MLB Quarter-Season Awards: Who Is the American League Rookie of the Year?

I want you to close your eyes and think of this picture. You are at a bar and it’s 2:49 am, the DJ has put on “Closing Time” by Semisonic. You look to your left, your right, noticing that there aren’t a whole lot of options left, so you just throw a mental dart and close with someone you know you shouldn’t.

Well, that is the type of pool I have to choose from for the American League Rookie of the Year.

I can’t remember a rookie class so bad, and considering that we may have had one of the best classes ever last season, it’s just downright depressing. Instead of breaking down some of the candidates, I will just go with the batter vs. pitcher debate.

Out of all the hitters, Conor Gillaspie of the Chicago White Sox is probably the top dog. Cleveland Indians‘ Yan Gomes has some remarkable numbers in limited time, but I highly doubt he will keep slugging over .600 or get the amount of playing time necessary to be given consideration for the award.

In the case of the pitchers, Texas Rangers‘ Justin Grimm has the best case for winning the award. He is leading AL Rookies in wins and fWAR and is one of the major reasons why the Rangers’ pitching staff is one of the best in baseball.

So, with those two being the two most promising candidates, I would have to say that Grimm is the better choice. Gillaspie has been a godsend for the White Sox because of the team’s injury issues, but Grimm has been better — plain and simple.