Thursday, March 20, 2008

NL Rookie of the Year Update

Close to halfway through and here's where the rookies stand:



Cincinnati - RF

Roger has done fairly well in his start for the Reds. Batting in the lead-off spot through 278 at bats he has managed to hit 11 home runs, driven in 39 runs and is currently hitting .320 with an .870 ops. His defense needs to pick up a bit and he's not really suited for the lead-off spot, but who on the Reds is?




Houston - SP

Willie has been impressive. An 8 - 3 record so far, he's struck-out 68 through 96 innings and currently has a 3.47 era and a whip of 1.25. In a recent match-up Reds ace Yamil Pulido he was more than able to match Yamil pitch for pitch although neither pitcher earned a decision that day. ROY or not Willie will be tough to beat for many years to come.




Louisville - LF

Bombs. Miguel Franco hits moonshots. 17 so far and a whoppin 54 rbi through 244 at bats. His average is only .262 but with those power numbers who's complaining. He'll defnitely get the long ball lovers vote.




Chicago - SP

A newcomer to the NL ROY rankings and yes, a pitcher, Xavier has been matching Willie Espinosa in about every respect. With an 8 - 3 record through 80 innings his era is a bit better than Willie's at 3.04 as is his whip of 1.13. With 56 strike-outs he needs a few more of those to match Willie but impressive nonetheless.




Milwaukee - SS

Another NL North guy and a rule 5 pick to boot, Matt Wise has opened some eyes. With only 5 home runs and 27 rbi he doesn't have quite the power numbers of Roger or Miguel but hitting .325 through 237 at bats earns some consideration for now. A longshot, but keep an eye on Matt.




Omaha - 2b

Perry is dangerously close to dropping of the rankings. He is still productive with a .276 average but 3 home runs and 24 rbi though 297 at bats compared to some of the other candidates he just isn't stacking up. Time will tell if Perry remains a contender or if he goes the way of Lima and Pizzaro.




San Jose - SS

What to say about Humberto.... he's hitting .303. He has 6 home runs and 44 rbi through 254 at bats. Is it enough? Not so far but with a good second half he should definetly be in consideration.


Dropped from Rankings

Max Lima - only hitting .205 so far
Willie Pizzaro - only hitting .234

Keep an Eye on

Tommie Jefferies - Reds - Tommie is hitting ......360 with 6 hr and 15 rbi through 114 at bats. Fellow ROY candidate Roger Merrick stands in his way though so he may not get enough at bats to qualify.

Luis Guerrero - Mets - Called up late Luis so far has hit 4 home runs, has 20 rbi and a .311 average over 135 at bats. He has competition not too far away though from.....

Kirby Priddy - Mets - Also from the Mets, Kirby is hitting .313 with 4 home runs and 25 rbi through 160 at bats. If he keeps it up he'll be in the ROY rankings for sure.

Winston Ulrich - Heat - Winston can hit. 13 homers 28 rbi, a .298 average and a 1.075 ops through only 114 at bats. keep an eye on Ulrich.


Rankings

1. Miguel Franco (can't ignore the bombs)
2. Roger Merrick (wanted to list him #1)
3. Willie Espinosa (too bad he's a pitcher)
4. Xavier Hart (ditto)
5. Humberto James
6. Matt Wise
7. Perry Simmons

No comments: