Handicapping MLS Rookie of the Year

This is a season of atypically high achievement  for MLS rookies.

In the lead item of my weekly MLSNet.com notebook, the Five-a-Side piece that runs every Friday, I focused on one particular rookie.

I took a good look at Stefan Frei, Toronto's rookie goalkeeper, a truly promising back stopper -- but one whose timing seriously stinks.  Long story short, it's a bad time to be a great rookie goalkeeper. Why? Because so many other rookies are getting sloppy wet love from media and fans. 

So Frei's accoplishments are partially overlooked. And while that's understandable, it's too bad. 

It's understandable because all these other rookies are having big campaigns. But Frei is doing something quite rare in MLS: being productive as a rookie goalkeeper. It's just the nature of the position that rookies don't get to play much.  SInce Day 1 in MLS, rookie starters in goal have been rare as cowboy hats at a hip hop show.

But you can read about all that if you choose at MLSnet.com. Here's where I want to go with today's little pearl from DailySoccerFix:  I want to examine just who IS the leader in the clubhouse in terms of Rookie of the Year?

So click ye onward to see how I handicap the race, who may prevail in an MLS Rookie of the Year chase that's tight as the t-shirts at Hooters.

1. Omar Gonzalez

Why he could win it: The Galaxy center back has been stunningly steady all year, having benefitted from the tutelage of slow-but-shrewd central partner Gregg Berhalter along the Galaxy back line.

Why he might not: Sean Franklin won last year. He, too, was a Galaxy center back. And there is a natural distaste, rightly or wrongly, for picking a player in the same position for the same team two years running.

2. Steve Zakuani

Why he could win it: He livewire winger is an absolute handful for opposition right fullbacks these days, gradually gaining his feet at Qwest through the summer. With three goals and four assists he has managed to be productive in important moments for the SigiSounders. He also benefits from all the (well-deserved) attention Seattle has received; the Sounders' remarkable success on and off the field is one of the great stories of the MLS 2009 season.

Why he might not: The league's top draft pick in 2009 was just a little slow to get going this year. In a normal year that wouldn't matter for a rookie. But in such a stellar freshman class, Zakuani missed out on all the early pub that stoked the feel-good fires for Gonzalez, Wallace and Pontius.

3. Rodney Wallace

Why he could win it: The D.C. United midfielder has played mostly along the left side at RFK, where he has two goals and three assists. He's also played occasionally as a defensive midfielder, alongside Clyde Simms or Ben Olsen, and that kind of versatility speaks loudly.

Why he might not: The "D.C. United vote" among fans and media could be split between Wallace and Chris Pontius.

4. Chris Pontius

Why he could win it: Like his teammates at D.C. United, the versatile attacker has been effective in two spots. He has played as a forward (where he was positioned when he struck for a beautiful goal early this year) and he has lined up as a right-sided midfielder. His numbers are impressive (four goals, two assists).

Why he might not: For the same reason Wallace may not. See above.

5. Sam Cronin

Why he could win it: Toronto's steady central midfielder never appears to be fighting beyond his weight class, typically stationed alongside Carl Robinson in middle of the park at BMO. He has a goal and three assists, although he's not really out there for his offense. With guys like Dwayne De Rosario, Amado Guevara and others around for the Reds, he's there to wreck opposition attacks and be a central distributor.

Why he might not: Simply put, the contributions of defensive midfielders are too easily overlooked by all but the most observant of fans and journalists.

Others worth mentioning: New England defenders Kevin Alston and Darrius Barnes are having terrific campaigns, having established themselves dependably for a demanding manager (Revs' boss Steve Nicol). Jeremy Hall and Nick Zimmerman have had their moments for Red Bull New York, and both look like good players in the making. But that team stinks like soft French cheese, so they don't stand a chance. Same for Kyle Davies at Dallas, the U.S. under-20 captain, who also has bright days ahead but won't be in the running because of his club's wretched ways. Finally, Galaxy rookie A.J. DeLaGarza has established himself as Bruce Arena's first choice right back, but he'll need to eat a few more beans n' taters and get a little more meat on those rookie bones for more voters to see him as a serious Rookie of the Year contender.