The Sweet Spot Awards: Part One

It’s not about the money.

It’s not about the glory of being the best in the business.

It’s not even about hoisting the trophy over your head after all is said and done.

Baseball, my friends, is all about pushing one’s self, their team and the game itself ever forward.

Those that are able to do this most efficiently deserve recognition for their efforts. With that being said, here are the recipients of the first-ever Sweet Spot awards, given to those that I, Sweet Lou, deem most fitting.

PART ONE OF THREE

Rookie of the Year

American League: Though this year’s rookie class is nothing short of spectacular, one name clearly stands out above the rest. It’s not often that you see a rookie burst onto the scene and lead the majors in slugging percentage. And by not often, I mean never. Chicago White Sox 1B Jose Abreu has done just that. As of Sept. 18, the Cuban defector has mashed 35 homeruns, driven in 103 runs and intimidated pitchers all across the bigs at an astonishing rate.

Other notable candidates include IF/OF Danny Santana of the Twins (.321 BA, .360 OBP, 18 SB), SP Yordano Ventura of the Royals (3.19 ERA, 147 K) and Dellin Betances of the Yankees (1.33 ERA, 132 K, .75 WHIP). All three had stellar seasons and have bright futures, but it’s tough to justify them having a better rookie campaign over Abreu.

The Cuban Missle

National League: Even with the Mets’ lack of success over the past few years, they keep dishing out quality young pitchers. This year’s highlight from that rotation is right-hander Jacob deGrom. The 26-year-old leads all national league rookie starters in a plethora of categories including innings pitched (134.1), ERA (2.68), strikeouts (134), and dazzling locks of long brown hair (too many to count).

The only other notable candidate with enough playing time would be OF Billy Hamilton of the Reds, who has had a great rookie season with 56 stolen bases (with 10 games remaining in the season). Unfortunately, his dazzling speed is the only tool that really stands out. Jacob deGrom takes the cake.

Jacob "Samson" deGrom

In next week’s edition of The Sweet Spot, I will discuss my picks for Cy Young. Feel free to comment your take on the matter.

Stay sweet, friends!