Fansided

MLB awards watch: MVP races

By John Buhler

Apr 16, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) runs the bases after hitting a game winning, walk-off three-run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) runs the bases after hitting a game winning, walk-off three-run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 22, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

National League No. 5

5

Antonio Senzatela

RHP, Colorado Rockies

Raise your hand if you thought that the Colorado Rockies were going to be winning two-thirds of April ball games. Colorado is 14-7 through 21 games, half a game back of the Washington Nationals for the best record in the Senior Circuit.

We knew that Colorado had a strong minor league system and that hiring former Padres skipper Bud Black to re-energize the Rockies pitch staff would be a compelling story, but this could be a playoff team. Colorado is winning in Denver and on the road. One guy that has been outstanding for them is rookie starting Antonio Senzatela.

The 22-year-old right-hander from Venezuela has gone 3-0 in his first four major league starts. He has a 2.08 ERA, a 0.846 WHIP, and a 232 ERA+. Senzatela is allowing 0.7 home runs per nine innings. Keep in mind that he will have half of his starts in Coors Field this summer.

We need to respect the hot start of the Rockies so far, especially with the Giants going in the toilet. Who would have thought Colorado and Arizona would be the teams to beat in the National League West heading into May? Senzatela won’t win MVP, but he’s making a compelling early case for National League Rookie of the Year.

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