New York Yankees: Is Ivan Nova a Rookie of the Year Candidate?
September 4, 2011 · Michael Moraitis · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
With all the discussion of 2011 awards, I haven’t heard much mention of Ivan Nova for Rookie of the Year. Puzzling as it is, Nova HAS flown under the radar as not only one of the best rookies in the league, but has been one of the best pitchers in the league.
Nova was sent down to the minors a few months ago to make room for Phil Hughes, who had been coming off the DL at the time. Nova was reportedly upset, and rightfully so; he had pitched far better than Hughes and didn’t deserve the treatment he got. As a matter of fact, you could make the case that Nova has been the second-best pitcher on the Yankees overall—a case that when looking at the numbers, is easy to make.
Since returning from the minors, Nova has been a man on a mission. He has won 11 of his last 12 starts, and the Bombers are 18-5 when he takes the mound this season. Those are staggering numbers that show how much of an impact Nova has had. Makes you wonder where the Yankees would be without him.
As it stands now, Nova is 15-4, an ERA of 3.89.
His last seven-inning victory propelled the Yankees back to first place. Nobody can make a logical enough case why this young starter shouldn’t be Rookie of the Year. No rookie has had a greater impact than Nova. It’s his arm that is a major reason why the Yankees will go to the playoffs and possibly win the AL East in 2011.
Follow me on Twitter: @michaelmoraitis
Read more New York Yankees news on BleacherReport.com
Yankee Tickets
Shop Yankee
