Home | Search | FAQ

Displaying 1-3 of 3 messages in this thread.

Posted By	Discussion Topic: Rookies of the Year
NASA	posted on 11-12-2001 @ 4:00 PM
Psychopath Registered: Sep. 01	Suzuki, Pujols Voted Rookies of the Year NEW YORK (AP) - Seattle outfielder Ichiro Suzuki became the second straight Japanese player to win the American League Rookie of the Year award, and Albert Pujols of St. Louis was a unanimous choice Monday for the National League honor. Suzuki received 27 of 28 first-place votes from a panel of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Pujols got all 32 first-place votes, becoming the ninth unanimous rookie pick in the NL. The others were Frank Robinson (1956), Orlando Cepeda (1958), Willie McCovey (1959), Vince Coleman (1985), Benito Santiago (1987), Mike Piazza (1993), Raul Mondesi (1994) and Scott Rolen (1997). "It's a pretty good honor," Pujols said. "You only get it one year, and so I'm happy I got it." The 28-year-old Suzuki came to the major leagues after nine seasons in the Japanese Pacific League and became the first rookie to win a batting title since Tony Oliva in 1964. Suzuki batted .350 with 56 stolen bases, becoming the first player to lead the major leagues in both categories since Jackie Robinson in 1949. Suzuki's 242 hits were a rookie record and the most for anyone since Bill Terry's 254 for the 1930 New York Giants. Suzuki, the first Japanese non-pitcher in the major leagues, was the second straight Seattle player to win the award, following reliever Kazuhiro Sasaki. Before last year, the only Mariners' player to win had been Alvin Davis in 1984. Suzuki had 138 points, easily beating Cleveland pitcher C.C. Sabathia, who had 75 points after going 17-5 with a 4.39 ERA. Sabathia got one first-place vote, from Chris Assenheimer of the Chronicle-Telegram in Elyria, Ohio. New York Yankees second baseman Alfonso Soriano was third with 35 points, and Angels shortstop David Eckstein was fourth with six. The 21-year-old Pujols set an NL rookie record with 130 RBIs, and led the Cardinals with a .329 average, 37 homers and 112 runs. He won the award one day after St. Louis teammate Mark McGwire announced his retirement. Pujols played 78 games in the outfield, 55 at third base and 43 at first base in becoming the sixth St. Louis player to win the rookie award. The others were Wally Moon (1954), Bill Virdon (1955), Bake McBride (1974), Coleman, and Todd Worrell (1986). Pujols isn't sure where he'll play next season, especially following the retirement of first baseman Mark McGwire on Sunday. "To me, it doesn't matter," Pujols said. "I'm just going to be ready this offseason and go to spring training and try to make the team again." Pujols got 160 points, followed by Houston pitcher Roy Oswalt with 82, and Philadelphia shortstop Jimmy Rollins with 44. St. Louis pitcher Bud Smith and Cincinnati outfielder Adam Dunn had one point each. Oswalt went 14-3 with a 2.73 ERA, and Rollins hit .274 with 14 homers, 54 RBIs and 46 steals. Both rookie award winners were announced on the same day this year because of the one-week delay in the World Series caused by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. It's somewhat annoying that Suzuki at his age is able to win it, but it's the rules. GodBlessAmerica.
rageparty 123...Not so bare anymore since I got a number underneath my name again I also have an imaginary girlfriend.	posted on 11-12-2001 @ 6:21 PM
O&A Board Regular Registered: Aug. 01	Everyone saw this coming. Pujols had a great season, future star there. And Ichiro had a great year too, he's so fucking quick! I'm surprised he didn't steal 90 bases. Let's Go Penguins!!!
OAAWITE	posted on 11-13-2001 @ 1:50 PM
Hanger-On Registered: Jan. 70	If Ichiro wins MVP, I'm going to break something. He's been the biggest hype all year. His numbers are no different than Kenny Lofton's or Lance Johnson's during their prime, and no one ever considered them MVP Canidates. Giambi, Boone, Clemens, and Manny should all finish above Ichiro this year. *edit* Roberto Alomar too! Best sports writer ever This message was edited by OAAWITE on 11-13-01 @ 1:54 PM

Displaying 1-3 of 3 messages in this thread.