An August projection for Rookies of the Year: American League hitters (part 1 in a 4 part series)

Which rookies will earn this trophy?

Even though it is slightly past midseason, teams are getting ready for the final stretch. That means that it's time to figure out who could possibly win each major league award, at least for L.O.T. But being that this is a blog that is devoted to prospects and rookies, we will focus on the Rookie of the year award.

Each year, 2 awards are given out, one for the American League, and one for the National League.  These awards go to the most outstanding rookie, or the rookie with the best statistics. Last year, Giants catcher Buster Posey won the NL rookie of the Year award with a .305 batting average, 18 home runs, and 67 Runs batted in, all nice stats. In the AL, Rangers closer Neftali Feliz won, with a 2.73 ERA and 40 saves. Both Posey and Feliz beat out some impressive candidates to win, like Braves outfielder Jason Heyward and Tigers outfielder Austin Jackson.

There has been a recent trend though in the winners. Since 2004, the NL Rookie of the year has been a hitter, with current Reds pitcher Dontrelle Willis as the last pitcher to win. In the AL, the winner the past 2 years has been a relief pitcher. Evan Longoria was the last non-pitcher to win in 2008. However, there is the possibility that these trends will be broken this year, especially with the impressive rookies this year.

Here are the top 3 candidates that I would consider in the American League.

Hitters:

Eric Hosmer, 1B: Royals. In terms of hitting, Hosmer has been impressive. He has the highest batting average out of any non-June callup, at .286, and his 10 home runs are 3rd most out of any American League rookie, behind Blue Jays catcher JP Arencibia and Angels first baseman Mark Trumbo. Hosmer also has a terrific glove, and hits high in the Royals lineup. He's appeared in more games than every rookie except Trumbo and Arencibia, and has more plate appearances than everyone except Trumbo. Hosmer is an everyday guy, and a bright spot on an otherwise dismal Royals team. If anything, he could be a frontrunner in the Rookie of the Year Race.

Mark Trumbo, 1B: Angels. Trumbo reminds me of Ike Davis, an average hitter who has plenty of pop in his bat, as evidenced by his .256 average and AL Rookie leading 19 home runs, 88 hits and 19 doubles. What's also impressive about him is that he is the most active rookie. Trumbo has appeared in more games, and gone to the plate more times than anyone else. He's played the hero role also, with plenty of timely hits that have helped the Angels win key games, not to mention his rookie-leading 53 RBIs. Should Trumbo raise his average, expect him to overtake Hosmer as the top hitting rookie, and make a serious run for Rookie of the Year.

JP Arencibia, C: Blue Jays: There seems to be a rule when it comes to voting for the rookie of the year in baseball. Anybody with a low batting average, no matter how impressive their other statistics are, is not going to win. If that's the case, then JP Arencibia has some major work to do if he wants to contend. Though Arencibia is hitting .218, he has the second highest homer total at 16. the third highest double total at 12, the second highest RBI total at 45, and the third highest hit total at 62. Arencibia may be a catcher, but that's no excuse when he's hitting in a large park like Rogers Centre. If anything, Arencibia could potentially have a resurgence and contend for Rookie of the Year, but that's very unlikely.

The next post will feature American League pitchers who should be considered for the Rookie of the Year award.