American League Rookie-Of-The-Year Race

Reimold, Andrus, Porcello Baseball Favorites

With the post season approaching, it is time to start getting ready to hand out awards to deserving players.

This annual award is voted on by the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA). In order to win the prestigious award a player must have had 90 at bats, 45 innings pitched or spent 45 days on a major league roster before September 1st.

Here are the players ranked in order:

1. Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers - Andrus has as been a defense catalyst and one reason why the Rangers are still playing meaningful games in September. Through September 5th, Andrus has led all American League rookies in games played, at bats, runs, hits, triples, and stolen bases. There is not another rookie this year that leads in as many categories, not to mention all the runs he has saved with his glove.
2. Andrew Bailey, Closer, Oakland Athletics - Since taking over as the As' closer, Bailey has converted 22 saves in 26 opportunities. Bailey also leads all American League rookies with a 2.09 earned run average. He has 77 strikeouts in only 73 1/3 innings pitched. Bailey stats are similar to those of Huston Street who had 23 saves, 72 strikeouts, and 1.72 earned run average for the As his rookie year.
3. Nolan Reimold, OF, Baltimore Orioles - Reimold leads all rookies in home runs (11), total bases (155), walks (45) and slugging percentage (.467). Reimold has been one of the few bright spots for the Orioles, who are on the verge of a 12th consecutive losing season.
4. Jeff Niemann, Pitcher, Rays - Niemann is a solid performer who was last year's American League pennant winner. Niemann leads all rookies in innings pitched, wins, shut outs and ranks 4th with 3.67 earned run average.
5. Rick Porcello, Pitcher, Detroit Tigers - Porcello's stats rank among the top of all American League rookie pitchers even though he's only won two of his last five starts. His 12 wins tie him with Niemann for tops among rookies. His 4.18 earned run average ranks 7th.