Although disappointed not to win the award unanimously, Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, who led the American League with a .350 batting average, is named Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America. Chris Assenheimer of the Elyria, Ohio Chronicle-Telegram votes for C.C. Sabathia, who posted a 17-4 record, as his top choice, stating the nine years of professional experience in Japan made Suzuki less of a rookie than Cleveland pitcher Sabathia.
Although disappointed not to win the award unanimously, Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, who led the American League with a .350 batting average, is named Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America. Chris Assenheimer of the Elyria, Ohio Chronicle-Telegram votes for C.C. Sabathia, who posted a 17-4 record, as his top choice, stating the nine years of professional experience in Japan made Suzuki less of a rookie than Cleveland pitcher Sabathia.