Underachieving offensive performances plagued the A's for much of the 2011 season, particularly in the first half when they were left buried in the American League West. Few bright spots emerged from the lineup, one that was made over during a busy offseason in the midst of several transactions that brought aboard a handful of new players. But one fully lived up to expectations. Josh Willingham, brought in via trade from the Nationals, was essentially Oakland's lone consistent power provider, leading the club both in homers (29) and RBIs (98) in what was arguably the most productive season of his eight-year career. "He's obviously very important to the offense and the middle of the lineup, he gets big hits," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "He's the guy we count on to drive the ball out of the park, and he's had a terrific year." Easily the A's MVP, Willingham can now win more than an in-house honor, as he has been recognized as a candidate for this year's American League Hank Aaron Award. This coveted honor is awarded annually to the best overall offensive performer in both the AL and National League. Originally introduced in 1999 to honor the 25th anniversary of Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth's all-time home run record, the Hank Aaron Award was the first major award to be introduced in 30 years. Fans began voting for the award on MLB.com on Oct. 3. Voting concludes on Oct. 9. Willingham, if selected, would join this list of winners: Jose Bautista and Joey Votto (2010); Derek Jeter and Albert Pujols (2009); Aramis Ramirez and Kevin Youkilis (2008); Alex Rodriguez and Prince Fielder (2007); Jeter and Ryan Howard (2006); David Ortiz and Andruw Jones (2005); Manny Ramirez and Barry Bonds (2004); Rodriguez and Pujols (2003); Rodriguez and Bonds (2001-02); Carlos Delgado and Todd Helton (2000); and Manny Ramirez and Sammy Sosa (1999). Willingham, though shy in numbers next to the likes of Bautista and Robinson Cano, was one of the league's best in the second half, ranking near the top of multiple offensive categories, including home runs and RBIs. He provided numerous clutch hits, hitting above .300 with runners in scoring position. "They brought him here for obvious reasons," teammate David DeJesus said. "He's a guy that can hit for power, can give you those home runs and RBIs, and there hasn't been a guy whose done more for the team this year. "I know everyone, including myself, wishes they could have contributed a bit more here this year, and it's hard not to wonder where we'd be if we were more consistent. But Josh has been in there, day in and day out, giving the offense life." "He's been unbelievable," pitcher Gio Gonzalez said. "You can't ask for more than what Josh has given us. He's constantly driving in runs for us. He's been big, real big for this team. " -- t a ╭═ ◥███◣══════════════════ theanswer3 ╮t a h n ●● █ ◥█ ★ ●● ║h n e s ● ● █◣ █ ◢◢◣ ◢ ◢█◣ ◢█◣ ● ● ╴B ρ ║e s w ●◤ ███◤ █◤ █ █▌ █◢◤ ● ）● ⊙￣ ║ w e ˙─── █─── █ ──◤ ◥█◤ ◥█◤─●） ◤─ \∕﹀║ e r 3╰ ＿＿◤ˍˍˍ▁▁▁▂▂▂▃▃▃▄▅▆▇██◤═#14 ═════╯ r 3 --

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