PITTSBURGH -- If not for another young first baseman bashing home runs on the other side of the country, the National League Rookie of the Year Award buzz might have followed Josh Bell all season.
Bell played a full season with the Pirates, from Opening Day until Game 162. He answered questions about his ability to stay healthy, his defensive development and his power potential. He finally emerged as the Pirates' long-awaited long-term solution at first base.
The one thing Bell could not overcome in the NL Rookie of the Year Award race was Dodgers phenom Cody Bellinger, the heavy favorite to receive the annual honor presented to the NL's top rookie when the winners are announced at 6 p.