My name is Curt Kennedy, I am an amateur blogger, but a fantasy expert. I have competed in many fantasy leagues, finishing in the top 3 in almost all of them. My specialty is fantasy baseball, but I am improving in fantasy football as well. In my three fantasy baseball leagues last year, I had 2 first place and a second place finish. You don't have to agree with my ideas, but read and post your own comments, I would love to hear them.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

2009 Rookies to Keep Your Eye On

Every year there is a rookie or 2 who takes the major leagues by storm. Last year we had Evan Longoria, the year before that Ryan Braun and Dustin Pedroia. Well the question for all fantasy baseballers is who is going to take over in 2009?

The Devil Rays know how a rookie can impact a team as evidence by Longoria's leading them to the AL Pennant. Well we also saw the electric stuff of the #1 overall pick David Price in the post season. The Rays traded away their 5th starter Edwin Jackson to facilitate a move to the rotation for Price. While he does have electric stuff, beware, everyone will be high on him so don't draft him too highly. In keeper leagues, he is going to be an elite pitcher for years to come (12-1 as a starter in the minors last year).

The hottest player in the minor leagues last year was Baltimore Orioles Catcher Matt Wieters. The 22 year old is unknown to the average fan now, but the Orioles know how much of an impact he can have, as they traded away Ramon Hernandez to open up a starting spot for Wieters. Look at this stat line last year in the minors (27 HRs, 91 RBIs, .355 AVG). Nuff said.

The Cleveland Indians have been looking for a power hitting corner outfielder for awhile now, trying out guys like Jason Michaels, Franklin Gutierrez, Shin Soo Choo, etc. Well in the CC Sabathia trade they knew that they got their answer, Matt LaPorta. This guy can mash. Look for immediate power, but expect his average to be low as he adjusts to big league pitching.

The main player that the Marlins received for Miguel Cabrera was center fielder and burner Cameron Maybin. In 8 games for the Marlins last year at the end of the year he hit .500 and had 4 stolen bases. I expect him to be this years Jacoby Ellsbury, decent average, a ton of SBs, and a lil power.

Look for some more later, but I will throw out a few more names just to tease you, Mat Gamel, Scott Elbert, Colby Rasmus.

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