Mark Trumbo and Craig Kimbrel Voted Rookies Of The Year By The Players
Los Angeles Angels first baseman Mark Trumbo and Atlanta Braves closer Craig Kimbrel have been voted the Sporting News’ 2011 Rookies of the Year as voted upon by their peers.
Trumbo, 25, had a breakout year for the Angels in which he posted a batting line of .254/.291/.477 with 29 home runs and 87 RBIs. The former 18th round draft pick was a bright spot for a Los Angeles team that finished just out of the Wild Card with a 86-76 record.
Kimbrel, 23, looked unhittable at times this season, finishing with a league leading 46 saves for Atlanta. The right-handed fire baller posted a 2.10 ERA in 79 games this season, while also striking out 127 batters in 77.0 innings of work. The Braves closer set a MLB rookie record this season by recording 27 saves before the All-Star break.
Despite his season-long dominance, Kimbrel was credited with a blown save in a loss that booted the Braves from the playoffs in their final game of the season. Regardless, Atlanta congratulated the young closer via Twitter today following the announcement of the award:
