Fantasy Baseball: Eric Hosmer and the Top 5 Impact Rookies of MLB in 2011

Eric Hosmer and the rest of his rookie counterparts have infused Major League Baseball with youthful energy so far in 2011.

However, it hasn't just been their intangibles that have captivated the baseball world this season.

The young guns have put up statistics that have made fantasy owners drool. This infatuation has caused owners to lie awake in bed at night while pondering a scenario in which they could acquire these rookie talents.

If you're one of those owners looking to cash in on baseball's fountain of youth, then you've come to the right place.

Here are the top five impact rookies of 2011.

Eric Hosmer

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - MAY 31: Eric Hosmer #35 of the Kansas City Royals in action during the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on May 31, 2011 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

2011 Statistics

AVG: .284

OBP: .335

OPS: .781

Home Runs: 5

RBI: 21

Runs: 19

Since being called up to the big leagues by the Kansas City Royals on May 6th, all Eric Hosmer has done is prove he belongs.

In his past nine games, Hosmer has been on fire, going 16-for-39 with nine RBI in that span.

He currently ranks second among rookies with both his .284 batting average and .335 on-base percentage.

Freddie Freeman

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 27: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves against the Cincinnati Reds at Turner Field on May 27, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

2011 Statistics

AVG: .272

OBP: .336

OPS: .757

HR: 6

RBI: 25

R: 27

As the starting first baseman for the Atlanta Braves, Freddie Freeman ranks first among rookies with his .336 OBP. He also ranks top-five in runs, home runs, RBI and batting average.

Freeman's been a consistent force in the middle of the Braves batting order, a lineup that otherwise has been quite fragile this year.

Darwin Barney

Len Redkoles/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA , PA - JUNE 11: Darwin Barney #15 of the Chicago Cubs readies to take batting practice prior to the start of his game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 11, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Red

2011 Statistics

AVG: .295

OBP: .322

OPS: .682

HR: 1

RBI: 25

R: 33

A lone bright spot for the Chicago Cubs this year has been the play of rookie second baseman Darwin Barney.

Barney's .295 batting average leads all rookies. His 33 runs and 72 hits lead all rookies in those respective categories as well.

Darwin possesses both SS and 2B eligibility in most leagues, making him a sound option for owners.

Michael Pineda

Leon Halip/Getty Images

DETROIT - JUNE 11: Michael Pineda #36 of the Seattle Mariners pitches in the fifth inning during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 11, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Mariners 8-1. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty

2011 Statistics

Record: 6-4

ERA: 2.72

K's: 80

WHIP: 1.04 

IP: 82.2

Entering the 2010 season, Michael Pineda was ranked as the Seattle Mariners' No. 6 prospect. Now, he's found a home in Seattle's starting rotation and is on the fast track to the American League Rookie of the Year Award.

Pineda ranks first among rookies in ERA, innings pitched and strikeouts.

Even more impressive, his 2.72 ERA is good enough for 12th among big league pitchers.

Jeremy Hellickson

Greg Fiume/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 10: Jeremy Hellickson #58 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 10, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

2011 Statistics

Record: 7-4

ERA: 3.03

K's: 52

WHIP: 1.16

IP: 113.2

The 24-year-old Jeremy Hellickson has already begun racking up the accolades in his young career. He was the American League's Pitcher of the Month as well as Rookie of the Month for May.

His 3.03 ERA is second among Tampa Bay Rays starting pitchers, as well as all rookie starting pitchers.

In most leagues, Hellickson has eligibility as both a SP and RP, giving him added versatility—as if you needed another reason to acquire him.