Ramirez earns Bob Feller Man of Year Award

CLEVELAND — When considering who was the Indians’ best player from this past season, there are many candidates and no correct answer. Ace Corey Kluber would be a fine choice, as would energetic shortstop Francisco Lindor. Jason Kipnis, Carlos Santana and Mike Napoli had career years. Andrew Miller dominated in the bullpen.

Then, there was Jose Ramirez.

“He kind of saved [us],” manager Terry Francona said during the World Series.

Ramirez’s breakout season has earned him special recognition by the Cleveland chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, which named him the recipient of the 2016 Bob Feller Man of the Year Award. Francona was also honored with the Frank Gibbons-Steve Olin Good Guy Award for the second time (also in 2014) for his respect and cooperation with the media.

Kluber, Lindor, Kipnis and Napoli were also nominated for the Man of the Year Award, while pitching coach Mickey Callaway, closer Cody Allen and Lindor joined Francona as the nominees for the Good Guy Award. The winners were voted on by BBWAA members during the Cleveland chapter’s annual luncheon.

It seems fitting that Ramirez took home the honor one season after left fielder Michael Brantley earned the same award. With Brantley sidelined for most of the 2016 season due to troubles with his right shoulder and biceps, the Tribe was in need of someone to step …

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