MLB Network's Chris Young had a strong take on "MLB Central" about top National League Rookie of the Year candidates Sal Stewart and JJ Wetherholt, and it's one with which many Cincinnati Reds fans will agree.
"With the team aspect, I really don't bring that into account," Young said. "Rookie of the Year is a straight numbers award. It's always been. And it's an offensive award. … And I want to make sure to come off clear: This by no means is a knock on what JJ has done this year. JJ has had an amazing rookie season. But this should not be a close race. You're talking about 28 (homers) and 100 (RBIs) right now.
"It leads me to believe, that WAR − even though it's not a scam, it's getting a little scam-ish. Sorry, when you look at the numbers side-by-side:
If I'm Sal, I'm expecting to win this award. (With WAR), you're telling me that JJ Wetherholt is twice the player of Sal Stewart? That is hard for me to believe. Maybe WAR needs to be recalibrated to an extent, especially when it comes to first basemen."
Wetherholt's WAR is 4.8; Stewart's is 1.9.
Mark DeRosa added during the broadcast that NL Rookie of the Year is "going to be a dogfight," but he's leaning toward Stewart deserving the award.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Sal Stewart vs JJ Wetherholt for top NL rookie not close | Chris Young
