"Some rookie of the year winners quickly fade away. Some grow into MVPs, as Justin Verlander and Milwaukee's Ryan Braun did this season.

Tampa Bay right-hander Jeremy Hellickson realistically desires to fit in somewhere between those extremes.

Hellickson this season became the first starting pitcher in either league to become the rookie of the year since Verlander in 2006.

On the day he was named the winner, Hellickson was asked, "You got to watch Verlander pitch a couple of times this year. With what he's gone on to in his career, how does that inspire you or guide you to where you can take your career?"

Hellickson said: "If I'm half as successful as he is right now in five years, I'll be happy. It's definitely an honor to be mentioned in the same group as him, especially with what he's done this year. He's the best pitcher in the game, so to be mentioned in the same category as him feels good.""