masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgWe’ll find out later today whether left-hander Brian Matusz has been voted as the American League’s Rookie of the Year.

If baseball handed out second-half awards, he’d be a slam dunk.

Matusz finished 10-12 with a 4.30 ERA and led AL rookies with 32 starts, 143 strikeouts and 175 2/3 innings. He ranked second in opponents’ average at .255 and was tied for second in wins and third in ERA.

Matusz went 7-1 with a 2.11 ERA in his last 11 starts covering 64 innings. That’s how you leave an…We’ll find out later today whether left-hander Brian Matusz has been voted as the American League’s Rookie of the Year.

If baseball handed out second-half awards, he’d be a slam dunk.

Matusz finished 10-12 with a 4.30 ERA and led AL rookies with 32 starts, 143 strikeouts and 175 2/3 innings. He ranked second in opponents’ average at .255 and was tied for second in wins and third in ERA.

Matusz went 7-1 with a 2.11 ERA in his last 11 starts covering 64 innings. That’s how you leave an impression.

I don’t expect Matusz to win the award, but he’ll certainly haul in some votes. My guess, and I’m not alone here, is that Rangers closer Neftali Feliz takes home the hardware after saving 40 games for the AL champions, a major league record for a rookie.

Austin Jackson batted .293 for the Tigers, and his 181 hits, 34 doubles, 103 runs scored and 27 steals led AL rookies.

Tampa Bay’s Wade Davis went 12-10 with a 4.07 ERA in 29 starts. He’ll also draw serious consideration.

You can check out the rookie stats here.

If I had to guess, I’d say Feliz and Jackson will finish 1-2 in the voting. It would be nice for Matusz to crack the Top 3.

It would be even nicer for Matusz to win it, but the sub-.500 record could work against him.

Who gets your vote?