Elvis Andrus, Rangers: The Venezuela native is already regarded as one of the best defensive shortstops in the game even though it's just his first year in the Majors. He also leads all AL rookies in hits, triples and stolen bases.
Jeff Niemann, Rays: Niemann surprisingly leads a strong Rays rotation in wins this season with 12 and has an impressive sub-4.00 ERA as well, despite pitching in the AL East. The right-hander also leads all AL rookies with two shutouts.
Brett Anderson, A's: The right-hander arguably has the best stuff of any rookie starter, evidenced by his 145 strikeouts in 170 1/3 innings pitched. He's also struck out more than three times as many batters as he has walked.
Rick Porcello, Tigers: Porcello has emerged into one of Detroit's top starters despite being just 20 years old. He also leads all rookie starters with 14 wins and he's done it all while pitching for a contender in the AL Central.
THE CONTENDERS
Andrew Bailey, A's: Bailey is in the top 10 in the American League in saves and he hasn't done it with smoke and mirrors as he has more strikeouts than innings pitched. He was also the only rookie to make the AL All-Star team.
Gordon Beckham, White Sox: Beckham leads all AL rookies in RBIs and doubles by a large margin and has plenty of power to boot as he ranks second among AL rookies in homers.
THE DARK HORSES:
Matt Wieters, Orioles: If the award went to the player with the most potential, Wieters would likely win in a landslide. But the catcher struggled with the bat early before turning it around late to finish with a batting average near .300.
Rickey Romero, Blue Jays: Romero, like Anderson, has elite stuff as he has 130 strikeouts in 166 innings, second behind Anderson in strikeouts by an AL rookie.