Rookie Review...part 1!

The 2012 MLB season has seen more than its share of remarkable rookies ascend to stardom, or come in with sky-high expectations and not really live up to them. I figured that since the season was drawing to a close I would take analyze the name-brand rookies and see how they fared in their first MLB season-whether they overachieved, underachieved, or just plain lived up to expectations in this first part of a 2-part series:

Yu Darvish.
The Japanese pitching phenom came into the MLB with much fanfare as he signed a massive contract with the Texas Rangers in the offseason. Expectations varied, based on the fact that most scouts consider Japanese baseball to be high-Triple A-level baseball. Also, the baseball used in Japanese pro ball is slightly different than the ball used in American pro ball; so there would be an adjustment period expected for him. There has never been any question of his talent. He was an ace to the 10th degree in Japan, and many expected great things from him in his first season of MLB ball.
Stats:
GS: 26
W/L: 14-9
ERA 4.14
WHIP: 1.33
K: 196
WAR: 2.5
K/9: 10.40
Analysis: A strikeout artist in Japan, Darvish has continued the trend with his massive arsenal in American ball.  Overall, he has been a relative disappointment. He came in and has throughout the season struggled with his control-people couldn't hit him but he gives up way too many free passes, which explains the relatively bloated WHIP. He also struggled out of the stretch, so when he gives first base to someone his troubles were compounded and therefore his ERA is higher than most figured it would, after seeing him post several seasons of sub-2.50 ERA seasons in Japan. He could still be acclimating himself to American ball as his more recent starts have been much better; nevertheless he hasn't quite lived up to preseason expectations as the Ranger's ace that takes over for the departed C.J. Wilson.

Mike Trout.
Two words: holy smokes. Is there ANYTHING this kid can't do? He's putting up numbers most stars would kill to put up, especially in this pitching-dominated era (or at least this decade, as only recently has pitching really started to have the upper hand). He came in with high expectations with his blazing speed, but no one could really say that they saw this season coming--the power, speed, average--it all came together and FAST for the Angel's young rookie.
Stats:
GP: 121
AVG: .331
SLG: .569
OBP: .397
HR: 27
SB: 45
WAR: 7.7 (what?!)
Analysis: Perfection. This is the kind of player that comes around once in a lifetime. We're talking not even The Machine (Albert Pujols) in his best years put up these kind of overall numbers. Yes, some stats from Pujols might have been higher in those years(ex: HR) but overall this has been a season for the ages from this rookie. The only award this kid shouldn't win after the season is over is Cy Young.

Bryce Harper.
The most heralded rookie since Stephen Strasburg...and on the same team too. 19-year old phenom, drafted right out of high school, called the most complete position player in a long time with his immense power potential and great awareness of the strike zone. He blew through the minors and found his way into the National's lineup for the first time late last year and came in as the starter this year.
Stats:
GP: 12
AVG: .262
SLG: .454
OBP: .335
HR: 18
SB: 13
WAR: 3.8
Analysis: Well...its his first season. Overall, he has been a minor letdown. He showed his power on occasion, but not to the extent that was expected of him right out of the box. The average is also lower than what the Nat's bargained for when they drafted him first overall. His best aspect is his awareness of the strike zone, but he's had issues putting the bat on the ball consistently. He's going to keep improving, and we can still expect stardom to come to the Nat's young outfielder--probably sooner than later. Honestly, what was expected of him this year was almost unachievable. They expected Mike Trout's season from Harper, and honestly that's not really fair.