Michael Pineda and 5 Other Candidates for AL Rookie of the Year

Seattle Mariners right-hander Michael Pineda is off to a blistering start this year, and some people have all but crowned him Rookie of the Year already. While Pineda certainly deserves praise of this level for his tremendous start, the American League certainly has more young guns to offer.

So before we officially award Pineda with the hardware, let's take a look at the other youngsters around the league who could possibly overtake him for Rookie of the Year honors. 

Mark Trumbo, LAA

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ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 20: Mark Trumbo #44 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hits a three run homerun for a 6-0 lead over the Atlanta Braves during the third inning at Angel Stadium on May 20, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

With news that Kendrys Morales will miss the rest of the year, first base is officially Mark Trumbo's to lose. The former 18th-round pick got his feet wet in the majors last year, but is still officially a rookie, and is showing that he is a force to be reckoned with in the Angels lineup.

Trumbo currently sports a .259/.315/.463 line with seven homers and 21 RBI, good for second and first in the AL respectively. Trumbo struggled in April with just two walks and 23 strikeouts, but has turned those numbers into nine walks and 17 strikeouts in May, so a progression is certainly evident.

If he continues this major league improvement, expect to see an increase in average and consistent power numbers, which would result in Rookie of the Year-type numbers.   

Eric Hosmer, KC

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KANSAS CITY, MO - MAY 16: Eric Hosmer #35 of the Kansas City Royals in action during the game against the Cleveland Indians on May 16, 2011 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Since being called up to start for the Royals, the No. 8 rated prospect in all of baseball hasn't disappointed. Hosmer, a 21-year-old first baseman, appears to be the first of many Royals top prospects to secure a spot in the starting lineup.

In just his first 14 games, Hosmer has put together an impressive line of .288/.348/.525 with three home runs to boot. Hosmer hit 20 home runs in his only full season in the minors, so we'll see how well he hits for power in the majors.

Nonetheless, a .300 season for this youngster would give him a strong case for Rookie of the Year.

Trumbo and Hosmer are going to have terrific years no doubt, but 2011 is being dubbed "Year of the Pitcher 2," and the best rookie is likely going to spend most of his time 60 feet away from home plate. 

Jordan Walden, LAA

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ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 22: Reliever Jordan Walden #51 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitches in the ninth inning to pick up a save against the Atlanta Braves on May 22, 2011 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Angels won 4-1. (Photo by Steph

Of the last six AL Rookie of the Years, three have been closers, which is good news for young Angels closer, Jordan Walden. Walden was given the closer role at the beginning of the year, and hasn't turned back.

On the year, Walden has recorded eight saves while sporting a 2.95 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. While his WHIP and walk rate are a little high and might point to a bit of a regression, Walden has the skills to be a good closer all year long. He also has a long leash, and barring injury, should close all year long. 

If history repeats itself and a third straight closer wins this award, then Walden will be taking home the hardware. 

Jeremy Hellickson, TB

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TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 18: Jeremy Hellickson #58 of the Tampa Bay Rays throws against the Toronto Blue Jays during MLB action at the Rogers Centre May 18, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images)

Hellickson barely achieves rookie status this year, as he only pitched 36.1 innings (needs to be under 50 to keep rookie status) last year.

The 24-year-old has put up stellar numbers so far with five wins, a 3.18 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. His strikeout numbers are down a little from last year, as he is missing 6.4 bats per nine innings.

In any other year, Hellickson's numbers might be good enough to merit the ROY. However, he is currently being overshadowed by these next two guys.

Zach Britton, BAL

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BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 18: Zach Britton #53 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 18, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Baltimore Orioles starter Zach Britton has certainly lived up to expectations this year. The 28th rated prospect according to Baseball America has arguably been the Orioles' best starting pitcher so far this year. 

The 23-year-old has put together a record of 5-2 with a minuscule ERA of 2.19 and WHIP of 1.05. He also leads rookies with a WAR of 2.4. Britton has been an all-star this year—it's as simple as that.

If Britton continues his success, it will be hard to snub him of the award.

Michael Pineda, SEA

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SEATTLE - MAY 04: Starting pitcher Michael Pineda #36 of the Seattle Mariners pitches against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field on May 4, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

It will be hard-pressed to snub Britton, of course, unless Michael Pineda continues his early success.

The 16th ranked prospect from the Dominican Republic has put up numbers eerily similar to Britton.

I mentioned Britton's ERA was 2.14. Pineda's is 2.16

Britton has pitched 59 innings. Pineda has pitched 58.1.

Britton has given up 43 hits and 15 runs—14 of them earned. Pineda has given up 41 hits and 15 runs—14 of them earned.

Where Pineda has (barely) separated himself is with strikeouts. Pineda has struck out 61 to Britton's 33.

Michael Pineda and Zach Britton are seriously separating themselves right now as the best rookies in the American League. Pineda has been slightly better so far, making him the current front-runner for the award.