As expected, Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena has begun racking up accolades for his rookie season in the big leagues.
Arozarena Thursday was named a finalist for the American League Outstanding Rookie Award, which is voted on by the players.
Arozarena fnished what was his rookie season in 2021 with a slash line of .274/.356/.459 with 20 homer runs, 69 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 141 games.
The other two finalists for the award are Texas Raners outfielder Adolis Garcia, who was a roommate of Arozarena’s when both were in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, and Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle.
The winner for that and the other Players Choice awards will be announced October 28 on ESPN.
Steve Carney is the founder and publisher of St. Pete Nine. One of the people most associated with baseball coverage in Tampa Bay, he spent 13 seasons covering the Rays for flagship radio station WDAE, first as producer of Rays Radio broadcasts, then as beat reporter beginning in 2011. He likes new analytics and aged bourbon, and is the owner of one of the ugliest knuckleballs ever witnessed by baseball scouts.
