Top 25 Rookies For 2009

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 9:26 am

In our first issue of Fantasy Sports Magazine, we do a club-by-club synopsis of prospects who could reach the majors in 2009. We also did a breakout box of the Top 25 prospects to watch for Fantasy Rookie of the Year honors in 2009. This list has been changed slightly for our second issue as we've analyzed the off-season moves, but I'll list it as we have in print for now and take your input to see if you agree with our second issue changes:

2009 Top Fantasy Rookie of the Year candidates:

1. Matt Wieters, C, Baltimore

2. David Price, SP, Tampa Bay

3. Cameron Maybin, OF, Florida

4. Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Pittsburgh

5. Matt LaPorta, OF, Cleveland

6. Travis Snider, OF, Toronto

7. Tommy Hanson, SP, Atlanta

8. Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pittsburgh

9. Alcides Escobar, SS, Milwaukee

10. Colby Rasmus, OF, St. Louis

11. Jordan Schafer, OF, Atlanta

12. Mat Gamel, 3B, Milwaukee

13. Dexter Fowler, OF, Colorado

14. Wes Hodges, 3B, Cleveland

15. Justin Maxwell, OF, Washington

16. Nolan Reimold, OF, Baltimore

17. Fernando Martinez, OF, NY Mets

18. Reid Brignac, SS, Tampa Bay

19. Elvis Andrus, SS, Texas

20. Carlos Carrasco, SP, Philadelphia

21. Will Venable, OF, San Diego

22. Jason Donald, 2B/SS, Philadelphia

23. Neftali Felix, SP, Texas

24. Austin Jackson, OF, NY Yankees

25. Matt Tuiasosopo, 3B, Seattle

Last year, 22 of our 25 top prospects reached the majors in 2008. This is another deep class of prospects, but it will be interesting to see if that many reach the majors in 2009.

Thoughts??

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 10:08 am

Gamel has to be top 10

751542 · Post by **751542** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 10:34 am

ey jr???

ToddZ · Post by **ToddZ** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 10:43 am

The list is titled "2009 Top Fantasy Rookie of the Year candidates"

Is it really a list of ROY candidates or a general list of prospects?

The reason I ask is OPPORTUNITY is an important context. Dexter Fowler doesn't profile to be the best player down the line on the list, but he has a good of a chance as anyone as breaking camp with the big club and starting, giving him a leg up on the ROY award.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 11:05 am

Originally posted by Gordon Gekko II:

Gamel has to be top 10 Where do you see him playing in Milwaukee in 2009?

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 11:06 am

Originally posted by RoundTrippers:

ey jr??? We have lots of Rockies' fans here. Maybe they know more than we do, but it sure looks like Fowler is getting more mention to start in CF this year than Young. Correct me if I'm wrong Dan or Bob.

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 11:56 am

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

quote:Originally posted by Gordon Gekko II:

Gamel has to be top 10 Where do you see him playing in Milwaukee in 2009? [/QUOTE]b4 or after fielder gets moved

anpyanks · Post by **anpyanks** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 1:45 pm

you guys can forget pedro alvarez this year... my friend works for the organization and i can tell u that they are irate with this guy... 20 lbs overweight to go with two bad knees(tendonitis)... he was told if he came in overweight he would probably be sent to rookie ball or low a to start and if he came in shape he could possibly start in double a... needless to say he looks like his **** were bouncing up and down the other day when they showed him on tv and he will not sniff pittsburgh this year... i guarantee it...

Captain Hook · Post by **Captain Hook** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 2:00 pm

a couple of observations - you really have to define what the list is for to order it...but

1) Travis Snider should be moved to 3 or 4 depending on whether you think he will be better than Maybin....but he should be starting for the Blue Jays

2) Elvis Andrus should move up considerably since he will have to lose the starting job not to be the Opening Day SS for Texas

3) Sorry but as much as I like Dexter Fowler, he would have to have a MONSTROUS spring and probably someone else to fail to start the year in the majors.

And YES Rick, I personally think that unless the Rockies trade an OF, EY2 plays before Fowler...but even he shouldn't be up before the second half.....unless someone fails. The third OF spot at this point appears to be a spring battle between Carlos Gonzalez and Seth Smith.

