And the 2008 NL Rookie of the Year Is...?

This kid is for real. If you play fantasy baseball he is someone to jump on a bandwagon for. His first major league game puts in a 7 inning performance, with only one hit (a home run to other young talent Justin Upton) Here is the kicker and what gives him star power, 10 strikeouts in that short time. He has vaulted over Homer Bailey in the organization as future ace. Cueto will continue to impress and with his strike out rate he will garner attention and votes. He may struggle but of all the rookies this year, I believe he has the ability to make the most contribution to this team. The Reds really need pitching to take that division and with Harang and Arroyo patrolling the one and two spots, Cueto fills in nicely for a dominant three. Cueto puts this staff from average to division best. That is what a Rookie of the Year candidate does.

Jayson Nix: The next Pedroia possibly, Nix is an above average defensive player with an average bat. What he has above the rest of these guys is job security. Cueto could struggle and see time in Triple A and the others are already there. Jayson is there to stay and the Rockies seem committed to him. Many experts say 10 home runs and 15 steals. That is more production then Pedroia when he won. So the kid has a chance. But Pedroia won the award in a lackluster rookie class in the American League. Guys who are average players do not normally win this award. If the Rockies make the postseason again and Nix helps out then he could gain some votes but the Rockies would need a dominant year to help Nix out and in the pitching crazy NL West I do not see that happening. He goes up against some solid starters in the division which will hurt his average and production.

Colby Rasmus: Colby is a prototypical young outfielder. He has the hybrid power/speed combo and is being held back because his production in double and triple A make owners believe it is a fluke. He may be in the minors now, but with Skip Shumaker and Ryan Ludwick in center, Rasmus will get a golden opportunity soon. The Cardinals may wait but his time will come. He will get the shot because of the lack of production from Skip and Ryan, or if Pujols goes down and actually needs that surgery the Cardinals may call him up to provide a spark in the club and to the fans. Colby Rasmus has the potential to put up solid numbers and hit enough home runs and steal enough bases to persuade a few voters. But, I do not think he will put up enough of a case to win the prestigious award.

Dark Horse Candidates:

Jair Jurrjens:

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