Pence Finishes Third in Writer's ROY

And why did he get a 2d place vote?  Well, I kinda forgot who he was (I do know who the Angels' Kendrick is, though), and when I saw that he was a Phillies' pitcher, I vaguely recalled reading something about him.  But someone in the BBWA thinks he is deserving of a 2d place vote for ROY?  Imagine how pissed we would have been if Kendrick had gotten enough votes to push Pence out of 3d place.

Way back there at the end of the season my ROY list was Tulowitzki first, Braun second and Pence third.

Tulowitzki was under-recognized most of the season because the Rockies are in the middle of nowhere (Media-wise) and were not in the playoff race until September. But Tulowitzki shined every time he played the Astros. He was the glue for that team.

Braun was hyped to death and I guess I bought into the hype too much. He was a hard hitting third baseman (no glove but we didn't hear about that much except when we saw him  play against the Astros) on a team that led the Central most of the season.

Hunter Pence's injury ruined his chances.

If I had to choose between the three players to be on my team I'd go with Tulowitzki slightly over Pence because of his shortstop playing. His bat disappeared in the playoffs which is some concern.

History may prove me wrong, but I'd rather have Hunter Pence than Ryan Braun.

if you are starting a team, it's a tough call.  I think Tulowitzki and Braun are very closely ranked, just as they were for the ROY.  I might take Tulo in that situation, just because it is so unusual to have a shortstop who can perform that way both defensively and offensively.  However, I am bothered a bit by  his offensive splits between Coors Field and road games.  I think most GMs probably would take Braun.  He could well be the next Pujols, and it would be tough to turn down that possibility. I would take Braun over Pence and put Braun in the outfield where he would be fine.  Pence is a good hitter, but I don't think he will be a Pujols-type hitter.
 I think the Braun-Tulowitzky-Pence vote on the ROY is about right.  The top 2 are very close, and it could go either way.
I love Pence's attitude.  But I also kind of like Braun's cocky attitude.  A lot of dominant hitters  are cocky...such as Albert Pujols.
In any event, congratulations to Hunter Pence on finishing 3d in the  ROY.  In most years, he would have won it.  It was just a great  year for rookies.