MLB Predictions 2011: Each Team's Best Rookie of the Year Candidate
It's hard to believe, but the regular season is less than a week away. Teams in both the Grapefruit and Cactus leagues are preparing to pack up and head home for a long season.
While the mainstays of each team's roster spend the spring honing their skills and preparing for the season, many rookies look at camp as their opportunity to prove that they belong at the Major League level.
Cuts are inevitably made and players oftentimes spend weeks or months preparing for that potential call-up. Many rookies could get the call, but there is usually one or two in each organization that stands out above the rest.
Here are some players from all teams poised to make an impact throughout the 2011 season.
Anaheim Angels: Mike Trout
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Since being selected 25th overall in the 2009 MLB draft, outfielder Mike Trout has been a solid contributor to the Angels organization.
In 175 games between 2009 and 2010, Trout batted .344 while driving in 83 runs.
The Angels have a good amount of depth in the outfield with Torii Hunter and Vernon Wells holding down the corner outfield positions.
But Trout's talent level is something that the team can't ignore for too long, as he seems poised to make a splash in the bigs.
Oakland Athletics: Chris Carter
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Chris Carter's brief stint with the Oakland A's last season didn't exactly pan out as he could've hoped. The outfielder went 13-for-70 in 24 games played, good enough for only a .186 average.
The team is still excited about his potential and feels that he'll ultimately fit into their plans.
Carter was recently removed from Spring Training in favor of a minor league assignment, but it appears that it's only a matter of time before he's able to state his case for a permanent spot with the A's.
Seattle Mariners: Dustin Ackley
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Since being selected second overall in 2009, Dustin Ackley has quickly moved his way through the Mariners organization.
In 134 games between class AA and AAA, Ackley has put together a .267 batting average, driving in 51 runs in 501 at-bats.
A moderately strong fielder, Ackley is the type of player who has enough potential that the Mariners likely won't wait long before making him a regular in the clubhouse.
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Texas Rangers: Tanner Scheppers
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Having pitched for three different minor-league teams, Tanner Scheppers has shown the ability to get batters out but at the same time has shown a tendency to put batters on base.
In 99 total innings, Scheppers recorded 110 strikeouts, but also 41 walks.
If he's able to display a strong showing this spring, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Scheppers crack the 25-man roster before too long.
Chicago White Sox: Chris Sale
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After being fast-tracked to the Majors, Chris Sale made an immediate impact with the Chicago White Sox in 2010.
In 21 appearances, Sale posted a 1.81 ERA and struck out 32 batters in 23 innings pitched.
Despite rumors that the team was planning to move Sale to the starting rotation, it appears that at least for now, Sale will be holding down a spot in the bullpen.
Cleveland Indians: Carlos Carrasco
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Carlos Carrasco joined the Cleveland Indians as a part of the deal that shipped Cliff Lee away from the organization.
Carrasco joined the Phillies organization at the age of 17 and has been honing his skills in the minor leagues since 2004.
After making over 150 starts between all levels in the minor league system, the Indians will be placing Carrasco in the front end of the rotation behind Fausto Carmona.
Detroit Tigers: Danny Worth
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After a solid performance with the Tigers in 39 games during the 2010 season, it appeared more likely that Danny Worth would have a place in 2011.
However, with Jhonny Peralta holding down shortstop, it seems unlikely he'll be an everyday player. With further development in the minor leagues, Worth will be a viable option to fill in on an as-needed basis.
Kansas City Royals: Mike Moustakas
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Mike Moustakas is a highly regarded part of the Royals system that seems poised to get the call in 2011.
Moustakas showed his potential for power in hitting 36 home runs in 118 games between class AA and AAA last year.
The second overall pick in the 2007 MLB Draft, he'll certainly be on call for a Royals team that appears poised to make an upswing in the competitive AL Central.
Minnesota Twins: Tsuyoshi Nishioka
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It's hard to call Tsuyoshi Nishioka a rookie, since he's been playing professionally in Japan since 2006.
Nevertheless, Major League Baseball is a whole new world and Nishioka appears to be adapting quite nicely.
In 17 games, he's batting .347 with only two strikeouts. His speed will be an asset on both in the field and on the base paths as he looks to anchor the middle infield for the Minnesota Twins.
Baltimore Orioles: Zach Britton
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In 103 career minor-league starts, Zach Britton has put together a 3.09 ERA and 37-28 overall record.
He is currently on the outside looking in with regards to a spot in the Orioles rotation, but with uncertainty in the back end of the rotation, it wouldn't be out of the question to see Britton inserted at some point.
Boston Red Sox: Luis Exposito
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After a disappointing spring training campaign which produced only a .100 batting average, the Red Sox reassigned catcher Luis Exposito, signifying a temporary detour in his big-league plans.
Still, the catcher has a great deal of talent and may get a chance to make a splash at some point this season.
New York Yankees: Jesus Montero
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The heir apparent to Jorge Posada, Jesus Montero has been highly touted as the top prospect in the Yankees organization.
As the team heads towards Opening Day, the back end of the starting rotation has been established.
However, If the team decides to make a blockbuster move to bring in an arm towards the deadline, you better believe Montero's name would come into play (even though it appears he won't be moved).
Tampa Bay Rays: Jeremy Hellickson
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After making four impressive starts with the Rays last season, Jeremy Hellickson impressed the organization enough to earn himself a place in the rotation for the 2011 season.
Hellickson will be pitching out of the fifth spot in the rotation and will likely stay there for the duration of the season if he's able to maintain his control and accuracy this season.
