eight in 1998.
Coach of the Year -- Doug Brocail
-Brocail, who had two stints over his career with the Astros, was hired as interim pitching coach in June to replace Brad Arnsberg.
-He oversaw a strong turnaround from Myers and Happ, and played a crucial role in the overall development of Melancon, Wesley Wright, Juan Abreu, Wilton Lopez, David Carpenter, Sergio Escalona, Fernando Rodriguez and youngster Jordan Lyles.
-The Astros have invited him back in the same role for 2012.
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