The Brew Haus - Braun is NL's Top Rookie

by Coreyisarealboy

Ryan Braun was named 2007 NL Rookie of the Year.

Milwaukee's Ryan Braun was named the National League Rookie of the Year on Monday, edging Colorado Rockies' shortstop Troy Tulowitzki by just two points for the award.

Braun didn't enter the majors until May 25, nearly two full months into the season, but still managed to hit 34 home runs and drive in 97 runs in 113 games. His .324 average led the Brewers, and the 34 home runs set a new franchise record, breaking Prince Fielder's one-year old record.

Braun received 17 first place votes, 14 second place votes and one third place vote for a total of 128 points to edge Tulowitzki, who received 15 first place votes and 17 second place votes for a point total of 126. The two point differential was the smallest since the league adopted this form of voting in 1980.

Braun's prowess at the plate was nearly overshadowed by his defense. Despite being in the top four of almost every single offensive category for rookies, he committed 26 errors at third base.

Had Braun played the entire season, he may have been a candidate for MVP, but the Rookie of the Year will have to do. It was Milwaukee's first ROY since Pat Listach won in 1992, when the Brewers were still in the American League.

Full Voting Results

1. Ryan Braun, Milwaukee
2. Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado
3. Hunter Pence, Houston
4. Chris Young, Arizona
5. Kyle Kendrick, Philadelphia
6. Yunel Escobar, Atlanta
7. James Loney, LA Dodgers

Corey Kempf covers the Milwaukee Brewers beat for ArmchairGM.com. You can find a list of previous Brew Haus articles here.

Niteowl049AAA-er

747 days ago

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Braun clearly deserved to win. Braun had one of the best slugging percentages in major leagues. A-Rod had a .645 percentage and Braun was next with a .634 percentage. Braun was a no-brainer to be the NL Rookie of the Year.

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CoreyisarealboyMajor Leaguer

747 days ago

Score 1

I agree, but it seems like a lot of the voters saw otherwise. It's still pretty impressive that a guy who didn't play for two months of the season still won over a guy who played the entire season.

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Niteowl049AAA-er

747 days ago

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Tulowitzki had almost 100 RBI's but he played from the start of the season.

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SpartyVarsity

747 days ago

Score 1

This was really a toss up, but I think the voters got it right. Tulowitzki is outstanding, but Braun's shorter season definitely makes a difference.

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Kwitt11Varsity Captain

747 days ago

Score 3

It was close...Tulo played outstanding defense at a very difficult position, while Braun played horrendous defense at an easier position. But Braun's offensive numbers were much better, after adjusting for their home parks. I do think the voters made the right choice.

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SashaDiv-I Stud

746 days ago

Score 2

The media is spinning this as an upset and it would be if the voting had been taken after the playoffs but it was only based on regular season performance. It's the same reason why Bob Melvin will win MOY instead of Clint Hurdle and maybe even Jimmy Rollins over Matt Holiday in MVP.

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RomiezzoLegend

746 days ago

Score 1

Despite his lack of defensive abiility, with his amazing offense and what he did with the Brewers with is bat definitely made him win this award. Ryan Braun definitely deserved it. (I would've picked Tulowitzki, but still...)

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CoreyisarealboyMajor Leaguer

746 days ago

Score 2

I don't know if this matters in your thinking, but here are Ryan Braun's numbers vs. A-Rod's numbers since May 25 (the day Braun broke into the league).

Braun: .324 average, 34 homers, 97 RBI, 146 hits, 91 runs, 66 extra base hits

A-Rod: .317 average, 36 homers, 113 RBI, 130 hits, 103 runs, 57 extra base hits

Braun was second to only A-Rod in slugging percentage on the season (.645 to .634), meaning his was the highest in the NL, though he didn't have enough plate appearances to actually win the category. But his slugging percentage was the highest by any rookie ever.

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RomiezzoLegend

746 days ago

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In any player, I always look at what a player does both offensively and defensively. It's like saying a DH should be an MVP (at least that's the way I see it). IMO, defense is defenitely overlooked in many categories, including Rookie of the Year. Tulowitzki mastered his position and definitely helped the Rockies in sweeping both the Phillies and the DBax to go the World Series.

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RomiezzoLegend

746 days ago

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But you ARE right about offense. He's definitely a good hitter, and will be for years to come. I'm starting to wonder what he'd be like 10 years from now. Maybe move to the AL to become the next '06 David Ortiz. ;)

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Niteowl049AAA-er

746 days ago

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Great info Corey on Braun-A-Rod comparison during the time Braun was in majors. Wonder how close Braun came to qualifying to win the NL slugging percentage.

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Niteowl049AAA-er

746 days ago

Score 0

Know Braun had some fielding problems but still think he should get it over Tulowitzki.

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