FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Moondizzle... said 04/09, 09:35 AM
There are 2 rookies of the year, not one for all MLB. You are going with an easy pick based upon one start...so I'm going with Kosuke Fukudome.

Moondizzle... said 04/09, 09:56 AM
I hope you realize its only APRIL 9th.

Ok so Cueto has some excellent stats after TWO starts. He's also on pace for 353 strikeouts, 20 wins, and 263 innings pitched. I'm sorry, but its unlikely he comes even close to that amount of innings pitched. Let alone over 350 strikeouts.

His contract was purchased a week ago from the minor leagues. He posted a 5.03 ERA in Rookie Ball before doing well in the minor leagues. Lets give the league some time to figure the kid out.

I'm going with Fukodome, who has a body of work I can judge and who is eligible to be the rookie of the year. These numbers will come down, however he is in the top 5 in every offensive statistic in the NL except for slugging, where he ranks 9th. Leads the league in OBP. And I won't be shocked if that continues. In Japan, he was known for a keen eye at the plate. That doesnt go away overnight.

The guy steals bases, plays a solid outfield, can hit for average and moderate power (20-25 home runs) and is batting in the 5 hole for Lou Piniella, in the middle of a lineup expected to do some damage and playing under pressure to start winning NOW. Thats alot of responsibility there.

Moondizzle... said 04/09, 12:33 PM
The crux of my argument is the timing we're talking about here. I was one of those blown away by his outstanding gem. Time can only tell however how he will fare. I'm glad you posted an argument here, at least.

Orlando Hudson had to ask around before the game for a scouting report on this guy. There was no advance scouting available, and the best anyone came up with is that he's a 'young Pedro'...thats quite a compliment and may very well be accurate. Good major league hitters turn on fastballs in time, and he's at the top of his game right now (he's been pitching for awhile, compared to just 2 months at the most for hitters). This might seem like I'm fishing, but he's given up a home run in both starts, and he plays in a bandbox. While he's on pace for 353 k's, he's on pace to give up 41 hr's. Neither will happen.

Lets see after his first go-around whether he stays consistent.

You didn't say anything about Fukudome. Its not often you can place a rookie with plate discipline, speed, defensive prowess, and solid power totals in the 5 hole of a lineup expected to go deep this year. He is the answer NOW for the Cubs, and is a valuable peace to Piniella's puzzle.