MLB Prospects: Prospect Pipeline's 2012 NL Rookie of the Year Predictions

With the Major League Baseball season set to begin later tonight—remember, folks, the Japan series doesn't count—it’s time that I go on the record with my prediction for the National League Rookie of the Year. While some of my prognostications are rooted in statistics, others are admittedly based upon my own gut feeling.

As I did in my American League ROY predictions last night, I divided the award into a two groups: position and pitching prospects. From both pools of players, I ultimately selected the one player I believe will take home the honor.

National League Rookie of the Year (Position)

1. Yonder Alonso, 1B, Padres: A fixture in Padres’ lineup from Opening Day, he finishes the season with a .275 batting average, 15 home runs, 25 doubles, and 75 RBI.

2. Bryce Harper, OF, Nationals: The 19-year-old phenom is called up in June and turns the baseball world on its head; bats .250, hits 15 to 20 home runs and swipes 20-plus bags; opens eyes with his adjustment to center field.

3. Wilin Rosario, C, Rockies: Establishes himself as Rockies’ everyday catcher by June; hits 20 home runs despite batting .220 and striking out more than 20 percent of the time.

4. Freddy Galvis, 2B, Phillies: Filling in for the injured Chase Utley, Galvis plays a stellar second base and invigorates an ailing Phillies’ lineup during first half of season; hits .260 with five triples and 15 stolen bases.

5. Devin Mesoraco, C, Reds: Despite splitting time with Ryan Hanigan for the first part of the season, Mesoraco catches fire after the All-Star break and slugs the Reds into the playoffs; bats .240 but rips 35 to 40 extra-base hits.

National League Rookie of the Year (Pitcher):

1. Trevor Bauer, RHP, Diamondbacks: Makes MLB debut before All-Star break and captures spot in Diamondbacks’ rotation; throws a complete-game shutout in second big-league start; wins seven games while registering a sub-3.5 ERA and fanning more than 10 batters per nine innings; releases a series of long-toss training videos.

2. Drew Pomeranz, LHP, Rockies: Emerges as Rockies’ ace by August; makes 20-plus starts while hurling more than 100 innings; receives one-of-a-kind tutelage from Jamie Moyer; improves command and walks fewer than four batters per nine innings.

3. Shelby Miller, RHP, Cardinals: Is called up earlier than expected due to injury in Cardinals’ rotation; makes 10 to 12 impressive starts and helps guide Cardinals to division title.

4. Julio Teheran, RHP, Braves: Dominates in Triple-A and replaces Randall Delgado in starting rotation by end of May; posts a winning record with an ERA below 3.75; continues to be victimized by the long ball.

5. Tyler Skaggs, LHP, Diamondbacks: Makes MLB debut before 21st birthday; wins between two and four big-league games; BB/9 rate continues to increase.

National League Rookie of the Year (Final Vote)

1. Trevor Bauer

2. Drew Pomeranz

3. Yonder Alonso

4. Bryce Harper

5. Freddy Galvis