An August projection for Rookies of the Year: National League Pitchers (part 4 in a 4 part series)

We finish up our 4 part projection for Rookie of the Year with the top 3 National League pitchers.

Here are the top 3 NL pitchers who could win Rookie of the Year

Dillon Gee, New York Mets: Gee has gone from being a little-known middle round draft pick to a top notch starter. He leads all NL rookie pitchers in wins (10) and innings pitched (114.3), and has tied the Mets record for consecutive wins in starts (8, with Doc Gooden). Gee's first half was amazing, unfortunately he wasn't rewarded with an all-star nod. Nonetheless, Gee has the stuff to be a mid-rotation anchor for years to come, and should he lower his ERA and win at least 4 more games, he could be the first NL pitcher since Dontrelle Willis to win Rookie of the Year.

Vance Worley, Philadelphia Phillies: In a Phillies rotation known as the Phantastic 4, with one of their mighty arms currently on the disabled list and pondering retirement, one rookie has managed to prove himself worthy of being that pitcher's replacement. Vance Worley is the only other starting pitcher in the National League worth noting. as he has an 8-1 record with a 2.35 ERA; 2nd and first, respectively among NL rookie starting pitchers. Worley has electric stuff and the poise of a Zen master, but in order to overtake Gee as top NL rookie pitcher, he will have to blow people away and make himself a titan in a titanic rotation.


Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves: John who? Craig Kimbrel has to be the best reliever that the Braves have had. He already has 36 saves, tops among rookie relievers, and is on pace to save at least 15 more games, maybe more. Kimbreal has a sub-2.00 ERA as well, and has 89 strikeouts, more than any rookie except for padres pitcher Corey Luebke and teammake Brandon Beachy. Kimbrel may be impressive, but he's not going to win, let alone finish in the top 3 unless he breaks 45 saves, and even then, he would have to beat out teammate Freddie Freeman, who in turn is also having a great season at the plate. Even though Kimbrel may have a hard time cracking the top 3, he could garner plenty of votes both in the Rookie of the Year award voting and the NL Cy Young voting.

That's the last post in this 4 part series, however there will be a bonus post which determines who will win the Rookie of the Year awards. Also, be on the lookout for the Legends of Tomorrow Awards, which will be released the day after the season ends.