Saturday, March 1, 2008
American League Rookie of the Year Preview
Arizona - DH
Although a DH Vince should get some serious consideration for the AL rookie of the year award. He's always been a terrific hitter and so far has shown that with 3 home runs, 13 rbi and a .291 average through 86 at bats. He'll have some stiff competition though and one wonders if not playing a defensive position will hurt in the eyes of the voters.
Las Vegas - LF
Douglass Crudale had a wicked september last year as a late season call-up and has continued that into this year. Already with 6 home runs and 13 rbi through 79 at bats he's shown he can definitely hit Major League hitting. He'll likely need to raise his .266 batting average some to seriously contend however which isn't inconcievable as he's never hit below .300 throughout his minor league career.
Los Angeles - DH/C
Not much has ever been expected from Reggie Krueter which is most likely the reason LA was able to pick him up in the rule 5 draft. He has so far surprised everyone by crushing 4 homers driving in 13 runs and hitting at a .365 clip in 74 at bats. Although a DH Reggie can fill in as a back-up catcher when needed and has been valuable for LA so far and likely a reason they are tied for first place thus far.
Salt Lake - CF
Jeff Brooks can hit bombs. Combine that with his ability to roam centerfield with ease, swipe some bags and just plain put the bat on the ball and you have a star in the making. 9 home runs and 17 rbi so far make Jeff a serious contender for the AL ROY. Hitting .284 won't hurt and he'll likely raise that average as the year goes on. This Cincy scout's early money is on Jeff to win the award and it's not surprising that Cincy had inquired about Jeff in the off-season. Salt Lakes wily GM would have none of it though and rightly so.
St. Louis - LF
Louis Hiljus has the makings of a solid major leaguer but he just hasn't shown it yet. Unless he can drastically improve upon his .246 batting average and his paltry power numbers (1 dinger and 7 rbi) he'll likely drop off the ROY list sooner rather than later. St. Louis management believes he can turn it around however. The world will wait and see.
Current Standings (based on a sober Cincinnati scouts observations)
1. Jeff Brooks
2. Reggie Krueter
3. Douglass Crudale
4. Vince Cummings
5. Louis Hiljus
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