Poll: The American League’s top rookie for the first half

Jul 13, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago White Sox designated hitter Jose Abreu (79) singles in the seventh inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

1. Jose Abreu, Chicago White Sox

Abreu leads the AL in home runs (29). He is also in the top ten of these offensive categories:

SLG: .630 – 1st
OPS: .972 – 3rd
OPS+: 164 – 3rd
Total bases: 203 – T2nd
RBI: 73 – T3rd

In reference to the above categories, I’m not referring to only comparing to other rookies. No, no, no. I mean among all of the American League. That’s what makes Abreu’s season seem even more impressive.

Nice slate for the power-hitting Abreu. He’s been as advertised. Maybe even better than anticipated. Abreu’s slashline of .292/.342/.630 is pretty solid. And to think he’s done this even with serving some time on the disabled list.

For all the power Abreu has displayed, you might be surprised to learn that he’s not among the top ten in strikeouts. And he’s not among the league leaders in GIDP either. Not that those two stats have any bearing on this poll, but they are noteworthy.