Should Romero be rookie of the year?

It's a wonderful question to be pondering after Ricky Romero (not to mention J.P. Ricciardi) faced much scrutiny the past couple of seasons, but now the Jays rookie starter has squarely put himself in the discussion for American League rookie of the year honours.

Romero won again tonight in Seattle, moving his record to an impressive 9-4 while fashioning a solid 3.59 ERA. Romero, the 6th overall pick in the 2005 draft, has lasted at least 6 innings in 12 of his 16 starts this season. He has been so poised and mature beyond his 24 years, displaying a great knack for getting himself out of jams, not to mention the ability to bounce back from a poor inning.

The likely rookie of the year candidates Romero is up against include Rays hurler Jeff Niemann, Tigers righty Rick Porcello, White Sox 3rd basemen Gordon Beckham, Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus. All of these players have had pretty good success this season, but nothing that stands out as jaw dropping, leaving Romero the likely top candidate.

Should Romero continue his high level of play, he might just be the first Jays rookie of the year since Eric Hinske in 2002. We can only hope Romero has a higher career arc than the journeyman Hinske. With his outstanding play this year, it should be an indication he'll be a fixture in the Jays rotation for years to come.