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

Jun 1, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Dellin Betances (68) pitches against the Minnesota Twins during the seventh inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. The Twins defeated the Yankees 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

2. Dellin Betances, New York Yankees

Okay. Betances isn’t a starter. We know and get that. But is there a non-closing reliever in all of the American League that posted as successful a first half as Betances? Maybe, but this guy has been downright nasty to opposing hitter. He’s holding them to a .124 BAA. That’s not a typo either. And it doesn’t matter if you’re a righty (.111 BAA) or a lefty (.135 BAA), he still stifles you.

Maybe that 6′ 8″ frame has something to do with it. Or this: Betances has faced 206 batters, striking out 84 for those. He’s only issued 16 walks. That translates into a SO/BB of 5.25. And his SO/9 is an astounding 13.7.

The fact Betances made the 2014 AL All-Star team was justifiable to the nth degree.

(Note: There seems to be a slight issue regarding Betances and his rookie status. MLB.com specifically shows Betances within their “Top Rookies” stats area. Baseball Reference states that Betances lost his rookie status last season. Most, if not all, of every thing I’ve read on Betances for this season notes him as a rookie.)