Rookie Sensation(s)

Every year there are a couple of rookie players that come into the league and make a big splash. They impress with great defense, timely hitting, big homeruns, or some great pitching. Sometimes they have more than one of those aspects, which usually defines a Rookie of the Year from the rest of the candidates. The year of 2010 has provided some of the best rookie performances we've seen in quite some time. So without further ado, let's start to show some appreciation for the youngsters that are proving to be the future stars of tomorrow.
We've already discussed Stephen Strasburg in a previous blog, so instead of focusing on him, we'll just mention a couple of the wonderful things he's been doing. Although he just suffered his first Major League loss the other day, he did so by pitching a one-run game, with no run-support behind him. Despite that loss, he has posted a 2-1 record in his first four starts, with a strikeout/walk ratio of 41/5. If he could do that over the course of a whole season, he would have a 349/43 ratio. While it's not fair to make these assumptions, they are fun sometimes. Oh, and he has a 1.78 ERA so far. That's pretty good, too.
Not to be outdone however, there is another National League rookie pitcher that is having a great year, and he didn't even go through the minor leagues first. His name is Mike Leake and he pitches for the Cincinnati Reds. In 14 appearances, he is 5-1 with a stupendous 2.92 ERA. But more importantly, he's been instrumental in giving the Reds a solid rotation, the basis for their run to first place in the NL Central. While he does strikeout about 6 batters per game, he also walks almost four, and he gives up about a hit per inning. These numbers aren't terrible by any means, but if hitters get more comfortable with his pitches, which will undoubtedly happen at some point, these walks will become runs. Hopefully though, Leake will continue to have a great rookie campaign.
The pitchers aren't the only one's having fun in the NL. There is a young man named Jason Heyward who has made quite the name for himself while playing for the Atlanta Braves. He's been playing a fantastic right field for the Bravos and his bat came alive early this season. So far he has 11 dingers, along with 45 RBIs, and 13 doubles. But while most of those numbers were a product of the first two months of the season, he has been quieter in the past few weeks. His average has dropped to .251, and he is getting caught stealing almost as much as he is successful. But he still has a great on-base-percentage, and the J-Hey Kid just has too much talent to not be successful again this year, and for years to come. (On a side note, while I like the homage to Willie Mays with the J-Hey nickname, I dislike how everybody is just a first initial, and a shortened last name now. A-Rod, J-Roll. Enough, come up with something honestly clever.)
A few Metropolitan rookies have made an impact so far, keeping the team competitive. First-baseman Ike Davis is hitting some deep bombs, and has driven in 32 runs so far, all while batting fourth in the lineup. Not an easy thing to do. But it does help when you are surrounding by David Wright and Jason Bay. Also for the New York Mets, lefty pitcher Jonathon Niese, while having cups of coffee with the club the past two years, seems to have come into his own this year, posting a 4-2 record, with one of those wins being a 1-hit shutout. He suffered a season ending injury last year, and he was on the disabled list earlier this year, but if he can stay healthy, he looks to be a reliable number three pitcher for the other New York team.
Meanwhile in the NL East, Florida Marlins' right-fielder Mike Stanton is a giant of a man. At 6'5" and 235 lbs, he's a monster who can smash the ball. Before being called up to the majors, he led all of baseball in homeruns. Not just the minors, but ALL of baseball! He got into the action by hitting a grand-slam for his first Major League homer. Reports say that the Marlins might have to sacrifice average for power with him. But with the potential power and run-production this guy can supply, I think they will make that trade-off, whether under new manager Bobby Valentine or anyone else.
The NL rookies aren't the only ones having fun, however. American League rookies are lighting it up too. Texas Rangers' closer Neftali Feliz has saved 20 games so far this year, but his true impact is felt in his persona. He is a shutdown closer. Even if he does walk a batter, which he has done 10 times in 32 innings this year, he has the stuff, like a 100-mph fastball, to dominate the next batter, and save the day. Whether the Rangers keep him as a closer or decide he'll be a starter in the future is yet to be seen. But I predict success for this flame-thrower. And another Ranger, Justin Smoak, has been helping the team with 8 homeruns and 34 RBIs. His average is a bit low still, so while he is impacting the team in helpful ways, he's probably not a ROY candidate. But it's still nice to mention his success.
The Detroit Tigers, on the other hand, may have found themselves two ROY candidates from their outfield positions in Brennan Boesch, and Austin Jackson. Boesch, a left-fielder, has been making some impressive rounds in the AL. In 51 games, he's batting an illuminating .344 with a near .400 OBP to boot. His 11 dingers are leading AL rookies, and he has 40 RBIs as well. At this pace, he stands a good chance of hitting 25 homers and driving in 80 runs, and that's if he slows down! He's put on a decent glove so far too, playing all over the outfield, but probably making a home in left. He may not field like an All-Star yet, but he sure hits like one.
Most worried, including myself, whether Austin Jackson could come into Detroit and be a productive center-fielder, while batting lead-off. Well, Jacks can do it. He's been playing a great center-field while batting .301 in lead-off. He's shown some pop with his 18 doubles, and legitimate speed with his 11 steals. This kid has handled the pressure and helped his club to a good showing this year. If Detroit keeps their success rolling, it will be in large part to the play of both Jackson and Boesch.
The Cleveland Indians haven't had much to get excited about this year. A 26-46 record so far means that the Indians will be rebuilding for another year or two before the playoffs can even be mentioned. But one of those building blocks will be Carlos Santana. No, not the guitar player. The catcher. In 13 games thus far, this young man is hitting .317 with 3 homers and 12 RBIs. And he's walked 9 times, giving him an OBP of .431. These are outstanding numbers, especially considering he, like Davis, was thrust into the fourth spot. Granted, he probably won't continue at this rate, but the proof is there that Carlos will be a great player someday, and a starting catcher for the Cleveland Indians for some time to come.
I wish I could address every rookie, but alas, I have not the space or time. These young men have been performing admirably. Some will falter, some will get better. One thing is for certain, it's exciting to watch, and I'm grateful to see such fantastic play from these young fellas. Keep up the good work!