CLEVELAND -- In his meeting with manager Terry Francona at the start of Spring Training, Indians outfielder Tyler Naquin was told he had a legitimate shot at making the Opening Day roster. Naquin seized the opportunity and turned in a campaign that now has him in the running for some end-of-season hardware.
Naquin is in the mix for the American League Rookie of the Year Award, along with Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez and Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer. While Sanchez and Fulmer appear to be the favorites, Naquin has a case based on the fact that he spent the most time in the Major Leagues of the three finalists.