BleedingGreen's AL Rookie of the Year

by user Bleeding Green

To me, this year is all about pitching in the AL rookie of the year race. I can see it coming it down to 4 guys.

Here's my order.

1. Francisco Liriano SP Twins THe Twins pitcher has been nothing short of fantastic. The kid is 10-1 with a 1.83 ERA, 102 Ks, and a WHIP of 0.97(best in baseball) in the first half. Those aren't just rookie of the year stats, those are Cy Young stats. I think he and Papelbon are very close, but I give Liriano the edge because he's starting.

2. Jonathon Papelbon RP Red Sox Basically this kid could be the Sox closer for the next 10+ years, that's if they don't decide they need him to start. He's been that good. He leads the majors in saves in a tough division and in a tough leauge. He's shown poise, fearlessness, as well tremendous talent... to the tune of a microscopic 0.59 ERA, and giving up well under a walk/hit per 9 ip. In a divison where Mariano Rivera and BJ Ryan close games... Papelbon has been the best.

3. Justin Verlander SP Tigers The kid has 10 wins and a 3 ERA. Plus he's been a stalwart on the staff of the best team in baseball. In a normal year where there aren't 2 potential CY Young level rookies, I'd say this kid was well on his way to a rookie of the year.

4. Jered Weaver He's got 6 wins in 6 starts and a 1.12 ERA. He's averaging 6 Ks a start and opponents are hitting only .162 against him. If he continues on this pace for the entrie 2nd half, he'll deserve to be much higher on this list.

Date

Thu 07/13/06, 10:43 am EST