Jon Heyman of CBS Sports makes the case that Jacob deGrom had done enough to merit the NL Rookie of the Year award.
“DeGrom deserves the NL Rookie of the Year award, and there shouldn’t be much doubt about that (though apparently, there is).”
“DeGrom, who has thrown 22 straight scoreless innings, posted seven starts with no earned runs among his first 20 starts, which is tied for the most such starts since 1914. His 2.62 ERA through 20 starts is the best in Mets history, ahead of even Mets greats Dwight Gooden (2.80) and Tom Seaver (2.92).”
Heyman contends that while Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton is a very exciting player who has racked up 56 stolen bases, his OPS+ is 87, which is far below an average player.
“DeGrom is above average by every standard, and extraordinary lately. He’s 8-2 with a 1.77 ERA of his past 13 starts. That ranks him third in MLB ERA since June 21, behind only the great Clayton Kershaw (1.19) and Corey Kluber (1.65). DeGrom also set the franchise rookie record by not allowing a home run in his first 67 1/3 innings and has only surrendered seven all year.”
It’s nice to see Heyman throw his support at deGrom a few days after Ken Rosenthal backed Hamilton.
Tonight’s start against the Marlins could clinch the deal for deGrom and change some more minds amongst the voters.
(Joe D.)
September 11 – DeGrom Furthers Case For ROY
There really isn’t much you can say that hasn’t been said before about Mets rookie Jacob deGrom. After starting the season with AAA Las Vegas and going 4-0 in 7 starts, deGrom got the call and hasn’t turned back.
Tuesday night was no exception. Against one of the highest scoring offenses in the national league, deGrom sparkled, scattering 3 hits and no earned runs over his 8 innings of work. He added 9 strikeouts just for good measure. It was a truly dominant start.
The last time deGrom gave up a run was on August 23rd against the Dodgers during the Mets west coast trip. That start, one of his worst of the season, kick-started the rookie who has now rattled off 22 straight innings without giving up a run.
While all of the talk after the game centered around David Wright and his ailing shoulder, Terry Collins did mention that the reason deGrom was pulled after 8 innings and 100 pitches thrown was completely about his innings limits and pitch count limitations. It seems that pulling him could see him pitch a little deeper into the season.
For deGrom, you have to wonder when the off-day scoreboard watching begins. Billy Hamilton went 0 for 4 with a run scored in the Reds 9-5 victory over the Cardinals. His average is now .260 and seems to be the only guy that could spoil the Rookie of the Year honors that deGrom is clearly vying for.
Tuesday might have been the best game of the season for deGrom who went 8 innings for the first time in his young career. deGrom has 121 strikeouts on the season and with his ERA down to an incredible 2.62 it seems like Hamilton might have to start playing catch up to deGrom instead of the other way around.
