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AL Rookies
to Watch: Now and Down the Road.
by Daniel Paulling
March 29, 2005
SS Jason Bartlett, Minnesota Twins –
He might not be given the job because of his not so great defense,
but Bartlett can run and has a good eye at the plate. If he was
given the job, expect a .290 batting average and 20 steals, but
not much in any other categories.
SP Danny Bautista, Kansas City Royals – Bautista was
dealt to the Orioles from Florida for Jeff Conine. The Birds dealt
him to the Royals for an even cheaper price. Bautista has great
potential, but he lacks command. If he is given a starting job,
he should strike out a few hitters, but expect your ratios to be
hurting.
SP Joe Blanton, Oakland Athletics – Blanton was a dominator
in the minors, striking out a tremendous amount of hitters with
pinpoint control. He won’t be Tim Hudson next year, but you
can expect 10 wins and a 4.30 ERA from him with some nice K numbers.
In other words, draft him.
RP Jesse Crain, Minnesota Twins – I know, I know, Crain
is only a relief pitcher, but hear me out! He has dominated every
single minor league level and can step into a major league job right
now. I think he’ll pitch enough innings, strike out enough
hitters, with low enough ratios to earn a spot on your team. Plus,
if Joe Nathan proves last year a fluke or gets injured, Crain is
number one in line to get saves.
OF Joey Gathright, Tampa Bay Devil Rays – This kid can
steal bases. He is literally one of the fastest hitters in the Major
Leagues, no doubt. He is still working on learning the strike zone,
but if he is given a chance to play everyday, he could steal 35-40
bases. That’s if he’s given a chance and you’re willing
to take the low batting average he’ll produce.
1B Adrian Gonzalez, Texas Rangers – Getting a place
to play would be very unlikely for him, but he could probably hit
.300 this year with a large number of doubles. The only problem
is that the Rangers are loaded on talent in the infield, so Gonzalez
would have to DH or learn an outfield position.
SP Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners – It is doubtful
he’ll get an everyday job out of spring, but he should pitch
sometime this season at the Major League level. This kid’s
stuff is probably the nastiest in the minor leagues and he warrants
comparisons to Mark Prior. He is a name to know and a name to keep
in mind.
SP Scott Kazmir, Tampa Bay Devil Rays – How could the
Mets trade this guy? Victor Zambrano better win a Cy Young very
soon because Kazmir will. This season, Kazmir can pitch 180 innings
with a low four ERA with amazing strikeout numbers. He is definitely
worth a pick in deep leagues or AL only leagues. This guy is a dominator
and will win at least one Cy Young award.
1B Casey Kotchman, Los Angeles Angels – This kid can
rake, and do so greatly. The only problem, however, is getting him
to the plate. Kotchman is beginning to earn the label of injury
prone, but if he can get healthy, he could hit upwards of .290 and
15 homers this season, with 25 homer potential in his prime. He
just needs health, just like many other great prospects.
OF Jason Kubel, Minnesota Twins – I’ve written
about Kubel again and I’m putting him on this list even though
he will miss a lot of time this year because of his knee injury.
This is a kid that hit .347 between Double A and Triple A! If he
comes back by August, which is entirely possible, Kubel could hit
15 homers with a .300 batting average. In other words, he could
push you over the top towards the end of the year if he gets the
chance to place.
3B Dallas McPherson, Los Angeles Angels – Last year
McPherson hit 43 homers between Double A, Triple A, and the Major
Leagues. This season he will produce more homers than anyone on
this list, if healthy, and should hit with around .290. McPherson
is definitely a good pick for deep leagues and a must in AL only
leagues; he is also worth a gamble in mixed leagues.
SP Dan Meyer, Oakland Athletics – Dan Meyer came over
from the Atlanta Braves system, which means he has a great changeup.
He is not as polished as the other pitchers in Oakland and probably
will need a little more time in Triple A. Look to pick him up around
midseason, should he be in the Majors.
CF Jeremy Reed, Seattle Mariners – Fans in Chicago are
finally going to get to see just how great Jeremy Reed is. Problem
is Reed plays in Seattle and should produce tremendously for them
in the number two spot. Ichiro will be on base for him very often,
while Beltre, Sexson, and Boone will protect him beautifully. Reed
will produce enough to be on your fantasy baseball team.
RP Huston Street, Oakland Athletics – Street has been
getting so much hype, and he deserves it. He has dominated in the
minor leagues in the closer’s role, but Octavio Dotel stands
in his way for the time being. The A’s might use Street to
setup, which should tremendously help your ratios, plus he could
steal a few saves. If Dotel gets injured or blows a few saves, look
for Street to close.
3B Mark Teahan, Kansas City Royals – Teahan is quietly
producing well in Spring Training and should win the starting job.
He has the ability to hit to the gaps, something ever so important.
Even better is his talent to hit line drives, something also important.
He should hit a few, maybe 15, homers with a .270 average. In deep
leagues or AL only leagues, Teahan is worth a pick. Share your thoughts or comments in our forums
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