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MLB: Top 5 candidates for AL Rookie of the Year

By Carlos Nazario

Jul 30, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) waits to bat against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) waits to bat against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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We are now entering the final week of the season. Some of the pennant races are tightening up. The Wild Card races are going down to the wire. Some of the players, individually, are getting close to winning honors for their great seasons. The Rookie of the Year award is just such an honor.

Rookies come into the season on the lowest rung of respect on a major league team. They may have had success in the lower level of baseball, but the MLB is where the elite of the game play. You have to earn your respect as a rookie in this league.

These rookies have certainly proved their worth. They have had great seasons, helping their teams be as good as they can be. They have turned from unknown rookie nobodies to team stars. They are becoming key cogs in their team either continuing their winning ways or helping their teams turn their fortunes around.

Unlike with the MVP voting where there is controversy over whether or not a pitcher should win the award, pitchers are absolutely welcomed as candidates for the award. In fact, since 2005, five pitchers have won thr Rookie of the Year Award. One rookie pitcher might have even saved his team’s season by stepping in and doing a great job when a veteran went down for the season.

So here are the top 5 candidates for AL Rookie of the Year honors:

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