Toronto Blue Jays: Kyle Drabek
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Originally a part of the Phillies organization, Kyle Drabek was sent north of the border as a part of the deal that sent Roy Halladay to Philadelphia.
Despite a rough patch in his few appearances with the Blue Jays last season, Drabek enters the 2011 season listed as the second starter in the rotation.
His minor-league career certainly has been impressive enough to warrant his promotion. In five minor-league seasons, Drabek went 33-19 with a 3.41 ERA.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Jarrod Parker
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One of the best attributes that Jarrod Parker brings to the mound is a level of control that makes many pitchers jealous.
With nearly a 4-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, Parker has the stuff it takes to succeed in the league.
Parker has been less than impressive in four appearances this spring, but he could still end up with the Diamondbacks at some point this season.
Colorado Rockies: Wilin Rosario
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In five minor-league seasons, Wilin Rosario has a career .273 batting average with 168 RBI.
His aptitude behind the plate makes him a highly touted prospect in the Rockies organization and it wouldn't be a surprise if we see him playing at some point.
At the same time, his return from an ACL injury appears to still be a work in progress, and the team may be better suited to take a cautious approach.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Trayvon Robinson
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Robinson is a great leadoff-type hitter boasting a strong on-base percentage and also has the speed to steal bases (85 over the past two seasons).
He has just been optioned to class AAA but would likely be one of the first to get a call to join the Dodgers if a need is identified.
San Diego Padres: Cory Luebke
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One of the top pitching prospects in the San Diego Padres organization, Cory Luebke has three pitches in his arsenal along with a fastball in the mid 90s.
Luebke made an impression on the organization with two Minor League seasons that saw him go 21-5 with an ERA below 3.00.
He may not start the season with the Padres, but it's a safe bet that the team will have a close eye on his starts in class AAA.
San Francisco Giants: Brandon Belt
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As spring training winds down, Brandon Belt has plenty to hang his hat on. The first baseman has a .292 average this spring with three home runs and 13 runs batted in.
Belt will no doubt see time with the Giants in 2011, it's just a matter of when the team decides he's ready.
Chicago Cubs: Thomas Diamond
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Thomas Diamond's stint with the Chicago Cubs was less than spectacular in 2010 as the pitcher went 1-3 with an ERA just shy of 7.00.
He does have good control and ability to pitch out of jams, and with the current situation in Chicago, he may find himself with the club at some point in 2011.
Cincinnati Reds: Aroldis Chapman
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Aroldis Chapman came into the league with a great deal of hype last summer.
The fireballer made an immediate impact in the Reds' bullpen, and while he still has a great deal of room for improvement, his presence in the team's bullpen seems to be a sure thing.
Chapman has been mentioned as a potential starter for the Reds, but it was decided that he stay in the bullpen, where he appears more comfortable at this point.
Houston Astros: Jordan Lyles
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Jordan Lyles made a handful of less-than-spectacular starts in class AAA last season. Though his numbers weren't what you would expect, his breaking ball and changeup shined as his best pitches.
Lyles will likely spend some more time in class AAA before making a trip to Arizona; he could be considered for a spot in the back end of the Astros' rotation at some point this spring.
Milwaukee Brewers: Logan Schafer
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Logan Schafer has been a positive part of the Milwaukee Brewers' spring training in 2011. The outfielder has batted .318 in 15 games.
With the shaky Carlos Gomez in the outfield, there is a definite possibility that at some point in the season the Brewers will need Schafer's services.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Pedro Ciriaco
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Pedro Ciriaco impressed many with his strong performance when called up last season. The infielder appeared in eight games and went 3-for-6 with one RBI.
He seems poised to do the same in 2011. Ciriaco has been a consistent contributor this spring and will likely hold down the role of utility infielder with the potential of assuming a starting role at some point.
St. Louis Cardinals: Allen Craig
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Allen Craig has certainly earned his stripes in his minor-league career. In posting better than a .300 career average, Craig showed that he has the consistency that is key in this league.
Craig has impressed his coaches this spring with his .333 average and appears likely to get a shot at the Major League level.
Atlanta Braves: Freddie Freeman
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In a stocked farm system, Freddie Freeman may be the best that the Atlanta Braves have to offer.
The Braves first baseman is considered a Rookie of the Year favorite given his solid minor league career and outstanding potential.
He'll be able to hit for average and has a decent amount of power that will be an asset for the Braves in 2011.
Florida Marlins: Matt Dominguez
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It appears that at least for now, Matt Dominguez will have to wait before taking over the third base position in Florida.
Dominguez had a subpar spring training, batting .190 in 16 games.
The team recently designated him for assignment, and it appears that until he is deemed ready, he won't be making his starts at third for the Marlins.
New York Mets: Brad Emaus
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With some recent moves in the New York Mets organization, it appears more likely that Brad Emaus will be spending 2011 at Citi Field.
Acquired in the Rule-5 Draft from Toronto, Emaus is batting .289 in 22 games this spring.
His strong abilities in all facets of the game should allow him to make a seamless transition to an everyday role in the big leagues.
Philadelphia Phillies: Domonic Brown
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Domonic Brown is getting an astronomical amount of attention as a part of the future of the Phillies organization.
The outfielder boasts a good amount of speed and has the ability to hit for average. Brown just underwent hand surgery and will likely miss four to six weeks.
Washington Nationals: Bryce Harper
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After his impressive spring training, it appears that it's just a matter of time before we see Bryce Harper in the big leagues.
In 13 games this spring, Harper batted .389 while boasting an OPS of 1.006. A late spring injury is temporarily derailing plans, but Harper seems poised to make an appearance sooner rather than later.
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