Rookies, part 2....

Posted at 9:40 AM on August 31, 2005 by David Zingler

Yesterday we looked at the top rookie position players, today it’s the pitchers turn.

AL Pitchers
Joe Blanton, Oakland: 8-9, 3.61 ERA, 87K/56BB
The rock solid Blanton has helped make up for the loss of Mark Mulder and Tim Hudson.

Gustavo Chacin, Toronto: 11-7, 3.62 ERA, 95K/60BB
Having a good year, but have you heard anything about him?

Scott Kazmir, Tampa Bay: 7-9, 4.12 ERA, 137K/80BB
Leads all rookies in strike outs, but will need to pile up a few more wins to take home the award.

Chris Young, Texas: 11-7, 4.31 ERA, 127K/39BB
The 6-10 Princeton grad has been the Rangers best pitcher not named Kenny Rogers.

Huston Street, Oakland: 17/21 saves, 1.25 ERA*
A first round pick in 2004, Street has been piling up saves for a contender. This bodes well for him.

Jesse Crain, Minnesota: 9-4, 2.54 ERA*, 1 save
After hot start, Crain has cooled off, but remains among the top middle relievers in the game.

My Pick: Street, he’s the odds on favorite to win AL ROY.

NL Pitchers
Jeff Francis, Colorado: 12-9, 5.86 ERA, 111K/60 BB
Leads all rookies in victories, but the ERA is way too high, even for Coors Field.

Zach Duke, Pittsburgh: 6-0, 1.81 ERA*, 44K/16BB
Was on fire until an injury shelved him for the season, will the Pirates ever catch a break?

Yhency Brazoban, Dodgers: 21/25 saves, 5.74 ERA
Has filled in admirably for the injured Eric Gagne, but his ERA is way too high.

My Pick: Duke, despite the injury, he’s generated the most excitement.

*Does not have enough innings pitched to qualify for league leaders.

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