Feliz & Posey Named Rookies of the Year

Yesterday, Texas Rangers closer Neftali Feliz and San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey were named 2010 AL and NL Rookie of the Year.

Of course, Feliz and Posey faced off in the World Series. Yet it is worth noting that the vote was conducted the day after the regular season well before anyone knew the Rangers and Giants would square off.

I am in full agreement with both selections. Early in the season it appeared that Detroit Tigers outfielder Austin Jackson and Atlanta Braves outfielder Jason Heyward were shoo ins but both Feliz and Posey came on strong.

This marks the second straight year a closer has won AL Rookie honors. In 2009, Oakland Athletics closer Andrew Bailey got the nod.

On the surface, Posey's overall numbers weren't as good as those of Heyward it is worth remembering that Heyward broke with the Braves on opening day while Posey didn't get called up until June. Posey had more than a hundred fewer at bats than Heyward. If Posey had a comparable number of at bats his offensive production would have surely been better than that of Heyward. Besides catching is a far more demanding position especially when you have to handle a pitching staff that is as young as Posey himself.

It will be interesting to see what Posey and Feliz do for an encore.