Myth: Rookie of the Year candidates are Always ‘Rookies’

This is not about Ichiro Suzuki or Hideki Matsui coming from Japan and being classified as “rookies” just because it’s their first year in the United States. That’s like, so last year.

This is about Mike Jacobs and Bobby Jenks, two strong contenders for the Rookie of the Year awards in the National and American Leagues, respectively, in 2006. “Wait,” you say, “Bobby Jenks? Wasn’t he the closer for the White Sox at the end of last season, and in the postseason?” Good question, loyal reader of Liners, Sliders and Scoops.

But because of some stupid rule, Jenks actually still qualifies for Rookie of the Year this year, because he threw LESS THAN 50 INNINGS and spent LESS THAN 45 DAYS ON A MAJOR LEAGUE ROSTER in previous Major League seasons. He pitched 39.1 innings in 32 games last year, saving six games in eight chances, and obviously threw in the postseason, too. But he’s eligible for Rookie of the Year. Are you serious, Major League Baseball? Are you really serious? By these standards, a reliever could theoretically be called up in September, save 26 games in 29 days or something, and still be considered A ROOKIE the NEXT YEAR.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you the dish on Jacobs, who plays first base for the Marlins after hitting 11 frickin’ homers in 100 at bats last year for the Mets. He hit 11 homers in 30 games, and this guy is STILL A ROOKIE. You want to know why? Jacobs, like Jenks, did not spend 45 days on the Mets’ roster last year, and he had less than 130 at bats. So if a guy is called up, hits 60 homers in 30 days to win the home-run title, he’s STILL A ROOKIE NEXT YEAR? I’m sorry, but this rule is ridiculous.

How do we change this rule? How about this: a batter is still a rookie if he has less than 75 ABs in his career, and a relief pitcher has to appear in less than 10 games to keep his rookie status (maybe 5 starts for a starting pitcher, or 25 innings for a guy who starts a few games and relieves in a few others). There’s the new rule. Oh, and the 75 ABs or 10 games have to be IN JUST ONE SEASON. If you’ve appeared in Major League games for two or more seasons, you are NOT A ROOKIE.

Okay, I’ll petition Bud Selig now. Thank you for listening.

By the way, vote for Francisco Liriano in the American League and Jacobs's teammate Danny Uggla in the National League, okay? That’ll make everything a lot easier.