"John Shea from Denver, where it's suddenly getaway day . . .
Buster Posey was named the NL's rookie of the month and player of the month for July.
The catcher hit .417 (43-for-103)in 27 games with 20 runs, six doubles, seven homers and 24 RBIs. His on-base percentage was .466., his slugging .699. He had a 21-game hit streak. The 43 hits broke Jim Ray Hart's San Francisco record for most hits in a month by a rookie.
Last Giant to win a player-of-the-month honor? Randy Winn in September 2005. No Giant ever had been named the NL's rookie of the month. It's a fairly new award.
Buster was recalled from Triple-A on May 29. He has the league's highest average (.356) since then while hitting safely in 43 of 56 games -- including 24 of the last 26. He has 21 multiple-hit games, including seven games with three or more hits."
This year has been an amazing one for rookies, especially in the National League.
Pitching is highlighted by the following:
100+ Innings Pitched
Jaime Garcia, 2.53 ERA
Jonathon Niese, 3.78 ERA
Mike Leake, 3.86 ERA
Less than 100 Innings Pitched
Stephen Strasburg, 2.32 ERA (9 starts)
Travis Wood, 2.42 ERA (7 starts)
Madison Bumgarner, 3.20 ERA (8 starts)
Strasburg has been more effective than Wood and Bumgarner, and Jaime Garcia has been more effective than Niese and Leake. These two are the biggest pitching threats to win rookie of the year.
The hitting is even more stacked:
Buster Posey - .355, 8 HR, 42% Caught Stealing rate as a catcher (211 AB)
Jayson Heyward - .264, 11 HR, 8 SB (330 AB)
Tyler Colvin - .258, 17 HR (256 AB)
Jon Jay - .366, 3 HR (123 AB)
Chris Heisey - .306, 7 HR (in only 98 AB)
Ike Davis - .250, 15 HR (348 AB)
Gaby Sanchez - .295, 12 HR (390 AB)
In comparison to Posey:
In context, Ike Davis will likely pose the smallest threat at Rookie of the Year. He has the 2nd most HR for all rookies, but he's done it in 348 AB, and with an unimpressive batting average. Buster Posey has the 2nd best batting average among rookies, the best being Jon Jay. However, Jay has done it in half as many AB, so we'll see if he can keep up his average. If it falls below Posey's average, he likely won't pose a threat. Buster Posey's average and home run numbers (in context to AB) are more impressive than those of Heyward/Sanchez. Heyward is a fan favorite, though, and can steal and play good defense. Due to his batting average, Colvin will likely be passed up in favor of Posey.
Here are those who pose the biggest threats to Posey:
1. Stephen Strasburg, 2.32 ERA (9 starts) *Currently on the 15-Day DL*
2. Jaime Garcia, 2.53 ERA
3. Jayson Heyward - .264, 11 HR, 8 SB (330 AB)
4. Chris Heisey - .306, 7 HR (in only 98 AB) *Short amount of playing time*
If someone beats out Posey, it will likely be one of these 4. It all depends on how playing time, defense, and positional factors (Buster Posey plays catcher, which is much more taxing than outfield) come into account. Buster Posey does, however, have the longest hitting streak among rookies (and among NL hitters) for 2010. Judging solely on hitting, I would guess that Posey is the favorite to win.
