Trout, Harper Named MLBs Rookies of the Year

To the surprise of no one, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout was unanimously voted the 2012 American League Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America.  Trout was second in the American League in hitting (.326), led the majors with 49 stolen bases and 129 runs scored, hit 30 home runs, and drove in 83.   Not bad for a guy who started the season in the minors and didn’t play in his first game with the Angels until April 28th.  Trout’s one of the favorites for AL MVP as well; the only question is whether Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera will sway the voters after he was the first Triple Crown winner since 1967.

It was a closer vote in the National League, but as expected, Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper won.  Harper’s numbers for a rookie were good for a rookie (though nowhere near Trout’s lofty numbers) with a .270 average, 22 homers and 59 RBIs and he had been hyped in the media since before the season started.  The sky is considered the limit for Harper, but one could argue that Arizona pitcher Wade Miley actually had a better season.  Miley was 16-11 with a 3.33 ERA and 193 strikeouts for the Diamondbacks.  Miley finished second in the NL voting.

Harper is just 20 years old and Trout is 21.  These guys could be around a long time.