Rookie of the year voters mostly bypass Kenley Jansen, Javy Guerra

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It’s not that they blew it or anything, or that it’s the worst idea since somebody actually thought the world was clamoring for another ‘Charlie’s Angels’ series, but it’s still somewhat disappointing.

Kenley Jansen, who was so good last season it was almost stupid, received just three third-place votes in the National League rookie of the year voting announced Monday. Javy Guerra, who emerged as the Dodgers unexpected closer, did not receive a single vote.

Jansen’s numbers in the more commonly used pitching categories just didn’t jump out at voters -- 2-1, five saves, 2.85 ERA -- though his major-league record 16.1 strikeouts per nine innings should have garnered more attention.

Guerra saved 21 of 23 games and fashioned a 2.31 ERA in 47 unexpected games.

Jansen finished tied for seventh in the National League rookie of the year voting with Cubs infielder Darwin Barney, who hit .276 with two homers, 43 RBI and a .353 slugging percentage.

Nationals shortstop Danny Espinoza -- who hit .236, but with 21 homers and 66 RBI -- was sixth, Diamondbacks starter Josh Collmenter (10-10, 3.38 ERA) was fifth and Nationals catcher Willie Ramos (.267, 15, 52), just back from his kidnapping scare, was fourth.

The top three were unanimous winner Craig Kimbrel, closer of the Braves (NL-high 46 saves), Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (.282, 21, 76) and Phillies starter Vance Worley (11-3, 3.01 ERA).

It was a pretty deep rookie field, which clearly affected the attention that came the way of Jansen and Guerra. It’s not like voters were distracted by giving Dodgers Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw attention for MVP and the Cy Young -- the voters are completely different.

Still, Jansen and Guerra certainly should have received more rookie of the year notice, particularly after the top three.

-- Steve Dilbeck