On Monday, Major League Baseball begins its awards season with the announcement of the Rookie of the Year honours for both the American and National leagues.
It was a banner year for several rookies, and there are six strong performances that have qualified as finalists.
In the American League, the conversation could simply begin and end with Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim outfielder Mike Trout, who had a season for the ages.
Trout finished the year with a .326 batting average, a .399 on-base percentage and slugged .564. He led the Majors in runs scored with 129, and also had an MLB-high 49 stolen bases.
His first full season in the league was so stellar that he was also named as one of the three finalists for the Most Valuable Player award and he isn't considered a long shot to capture that award either.
All of his numbers are made more impressive by the fact that he was called up to the majors until April 28.
Standing in his way are two players who were solid in their first professional campaigns in North America.
Oakland Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes finished his debut season with 23 home runs and 82 runs batted in, both good enough for second among American League rookies behind only Trout.
The Cuban-born Cespedes was one of the major reasons the Athletics were able to capture the American League West title.
The third finalist in the A.L. is Texas Rangers starter Yu Darvish, who posted a 16-9 record with a 3.90 ERA.
Darvish made 29 starts for the Rangers this season and led all rookies with 221 strikeouts, placing him seventh overall in the Majors.
Meanwhile in the Senior Circuit the most famous of the three rookie of the year candidates is Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, who was selected first overall in the 2010 entry draft and was considered a can't-miss prospect.
He made his Major League debut on April 28 and finished the season with 23 home runs, second in the National League among rookies.
Harper also scored 98 runs and led all NL rookies with nine triples and he helped power the Nationals to the best record in the National League.
His lesser-known adversaries had equally great seasons.
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier was impressive as he finished sixth among NL rookies with a .273 batting average, the third-most homers with 19 and second in RBIs with 67.
Frazier also filled in at first base when the Reds lost all-star Joey Votto and showed versatility at both corner infield positions.
As in the American League there is also one pitcher nominated for the first year award.
Arizona Diamondbacks starter Wade Miley led all NL rookies with 16 wins and 144 strikeouts.
The 25-year-old posted a 3.33 ERA in his first full season, once again tops in the League among qualifying rookie pitchers.
There are six great candidates but who would you chose as the American and National League rookies of the year?
As always, It's Your! Call.