ETA

4) Very unlikely that Neftali Feliz pitches for Texas this year

[ January 20, 2009, 08:03 PM: Message edited by: Captain Hook ]

King of Queens · Post by **King of Queens** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 3:43 pm

ROY will be someone not on this list (I have two names in mind).

Hard Heads · Post by **Hard Heads** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 3:53 pm

I see 8 of the 25 that will have a real shot at the ROY

Captain Hook · Post by **Captain Hook** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 4:08 pm

Originally posted by King of Queens:

ROY will be someone not on this list (I have two names in mind). ROY candidates would include some who were up in limited AB/IP last year while this list is (mostly) minor leaguers.

Pablo Sandoval for instance - doubt he had enough AB to DQ him from ROY candidacy so Glenn is probably right

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 4:27 pm

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

quote:Originally posted by RoundTrippers:

ey jr??? We have lots of Rockies' fans here. Maybe they know more than we do, but it sure looks like Fowler is getting more mention to start in CF this year than Young. Correct me if I'm wrong Dan or Bob. [/QUOTE]Greg,

Word around here is that Spilborghs will begin the season in CF. When he slumps or fails the Rockies will call up either Fowler or Young depending on their development.

Following the first month or two of the minor league season should provide the "tell" as to which one gets the call.

King of Queens · Post by **King of Queens** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 4:35 pm

Originally posted by Captain Hook:

quote:Originally posted by King of Queens:

ROY will be someone not on this list (I have two names in mind). ROY candidates would include some who were up in limited AB/IP last year while this list is (mostly) minor leaguers.

Pablo Sandoval for instance - doubt he had enough AB to DQ him from ROY candidacy so Glenn is probably right [/QUOTE]Too many at-bats (145 > 90) for CorkedBats' favorite player

JamesH · Post by **JamesH** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 3:42 am

Max Scherzer???

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 4:06 am

Originally posted by Cool Hand Luke:

Max Scherzer??? 56 IP. Too many innings for rookie status.

ToddZ · Post by **ToddZ** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 3:26 pm

Chris Getz has to be considered if opportunity is a factor.

Spartacus · Post by **Spartacus** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 5:32 pm

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

quote:Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

quote:Originally posted by RoundTrippers:

ey jr??? We have lots of Rockies' fans here. Maybe they know more than we do, but it sure looks like Fowler is getting more mention to start in CF this year than Young. Correct me if I'm wrong Dan or Bob. [/QUOTE]Greg,

Word around here is that Spilborghs will begin the season in CF. When he slumps or fails the Rockies will call up either Fowler or Young depending on their development.

Following the first month or two of the minor league season should provide the "tell" as to which one gets the call. [/QUOTE]I agree with Dan that ultimately performance will be the determining factor. Based on past performance though I think Fowler will get the first nod. Two years of plus .400 OBP at Double A, a plus defender and the fact that the Rox don't really have a true table setter all point to a quick promotion. While I think that they'll probably give him a month or two at AAA, it's not inconceivable that he brakes camp with the club with a good spring. EY jr on the other hand has had only 2 years of A ball, is reportedly a subpar defender at 2b-recently moved to OF to add versatility-seems to be much further away (The Rox know that the formula for their success is defense). I don't think that they're even vying for the same positional opportunity. However, considering that EY jr. is the son of a very popular former Rockie, I think we'll see him some time this year as well. Sooner as a result of injuries to CF or 2B (his bat doesn't really profile as a corner). Later as a turnstile draw.

Sack · Post by **Sack** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 5:42 pm

Sounds like some solid info from a local that knows the turf at Coors Field.

Sorry pal, Lindy sez that 15K posted as your winnings qualifies you for the check at the IP. Never argue with a Pig Farmer.

Ryan C · Post by **Ryan C** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 2:18 am

Adam Miller from Cleveland should at least be on the bubble - and I think the Derosa trade probably keeps Hodges in AAA most of the year. I think Miller has a real chance to be this years "Joba" out of Cleveland's bullpen.

Spartacus · Post by **Spartacus** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 2:21 am

Sorry pal, Lindy sez that 15K posted as your winnings qualifies you for the check at the IP. Never argue with a Pig Farmer. [/QB][/quote]

You two must subscribe to Fantasy Sports Magazine! I was hoping you weren't going to notice that little byline. Darn :rolleyes: