The best farm system in the Major Leagues belongs to Kansas City, and no one would question the Royals brilliance when it comes to the future. The first wave reached the Majors last season with players like Mike Moustakas and Johnny Giavotella starting to take their place on the field as the new generation of Royals players. Yet of any who warrant mention, Eric Hosmer really stood out last season with a solid rookie year that showed flashes of the amazing hitter he likely will become. And that makes him the best bet for the American League Rookie of the Year, to be announced later today.
The favorite is Jeremy Hellickson, who won 13 games for the Rays this year with a 2.95 ERA. Ivan Nova also won 16 games for the Yankees and Mark Trumbo hit 29 home runs for the Angels. That said, it will be hard for Hosmer to actually win the award. Hosmer hit .293 on the year with 19 home runs and 78 RBI -- perhaps the most impressive rookie bat in the league. However, pitchers dominated with both Hellickson and Nova turning in great years along with Seattle's Michael Pineda.