Ordinarily, a pitcher who wins 10 games after being called up from double-A in mid-June would be a top candidate for Rookie of the Year.Kyle Kendrick finished fifth. A distant fifth.
There was an extraordinary crop of rookies in the National League in 2007. So, although Kendrick shocked even the most optimistic team executives by going 10-4 with a 3.87 ERA and winning more games than any Phillies rookie since Pat Combs won 10 in 1990, he got only one second-place vote and four third-place votes in an election announced yesterday by the Baseball Writers Association of America.
Over the next few days, you'll be hearing a lot about the BBWAA, which votes on the four major postseason awards (MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, Manager of the Year). Here's how it works: Each market in each league gets two votes for each award. In Philadelphia, no writer votes for more than one award. (Full disclosure: I voted for the NL Cy Young Award. Jake Peavy got my first-place vote, followed by Brandon Webb and Jose Valverde). Votes are due no later than the final day of the regular season, so postseason performance isn't a factor. Trust me when I tell you that most writers take their vote seriously.
Hard to argue with the Rookie of the Year decisions. In the closest vote since the current system was adopted in 1980, Brewers third baseman Ryan Braun edged Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. Astros outfielder Hunter Pence finished in third place, while Diamondbacks center fielder Chris Young was fourth, leaving Kendrick fifth. Over in the AL, Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia won easily over Devil Rays outfielder Delmon Young and Royals pitcher Brian Bannister.
Where would you have put Kendrick in the packed NL rookie field?
3 comments:
Kendrick definitely deserved to be recognized as he did. Although he was just a little short of deserving a win. Interesting to notice how Hamels in his rookie season didn't get a vote but Kendrick now has. Is that a good omen for Kyle next season? Hopefully!
Ouch. I'm considering filing suit against the BBWAA for their web site's color scheme. My eyes will never be the same. How 'bout adding a warning on that link? :)
I think he ended up about right, those 4 position players really had great years.The interesting thing was he finished ahead of Lincecum who had a ton of K's(150 in 149ings)but only 7 W's , I guess the voters looked more at results than "stuff".
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