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Washington Nationals: Why Trea Turner Fell Short In NL ROY

By Ron Juckett

Oct 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Trea Turner (7) steals second base as Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) is unable to make the tag during the fifth inning during game two of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Trea Turner (7) steals second base as Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) is unable to make the tag during the fifth inning during game two of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals wonder Trea Turner finished second to Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Corey Seager for the NL Rookie of the Year. A finish with no shame.

It is not a surprise that Washington Nationals centerfielder Trea Turner fell short in his bid for National League Rookie of the Year.

The Baseball Writers of America spoke, and they selected Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager as the unanimous choice with Turner finishing second and fellow Dodger pitcher Kenta Maeda third.

A quick glance at the statistics tell the story. From April through October, Seager was the cream of his class. With an impressive slash line of .308/.365/.512 and an Adjusted OPS+ of 137 over 157 games, Seager’s first full season not only merits this Jackie Robinson Award, but Most Valuable Player consideration.

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Good with the glove and a slugger of 26 homers, Seager showed poise beyond his years as Kris Bryant did last year winning with the Chicago Cubs.

Most years, Turner would win the award, or at least draw a close vote. He is, after half a season, nearly as polished as Seager. Not bad considering Turner played an outfield position he had no experience in during the middle of a pennant chase.

The numbers for Turner are amazing. In 73 games, his slash line of .342/.370/.567 tops Seager. He stole 33 bases in 39 attempts. Swatting 13 homers, he slashed eight triples and 14 doubles. For two magic months, Turner resembled Rickey Henderson.

Maintaining that pace over a full season is a challenge. How he comes out of the gate next April with high expectations will affect him. He hopes to play next season at short, his natural position. If he does, he will be ready with the routine and not trying to adjust as an outfielder under tough circumstances.

As legendary as Turner’s close is here in the District, what Seager accomplished from Opening Day until the regular season ended in San Francisco is special. Seager missed six games the entire year.

Turner posted great numbers and gives us something positive to dream on this winter, but from the moment Vin Scully called his name, the award was Seager’s.

Next: Why Oakland Is a Strong Trade Partner

Absolutely no shame in that.

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