sorry, jay-hey

Atlanta’s Jason Heyward had a very good rookie season. Maybe even a great season. But Buster Posey figures to win the National League rookie of the year award when it’s announced today. Former Mississippi Braves right fielder Heyward hit .277 with 18 homers and 72 RBIs, compared to Posey’s .305, 18 and 67. Heyward scored more runs (83-58) and drew more walks (91-30), but he played in 34 more games than Posey. And Posey played catcher — and hit cleanup. For a division winner. (San Francisco also won the World Series, but that’s not relevant here.) Heyward, who hit second (yes, he should have been hitting third by midseason — but that’s another debate), piled up his numbers early. He had 38 RBIs in April and May. He had just eight in September and October. He had exactly one RBI after Sept. 18 while the Braves were involved in a furious wild card battle. Posey was a rock down the stretch for the Giants, with eight homers, 15 RBIs and 18 runs in September and October. That’s money. And that’s why he should win out over the Jay-Hey Kid.
P.S. Former Delta State star Eli Whiteside, the Giants’ backup catcher, didn’t play in the World Series, but he did contribute to the cause. Or his wife, Amy, did. According to a San Francisco Chronicle report, Amy passed out home-baked chocolate oatmeal cookies during the team’s postseason flights. That might have been San Fran’s winning edge. … Props to ex-Jackson Mets manager Clint Hurdle on getting the Pittsburgh Pirates manager job. He’ll light a fire under the Bucs, for sure.