Best of 2007: MLB's Most Exciting New Talent

Hanley Ramirez, Prince Fielder, Ryan Zimmerman, and Justin Verlander all broke out in big ways in 2006, giving the 2007 class of rookies a tough act to follow.

Here's my list of the 10 most exciting players to emerge in 2007, not necessarily as rookies, but as first-time contributors at the major-league level:

10. Daisuke Matsuzaka, Boston Red Sox, SP

Even though his year was arguably a disappointment, Daisuke is still an exciting player to watch. With his over-sized entourage and even bigger strikeout totals, his debut makes him one of baseball's most alluring newcomers, if not one of its most successful. 

 
9. Justin Upton, Arizona Diamondbacks, RF

Though he didn't play well in the majors, he showed flashes of brilliance down the stretch as a 19 year old. His speed and strength are so much fun to watch...the swinging strikeouts not so much. Still, you're always expecting the big play with Upton around.

 
8. Chris B. Young, Arizona Diamondbacks, CF

The second member of the Arizona outfield to make the list is impressive for his tremendous home run power and speed. His critics point to his low RBI total, but 21 of his 32 longballs came in the leadoff spot. I'd like to see A-Rod try and drive in runs hitting behind Doug Davis, Chris Snyder, and Stephen Drew.

 
7. Hunter Pence, Houston Astros, CF

Before a disappointing mid-season injury, Pence was up there among the top rookies in the league. That he was able to finish with 17 HR and a .360 OBA in 103 games bodes well for the 'Stros.

 
6. Cameron Maybin, Detroit Tigers (now Florida Marlins), CF

Maybin couldn't put it together in the bigs, but he showed fans what he can do in a series against the Yankees in August. After showcasing his tremendous throwing arm, Maybin lit up Roger Clemens—who had already won a Cy Young award before Maybin was born—for a solo homer.

 
5. Clay Buchholz, Boston Red Sox, SP

The no-hitter that Buchholz threw against Baltimore was arguably the second-most exciting moment for the BoSox, behind only their Series win (unless you want to count Manny's homer/single against the Tribe as exciting). Buchholz's minor league stats and initial dominance of big-leaguers suggest that years of great pitching lay ahead.

 
4. Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies, SS

It's actually hard for me to believe that Tulo's only been in the bigs for one year. He's polished as a hitter (only his strikeout total needs work) and he's already phenomenal with the glove, a likely GG winner. There are few players I'd rather watch every day than Troy Tulowitzki.

 
3. BJ Upton, Tampa Bay Rays, CF

Already the second Upton brother and the fourth center fielder on a list of ten players, but Upton deserves it. Though he played a little in '05 and '06, it wasn't until this year that Upton really broke out. Like his brother, BJ strikes out too much—but other than that, his offensive game is flawless. He was arguably a top five outfielder in the AL last year (Behind Maggs, Granderson, Sizemore and Ichiro).

 
2. Joba Chamberlain, New York Yankees, SP

Joba's already a fan favorite for a reason: he's unhittable. He held hitters to a .166 average, struck out 13 per 9 innings and posted a 0.38 ERA. Not bad for a debut.

 
1. Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers, 3B

How many players can put up 34 homers and 97 RBI in four months? No more than a handful—but Braun is one of them. His staggering numbers solidify him as the most dangerous and complete hitter of all the breakout hitters in 2007.