After the performance of last season’s historic rookie class, even the most skeptical fantasy owners may have to rethink their aversion to drafting players with little or no major league experience. Unfortunately, that’s probably going to mean more intense bidding wars and even fewer bargains when it comes to this year’s rookies.
However, there are a number of youngsters who will carry the rookie torch and be major fantasy contributors in 2007. Outside of Caisuke Matsuzaka, who’s a special case, these are your top rookies to draft in the American League.
American League
Delmon Young – Tampa Bay Devil Rays
With a successful month in the majors last September under his belt, Young is poised to put up impressive power and speed numbers as the everyday right fielder. He gets an added boost in value if he bats third behind Carl Crawford as he has much of the spring.
Alex Gordon – Kansas City Royals
The comparisons to Royals Hall of Famer George Brett have already begun. Both are third basemen with sweet, left-handed swings. Brett is even working Gordon in training camp. That, plus his dominance last year at Double-A and Mark Teahen’s move to the outfield, indicates he’ll be starting at the hot corner in the start of this season.
Kei Igawa – New York Yankees
The Yankees' answer to Matsuzaka is a lefty with the potential for decent strikeout totals. He’s had trouble with his command, but with a solid defense and an explosive offense behind him, he’s a good bet for double-figure wins.
Matt Garza – Minnesota Twins
His main competition in camp for the No. 5 spot in the rotation is Sidney Ponson. Enough said. Still, Garza could soon be the team’s second-best starter. He has good control and a big-league assortment of pitches.
Philip Hughes – New York Yankees
The minors’ top pitching prospect is expected to start the season in Triple-A, but his talent and the uncertainty surrounding the Yankees’ fifth starter spot should have him in the majors sooner rather than later.
Also worth watching: Akinori Iwamura, Devil Rays; Adam Lind, Blue Jays; Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox; Glen Perkins, Twins; Brandon Wood, Angels.
