OC Register: Angels’ Shohei Ohtani has a shot to win AL Rookie of the Year on Monday

[AngelsWin.com]

Shohei Ohtani and Angels fans are about to learn whether the award that once seemed a foregone conclusion will be his.

The Baseball Writers Association of America will announce the winners of the Rookie of the Year awards in both leagues on Monday at 3 p.m. PT, on MLB Network.

Although Ohtani was considered the favorite for the award when the season began, the elbow injury that limited him to just 51-2/3 innings on the mound opened the door for more traditional candidates.

The other two included in the top three are New York Yankees infielders Miguel Andújar and Gleyber Torres.

Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler is one of the top three in the National League, but the award is expected to go to Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr. or Washington’s Juan Soto.

In the American League, the award is likely between Ohtani and Andújar.

Ohtani hit .285 with 22 homers and a .925 OPS in 367 plate appearances at designated hitter.

He pitched for the first two months of the season before hurting his elbow, which eventually required Tommy John surgery that will keep him from pitching again until 2020. He still compiled a 3.31 ERA and 11 strikeouts per nine innings.

Ohtani was the first player in major league history to hit 20 homers and strike out 50 batters as a pitcher.

Because Ohtani didn’t reach full-time status as a pitcher or a hitter, there is some sentiment that his performance didn’t match Andújar, who had a productive full season at the plate.

Andújar hit .297 with 27 homers and an .855 OPS in 606 plate appearances. He also hit .294 with a .916 OPS with runners in scoring position. His defense, however, was below average.

Late in the season, an informal poll of members of the BBWAA indicated that most were leaning toward Ohtani.

Votes were cast by two writers representing each city in the American League, before the start of the postseason.

Awards announcements will continue through Thursday, when the Most Valuable Players will be announced. Mike Trout is one of the top three for AL MVP, although Boston’s Mookie Betts is expected to win the award.

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[Angel Oracle]

Ohtani would become the third Halos player to be AL ROTY, joining Salmon (1993) and Trout (2012).

[Taylor]

Hopefully he has more than a shot. It shouldn't even be close. 

[Fish Oil]

You're right, it shouldn't be close. Ohtani has proven himself to be the most unique player to come along in generations. Unfortunately, his injury has provided the Yankee obsessed media enough wiggle room to give the award to their favorite son.
Don't be surprised come Monday at anything that happens.

[Pancake Bear]

Based on his value, he’s the best AL Rookie. Based on what he accomplished - things no one has done since Babe Ruth? - it should be unanimous. It won’t be, but it should. 

[Billy_Ball]

GA should have won it in 1995.

[arch stanton]

23 minutes ago, Billy_Ball said:

GA should have won it in 1995.

North coast bias

[rottiesworld]

He won’t win as always east coast will give it to anyone from the Yankees, or Red Sox as always. They should look at what he did before and after he came back from his injury. He got hurt and that is beyond his control and he was doing very well, but as always goes to someone on the East Coast. 

[totdprods]

Perhaps going against two Yankees will help as it will split up their votes?

[Stradling]

2 hours ago, rottiesworld said:

He won’t win as always east coast will give it to anyone from the Yankees, or Red Sox as always. They should look at what he did before and after he came back from his injury. He got hurt and that is beyond his control and he was doing very well, but as always goes to someone on the East Coast. 

In the last twenty year the Red Sox and Yankees have combined for 2 rookies of the year, Aaron Judge and DUSTIN Pedroia.  During that time Oakland has had 4.   

[2112]

41 minutes ago, Stradling said:

In the last twenty year the Red Sox and Yankees have combined for 2 rookies of the year, Aaron Judge and DUSTIN Pedroia.  During that time Oakland has had 4.   

Logic? You’re trying to interject logic??

 

[Angel Oracle]

Any moment now?

[nando714]

If he doesn’t win I would love to hear , why not 

[Ace-Of-Diamonds]

Christopher mad dog Russo disses Ohtani on MLB ROY show. Japanese players aren't rookie and he didn't play enough. Only he was really loud about it. Guess that what makes him a Mad Dog...

[Docwaukee]

WINNER!!!

[nando714]

He won

[Ace-Of-Diamonds]

Ohtani WINS ROY>>>>

[Angel Dog and Beer]

おめでとうございます Ohtani-san!

(Congratulations)

[Jason]

For the Yankee fans

[Ace-Of-Diamonds]

1 hour ago, Jason said:

For the Yankee fans

https://twitter.com/officialBBWAA/status/1062130260437753856