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MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 AL ROY candidates through May

By Tim Haberin

May 10, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Fulmer (32) throws to the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Fulmer (32) throws to the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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4. Byung-ho Park – MIN

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

.223/.317/.465, 9 HR, 18 RBI, 0.8 WAR

Rookie eligibility and age debates aside (more on that in a later entry), Byung-ho Park‘s power output alone makes him worth recognizing among this season’s American League rookies. His nine home runs are tied for the most by an AL rookie, and his 18 RBI are tied for second. His .782 OPS is good for fourth among AL rookies with at least 75 at bats.

The 29-year-old former KBO star’s performance dipped noticeably in May, though. Of his nine round-trippers, just three of them came in the past month. Although he’s never hit for average thus far in his fledgling MLB career, his May slash line came in at a paltry .205/.305/.373, lowering his season line to .223/.317/.465.

Kim’s early season home run flurry is pretty much the only thing securing him a spot on this list, along with a relative shortage of other compelling candidates. If he doesn’t turn things around in June, it will be hard to justify his inclusion next month.

Next: Number 3

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