November 10, 2014

Jackie Robinson Award Winners

Jose Abreu won a unanimous vote as the takes home the American League Jackie Robinson Award for rookie of the year.

It marked the second consecutive year that a Cuban-born player was honored and the fourth time overall. Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez was the NL winner in 2013. Other Cuban-born Rookie of the Year winners: Tony Oliva and Jose Canseco.

Abreu did everything well, hitting for average, getting on base, hitting for power. He should do very well in the MVP voting as well. He was a bright spot in an otherwise dismal season for the White Sox. With both Abreu and Chris Sale early in their careers, the White Sox have a chance to build a winner around their two stars.

In the National League, Jacob deGrom took home the Robinson honor. He won 26 of the 30 first place votes, easily beating out Billy Hamilton. deGrom struck out 144 in 140 innings, while allowing just seven home runs. Hamilton’s value was almost all in his defense, and it is my guess that the writers are not comfortable enough with the latest defensive metrics to make the case for the award based on that. Hamilton got on base at just a .292 clip, pretty poor for a lead-off hitter. He might have made up for that with great base stealing, but his 56 for 79, 70.8%, was good but not outstanding. With that low an OBP, a player can’t afford to give away another 23 outs.

Congratulations to Abreu and deGrom on well deserved awards!

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