Andrus finishes second-best for Rangers

Posted Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009 Comments   (0)  Print Share Share Reprints
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By SCOTT McCOY

smccoy@star-telegram.com

Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus came close to becoming the second American League Rookie of the Year in franchise history last week. He finished runner-up to Oakland A’s All-Star reliever Andrew Bailey. Here’s a look back at the other Rangers who have received ROY votes:

Ian Kinsler (2006)

ROY: 7th

Finished behind: 1. Justin Verlander, Tigers; 2. Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox; 3. Francisco Liriano, Twins; 4. Kenji Johjima, Mariners; 5. Jered Weaver, Angels; 6. Nick Markakis, Orioles.

His case: Arguably one of the deepest fields of quality candidates of all-time. Kinsler received only one third-place vote despite batting .286 with 14 home runs.

Mark Teixeira (2003)

ROY: 5th

Finished behind: 1. Angel Berroa, Royals; 2. Hideki Matsui, Yankees; 3. Rocco Baldelli, Devil Rays; 4. Jody Gerut, Indians.

His case: Teixeira led all rookies with 26 home runs but managed only one first-place vote. His .259 batting average was his downfall, but hindsight says the voters got this one wrong.

Kevin Mench (2002)

ROY: 7th

Finished behind: 1. Eric Hinske, Blue Jays; 2. Rodrigo Lopez, Orioles; 3. Jorge Julio, Orioles; 4. Bobby Kielty, Twins; 4. John Lackey, Angels; 6. Josh Phelps, Blue Jays.

His case: Mench had 15 homers and 60 RBI in only 110 games. Had he played a full season he might have won in a fairly wide open year.

Jeff Zimmerman (1999)

ROY: 3rd

Finished behind: 1. Carlos Beltran, Royals; 2. Freddy Garcia, Mariners.

His case: Nine wins in relief, a 2.36 ERA and an All-Star appearance weren’t enough to earn a single first-place vote. Carlos Beltran’s season (22 HR, 108 RBI, 27 SB) was that good.

Rusty Greer (1994)

ROY: 3rd

Finished behind: 1. Bob Hamelin, Royals; 2. Manny Ramirez, Indians.

His case: Greer actually received three first-place votes (three more than Ramirez) after batting .314 with a .410 on-base percentage in 80 games.

David Hulse (1993)

ROY: 8th

Finished behind: 1. Tim Salmon, Angels; 2. Jason Bere, White Sox; 3. Aaron Sele, Red Sox; 4. Wayne Kirby, Indians; 5. Rich Amaral, Mariners; 6. Brent Gates, A’s; 7. Troy Neel, A’s.

His case: Hulse batted .290 with 29 stolen bases, but this one was a runaway for Salmon — a unanimous pick after hitting 31 home runs.

Ivan Rodriguez (1991)

ROY: 4th

Finished behind: 1. Chuck Knoblauch, Twins; 2. Juan Guzman, Blue Jays; 3. Milt Cuyler, Tigers.

His case: Defense rarely sways voters (some would say even in the Gold Glove voting) and Pudge’s impressive arm behind the plate couldn’t compensate for a .264 batting average and only three home runs.

Kevin Brown (1989)

ROY: 6th

Finished behind: 1. Gregg Olson, Orioles; 2. Tom Gordon, Royals; 3. Ken Griffey Jr., Mariners; 4. Craig Worthington, Orioles; 5. Jim Abbott, Angels.

His case: Any other year a pitcher going 12-9 with a 3.35 ERA not only would be worthy of Rookie of the Year but a parade. His competition, however, was stout.

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