OWNED! Reflections of the Pre All-Star Break Season

Columnist Written on July 13, 2008

(Page 5 of 5)

Rookie of the Year to date

Geovanny Soto—Apparently the steps Soto took last year were legitimate. Soto has been one of, if not the best offensive catcher this season. Receiving pitches from an outstanding rotation on a winning ballclub makes his contributions that much more noticeable.

However, Jair Jurrjens, the pitcher the Braves received for Edgar Renteria, has potentially been more valuable to the Braves to this point in the season. As is, Soto has had better overall numbers, but Jurrjens has been more consistent. It will be interesting to see how both wear as the season progresses.

I am also not willing to count out Kosuke Fukudome, although I would debate that his rookie season is somewhat a fraud.

My preseason pick of Jay Bruce has not worked out. Despite raking in the minors, the Reds kept Bruce down as to control his arbitration. After a fast start, it appeared the Reds made the wrong decision, and my personal question of whether or not the Reds had used up all of Bruce's stats in the minors, was answered.

A lot has changed, and the worries about how Bruce will hold up against major-league pitching have come to fruition, as Bruce has look absolutely terrible, striking out at a ridiculous rate.

Keep in mind Bruce is only 21-years old, so despite his struggles (specifically against lefties), he is still having an outstanding season.

Rookie of the Year by season's end

I am going to give this award to Jair Jurrjens. I feel as though the season he is having is more sustainable. Soto is having to log a lot of time behind the plate, and despite being given a considerable break by DH-ing during interleague play, the summer isn't even halfway through yet. The Cubs would be wise to ensure he is getting at least two days off a week. Prediction: Jair Jurrjens.

I will reflect on surprise seasons and my highlights of the first half in the coming days. I also intend to supply my All-Star teams, and maybe an All-Disappointment Team.

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This article is also featured on The Outsiders Look at the Insides of Baseball

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