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00:09One of the things I wanted to talk about in this episode that Wardy and I,
00:12I'm really intrigued because we have not discussed this really between us.
00:16We kind of knew we'd talk about this, but we haven't really dove into it.
00:18So we wanted to dive into it with everyone here.
00:22Who's got the better rookie of the year case?
00:23Is it Carson Bench or is it Nolan McClain?
00:26I think this is a very interesting conversation with the way both of these guys have played this season.
00:34So, Wardy, I'm going to go with this for you.
00:38If you had an NL Rookie of the Year ballot today, as we're recording this, who would you rank higher?
00:47Is it Carson Bench or is it Nolan McClain?
00:50Who are you going with?
00:52It's a really difficult question because there is the fandom side of me that maybe will be like,
00:58well, I'm just happy either way.
00:59But then there's the rational side of me that's like, okay, how does this voting typically go?
01:04And what has history shown us when looking at NL Rookie of the Year?
01:07And what history has shown us is that it's been far more favorable for a position player than a starter.
01:13So, while Nolan McClain has all the reasons in the world to suggest that he may very well be not
01:19only a rookie of the year candidate,
01:21but actual winner this year, I think it's Carson Bench's to lose between the two.
01:26And there's a multitude of reasons as to why that is.
01:29But before we deep dive them further, and I hear your thoughts on this,
01:32it really is just simply put because of how much Bench has blossomed into a multi-tool talent
01:38that is a bit of a rarity in today's game.
01:41We have a lot of numbers we're going to throw in a second,
01:43but where Bench has separated himself against other guys in the National League,
01:48even the Sal Stewarts, who's going to have a north of 30 home run, 100 RBI season
01:53as the first baseman for the Reds in that band box.
01:55Or AJJ Weatherholt, who obviously has had a fantastic rookie year, all things considered,
02:00for the St. Louis Cardinals.
02:01Those guys have had fantastic runs, but there's something about what Carson Bench has been doing,
02:05especially since really the start of May, that's put him in a bit of a class of his own,
02:09which is exciting to break down more.
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