Climbing Tal's Hill
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Houston Astros: It’s time for the mid-season awards

By Brett Chancey

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 10: Jose Altuve #27 of Houston Astros rests his hat and glove in the dugout before the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on April 10, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 10: Jose Altuve #27 of Houston Astros rests his hat and glove in the dugout before the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on April 10, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Astros - Alvarez & Brantley
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 23: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros celebrates his fifth inning two run home run against the New York Yankees with teammate Michael Brantley #23 at Yankee Stadium on June 23, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

TOP ROOKIE 

Yordan Alvarez: Avg. 317, 7 HR, 4 2B, 21 RBI, 9 BB,19 R, 12 H, OPS 1.139, SLG% .733

“Air” Yordan, The Colossal from Cuba, no matter what your nickname is for him as a fan, you can’t deny the instant impact he’s had on this team. Usually, I wouldn’t pick a player with only 16 games into a Major League career, but I think this is one of those rare situations where there’s a very good case for his selection.

The lone factor in him getting the 1st half award was not his insane home run totals. Alvarez recently turned 22 and is showing incredible disciple at the plate. He has walked nine times while collecting four doubles, meaning that 11 of his 12 hits have been for extra bases.

He has been embraced in the clubhouse by everyone, and they are taking notice. Just where you thought all he had was a big bat, Yordan Alvarez was able to throw out an advancing runner to 2B at Minute Maid Park. The ease of the throw coupled with the accuracy, let everyone know he’s not just here to hit, he’s here to contribute on the field as well.

When this young phenom was called up, he had already clubbed 23 home runs, meaning he is sitting at 29 home runs this year between AAA Round Rock and Houston. When he was with the Round Rock Express, he walked up to the plate without his bat, the bases were loaded and the crowd was bewildered.

He knew that even with bases loaded, the opposing team wasn’t going to pitch to him, so he went from the batter’s box to first. There aren’t many young players that garner this type of respect. His short swing and ability to bring the barrel to the ball makes him a threat. Whether it’s a pull shot to right field or an OPPO TACO, he’s sending them out at an alarming rate.

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