Balentien: Top PCL Rookie

Wladimir Balentien ('04) was voted as the top rookie in the Pacific Coast League. Rainier radio broadcaster Mike Curto has the writeup in the Tacoma News Tribune.

Balentien voted PCL’s top rookie

LAS VEGAS – In a gesture that shows just how far he has come this season, Tacoma Rainiers outfielder Wladimir Balentien was voted the Pacific Coast League’s Rookie of the Year.

Balentien won the vote of the league’s managers and media members, it was announced Tuesday. The 23-year-old outfielder from Cura[c]ao is batting .295 with 24 home runs and 80 RBI this season.

“It’s an honor that shows that you put in the hard work all year,” Balentien said.

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The list of past winners includes Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez, who won it in 2005, Houston Astros infielder Chris Burke (New Orleans, 2004) and Oakland Athletics shortstop Bobby Crosby (Sacramento, 2003). Last year’s winner was Salt Lake’s Howie Kendrick, now the Los Angeles Angels’ starting second baseman.

“I’ve seen the names of the players who won it before, and anytime you are mentioned with the people on that list, it’s a big honor,” Tacoma manager Daren Brown said.

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Balentien’s progress from all-or-nothing slugger to disciplined hitter has garnered attention from scouts throughout baseball. Where he fits in with the Mariners, though, remains to be seen.