Yesterday, I sized up the National League Rookie of the Year race, so it’s only fitting that today I take a look at the American League Rookie of the Year race. As you will see, the American League doesn’t even come close to the NL in rookie performances in 2010.

Best of the Rest

Reid Brignac, John Jaso, Mitch Talbot, Wade Davis

The Contenders

Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians: .260/.401/.467 with six HR’s. Santana had his season cut short on a nasty injury suffered at Fenway Park, but he certainly made his presence felt while he was in the lineup. Next year he will be one of the top offensive catchers in the game.

Jackson paces the AL with 7 triples

Brennan Boesch, Detroit Tigers: .283/.347/.484 with 14 HR’s. Boesch leads all American League rookies in HR’s with 14. After getting off to a .342/.397/.593 start in his first 65 games, Boesch has slumped to a .135/.222/.208 hitting line in last 27.

Austin Jackson, Detroit Tigers: .304/.352/.406 with one HR and 16 SB’s. Jackson has been very consistent in his first year in Detroit. His 129 hits rank ninth in the AL and his seven triples pace the Junior Circuit. However, he does lead the AL in K’s with 119.

Sergio Santos, Chicago White Sox: Nine Holds with a 1.45 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP in 37.1 IP. The converted shortstop has an impressive 9.2 K/9, but his 4.6 BB/9 is not so hot. He won’t get many votes, but he has been very good for the White Sox in 2010.

The Winner

Neftali Feliz, Texas Rangers: 29 Saves with a 3.70 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP in 48.2 IP. While he is third in the AL with 29 saves, I almost feel Feliz will win this award by default. His 3.70 ERA as a closer isn’t stellar, but since the Rangers will win the AL West, which will help Feliz with the voting.

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By The Baseball Index