Quote:
Originally posted by Joe Morgan
I can understand your point of view but how is it different than giving the ROY award to a player who came up from the minors after 10 years. He has experience in the game and has played for 10 years, should we not give him the award because he has prior experience? I don't see the Japanese leagues as much different from our own minor leagues.
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The Rookie of the Year Award is named for Jackie Robinson. A rookie who came to the league - from another top caliber pro league before making it in the majors.
Yes, he played in the minors too and the japanese guys who win these awards have not. But Jackie played in the minors in part because they were grooming him for his eventual debut, plus it was a far different time than the way things are now.
Should he have been ineligible based on the fact that he played in the Negro Leagues, which - is probably about the level - if not a little higher than, Japanese baseball today?
Something to consider...I agree with the bias against traditional rookies and those who come from other "major league level" leagues, but seeing as Japan is the only counterpart, I can't really say its unfair for those guys to not be considered for the award.