Rookies of the Year

Major League:

Ryan Freeman of Detroit wins the award. The third baseman hit .304 in 404 at bats, and showed both power (14 homers, 36 doubles) and excellent contact skills (only 38 strikeouts, or about what Adam Dunn does in 2 weeks). While there were questions about whether he would be able to stick at third defensively, Freeman played a solid third base and looks like a future allstar.

Shane Canzler of Hawaii finished second, although he would not have been eligible to win the award anyway, since he's not a rookie. Canzler hit .256 in 414 at bats, after getting 325 AB last season. Hollywood's Willie Strickland finished third, pitching 76 innings with a 2.93 ERA.

Superior League

Charlotte first baseman Todd Lee ran away with this one, batting .328 with 19 homers, 95 RBI, 199 hits, and 35 doubles. He also played strong defense. In second place was another slick fielding first baseman, Toledo's Tino Erstad, who hit .287 with 20 homers and 70 RBI. Orlando's Stan Johnson (12-11, 3.77) finished third, and Louisville shortstop Alfredo Carillo finished 4th (.303, 13 steals).