Q:
Who do you think should win the National League rookie of the year award:
Dontrelle Willis, Brandon Webb or someone else?

Victor Wang
Bloomington, Minn.

A:
Based on how they've performed so far, I'd say it's no contest. Willis
made the all-star team, he's a more compelling story and he has a fascinating
 delivery-but Webb has outpitched him. Their W-L records don't reflect that,
but all of the other statistics do:

          W   L    ERA   GS   QS   QS%   H/9   BB/9   K/9    OPS
Webb      8   7   2.57   23   19   .83   7.0    3.2   9.1   .596
Willis   11   6   3.32   22   13   .59   8.4    3.2   8.1   .697

The Marlins have a better chance to make the postseason than the Diamondbacks
do, but Webb has had a better rookie season than Willis without nearly the
acclaim. Writers may have a hard time diverting their attention from the wins
and the hype, so Willis could win the award. If I were voting (not that
Baseball America writers get a ballot), I'd choose Webb, Willis and Brewers
outfielder Scott Podsednik, in that order.