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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 /
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Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Devon Travis (29) makes a play on a ball hit by Detroit Tigers center fielder Anthony Gose (not pictured) in the second inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Devon Travis (29) makes a play on a ball hit by Detroit Tigers center fielder Anthony Gose (not pictured) in the second inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

AL Rookie of the Year

  1. Devon Travis, 2B Toronto Blue Jays – I’m not sure that Travis would even land among the top three in the National League, but those are the breaks. The AL ROY picture is wide open, but I’m a fan of his profile, and only an injury has kept his counting stats as low as they are with only 7 home runs. Travis boasts a very solid 132 wRC+ with above-average defense, and that is enough to take home the glory right now.
  2. Lance McCullers, SP Houston Astros – McCullers has made only 11 starts thus far, but he has been quite impressive in those outings. The talented right-hander has flashed dominant stuff on the way to 9.93 strikeouts per 9 innings, and that has led to a dominant 2.52 ERA. It is safe to assume that McCullers will take home the award if he can maintain this pace over 10-12 more starts, and while that is a tall order, it appears possible.
  3. Steven Souza, OF Tampa Bay Rays – Souza is coming off the disabled list on Tuesday after more than a two-week absence, and that keeps him in the thick of the race. The 26-year-old has the best counting stats (15 home runs, 10 steals) of any rookie, and a 10.4% walk rate helps to alleviate the horror of a 35% (!) strikeout rate. His profile is incredibly interesting, and Souza will be a factor if he can post a 25-15 season.

Next: NL Cy Young

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