Devon Travis: AL Rookie of the Month

The following may not come as a surprise to those who’ve been paying attention to the first month of the Blue Jays’ season. Major League Baseball has started handing out its hardware for the 2015 season and Devon Travis has been named American League Rookie of the Month.

In a month that saw the club riding the highs and lows of near .500 baseball, one could say that Travis was one of the few bright spots thus far.

And, what a bright spot, he’s been. According to MLB.com, he sits 3rd among MLB rookies in average at .318, 4th in OBP (.394), 4th in OPS (1.019, 1st in runs (20), 1st in hits (28), tied for 1st (with Dalton Pompey, thank you very much) in doubles with 6, 1st in HR (7), and 1st in RBI (23). Among those eligible for the American League award, Travis is 1st in nearly every offensive category. He’s managed to put up a 1.2 WAR and a RAR value of 11.6! 

Toronto Blue Jays

It goes without saying that the stability that Devon Travis has brought to the keystone position. Not since Aaron Hill have the Toronto Blue Jays had a regular, productive second base option. When the Blue Jays announced the trade that brought Travis to Toronto for Anthony Gose, opinions were varied. It is safe to say that there are few who would understate just how good a move this was. The impact that Travis has had on the Blue Jays has not only been valuable, it’s been fun to watch.

From his first MLB hit for a home run in Yankee Stadium, we’ve been following his performance(s) with excitement. He’s had quite the showing, too. We’ve seen him drilled by a heater in the ribs, stay in the game and try to grind it out. We’ve seen him take a ground ball off the collar bone and tough out the next at bat. We’ve also seen him mash a grand slam in Cleveland. But, perhaps the most pleasant aspect of his game is the quality at bats that he puts together on a consistent basis. Given the reliance on the long ball, the kind of approach that Travis brings is most welcome. In fact, many could learn from him.

This just furthers my resolve to continue the #DevonTravisSigns campaign I started a short while back. I’ve got Devo Fever. I’m sold on this player big time. Here’s another sign to celebrate with:

Granted, it would be a tad silly to expect that Devon Travis continues this pace of success. But, with a solid approach that is clearly working, it would be hard to imagine major regression. Of course, there will be struggles in a rookie season, but we’ll save that for another day. This day belongs to Devon Travis. He’s earned the recognition. One month down, 5 to go.

Next: Blue Jays Player of the Week