Despite a losing season in which the Jays record fell to 75-87 for a fourth place American League East division placing, the Jays did witness the emergence of two young sluggers who should be a core part of the team in the future.

Both second baseman Aaron Hill and designated hitter Adam Lind had breakout seasons in which Hill hit .286AVG with 36 HR, 108RBI & 37 doubles while Lind hit .305AVG, 35HR, 114RBI & 46 doubles.

The pair both walked away with Silver Slugger awards on Thursday.

The Silver Slugger award is given to the top offensive player at their respective positions.

Hill beat out a large crop of American League second baseman such as Ian Kinsler of the Texas Rangers, Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees, Dustin Pedroia of the Boston Red Sox and Brian Roberts of the Baltimore Orioles.

Lind beat out the likes of David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox & Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees.

Hill who had a breakout season after missing most of 2008 with a concussion disorder also took home the American League Comeback Player of the Year award earlier this year.

Hill also set the Toronto Blue Jays record for home runs by a second baseman, greatly surpassing the former record held by former Jays second baseman Roberto Alomar.

The final results of the Silver Slugger awards were as follows:

1B – Mark Teixeira – 39HR, 122RBI, .292AVG
2B – Aaron Hill – 36HR, 108RBI, .286AVG
3B – Evan Longoria – 33HR, 113RBI, .281AVG
SS – Derek Jeter – 18HR, 66RBI, .334AVG
OF – Jason Bay – 36HR, 119RBI, .267AVG
OF – Torii Hunter – 22HR, 90RBI, .299AVG
OF – Ichiro Suzuki – 11HR, 46RBI, .352AVG
C – Joe Mauer – 28HR, 96RBI, .365AVG
DH – Adam Lind – 35HR, 114RBI, .305AVG

A big congratulations goes out to Hill and Lind as they certainly are two of the brightest stars Toronto has seen play the game in some time.