Tampa Bay Rays: Wil Myers Having Rookie of the Year-Worthy Season

Wil Myers has to be the favorite right now for the American League Rookie of the Year. The Tampa Bay Rays 22-year-old rookie is trying to become the third player in franchise history, joining Evan Longoria and Jeremy Hellickson, to win the award.

Myers has been building his candidacy for the award ever since he made his major league debut on June 18. Since the All-Star break he leads the majors with a .447 batting average (min. 25 PA).

He is already making an impact in games against division rivals, including a grand slam against CC Sabathia in Yankee Stadium and a two-out, two-RBI hit against the Red Sox in Fenway Park.

After starting towards the bottom of the lineup, his performance has moved him into the No. 3 spot. He isn't showing any signs of slowing down and is helping the Rays stay on top of the AL East.

Myers' current 12-game hitting streak is the second-longest streak by an American League rookie this season and the longest for the Rays since Delmon Young’s 13-game streak in 2007. He has displayed his “Wil power” with four home runs in his last 10 games, including his first multi-HR game against the New York Yankees.

Some of Myers’ competition for the award include short stop Jose Iglesias, who was traded from the Boston Red Sox to the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline.

He can also look across the Rays clubhouse at teammate Chris Archer, who has two complete games in his last three starts.

The Rays acquired Myers in the trade that sent starting pitchers James Shields and Wade Davis to the Kansas City Royals.  So far, the deal is well worth it.

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