MLB Awards Watch: Zack Greinke chases Max Scherzer for NL Cy Young
By Brad Rowland
![Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke (21) pitches during the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke (21) pitches during the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/2a5ffb203408b6415415427717bb39966ca377f578fd87fd9f26546c7fb7c498.jpg)
NL Rookie of the Year
- Joc Pederson, OF Los Angeles Dodgers – The difference between Pederson and Bryant is paper thin, but I’ll take the volume with Pederson. LA’s wunderkind has played in 11 more games at this point, and with 20 home runs, and comparable overall batting numbers, he holds the advantage. Still, Pederson’s dreams of wire-to-wire glory are being challenged in a big way.
- Kris Bryant, 3B Chicago Cubs – Bryant edges Pederson in OBP (.370 to .361), speed (8 SB) and defensive metrics, and in short, his per-game profile is better right now. It will be interesting to see how his power shakes out in the second half when compared to the crazy start from Pederson, and this is a two-man race for all intents and purposes.
- Matt Duffy, 3B San Francisco Giants – Just a few months ago, most fans had no idea who Matt Duffy was, but he continues to rake. For the season, the third baseman has posted a .298/.339/.460 slash line with 8 home runs in more than 300 PA’s, and beyond that, he has the best defensive metrics of any rookie in contention for the honor. Duffy isn’t flashy, but it works.
Next: AL Rookie of the Year