AL vs. NL
In another example of the AL being significantly stronger than the NL can be seen in each league's use of rookies.
The NL has used 19 rookie pitchers for at least 9 innings, the AL only 11.
There are 22 NL rookie batters with at least 10 at bats (18 of them have at least 20 at bats), in the AL there are only 12 rookies who have gotten at bats this season. 8 of them over 10 at bats, which is the same number of NL rookies who have over 50 at bats.
5 comments:
It's even more lopsided if you look at guys who qualify for the batting title, but on the other hand, the NL rookies, aside from Uggla, are all legitimate prospects (and Uggla is on the Marlins, who have to field a team somehow).
NL:
Prince Fielder
Hanley Ramirez
Josh Willingham
Josh Barfield
Dan Uggla
Conor Jackson
Ryan Zimmerman
Mike Jacobs
AL:
Kenji Johjima
Ian Kinsler would be on the AL list if he didn't get hurt. Matt Murton doesn't have enough at bats in the NL?
Murton used up his rookie eligibility last season, so he doesn't count.
Hmmm... I thought he was up just as long as Fielder, and definitely less than Willingham, but oh well.
I still think Johjima shouldn't really qualify as a rookie, but that just helps the argument I guess.
I think Johjima has to qualify. The precedent was not set with Hideo Nomo like most people think.
The precedent was set the very first year of the award, 1947. The winner, 28-year old Jackie Robinson who, in the Negro Leagues, was playing in a leauge superior to the top minor league.
If it's your first year in the majors you're a rookie. Does he have an advantage? Sure.
But if any other rookie puts up numbers like Albert Pujols did when he was a rookie, it makes no difference how good Johjima is, he won't win the award.
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