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The following is a list of the rookies I like to succeed at some point in 2008 with a major league club.
Brandon Jones - OF Braves** With Andruw Jones gone, Brandon Jones may find playing time in 2008. Expect good, but not spectacular numbers in year one that could find him going between Braves and AAA.
Kelvin Mulvey - SP Mets** Good control and seems to know how to pitch. but Mets will probably move him in a deal, and he has been highly sought after.
Phil Humber - SP Mets** Humber is ready, and has bounced back well from Tommy John surgery. Once again, when talking about the Mets, one has to wonder if he won't be showcasing his talents for another team. Humber can be a solid #2.
Ian Kennedy - SP Yankees** Kennedy looks like he's more than ready to be the next Yankee prospect to make an impact. 12-15 wins is a strong possibility.
Evan Longoria - 3B Rays** Longoria is probably one of the best prospects to come up in some time. Once again, Tampa Bay has produced another talented hitter while the pitching staff falters. If Longoria starts the year as the Rays thirdbaseman, he may be the next AL Rookie of the Year. He is that good.
Reid Brignac - SS Rays** Talented shortstop who has an outside shot to start the year in Tampa Bay. He has good line drive power, and could be a doubles machine once he plays regularly.
Geovany Soto - C Cubs** In a brief audition with the Cubs, he mashed the ball. He could develop into a 25 HR guy, and he will have the confidence starting the year with Chicago. 20 homers in 2008 would not shock me.
Jay Bruce - OF, Homer Bailey - SP, Joey Votto - 1B Reds** All three are future studs if the Reds don't mismanage them. Votto could be an Adam Dunn clone, Bruce could be an NL MVP one day, and Bailey has the type of stuff to be a star pitcher for years to come. All three may help Dusty Baker and the Reds become contenders quickly.
Lou Palmisano - C Brewers** With Estrada gone, Palmisano could find some playing time in the Brewer lineup. He's never been a big time prospect, but he's worth watching and 10-15 homeruns could be a possibility.
Adam Miller - SP Indians** Miller has great stuff, but ran into a few injury glitches in 2007. He may be able to join the rotation in 2008 and show off his electric stuff, provided he stays healthy.
Daniel Moskos - RP Pirates** Moskos is a lefthanded power relief pitcher who could see action with the Pirates. He has a herky jerk motion, but has above average velocity. He could be a future closer in Pittsburgh, though probably not until 2009.
Jair Jurrjens - SP Braves** He came over in the Renteria deal, and could contribute immediately. His control is top-notch. He could win 12 games or more for Atlanta.
Craig Brazell - 1B Royals** Brazell was at one time a big time prospect for the Mets, but they never gave him a chance. He's lefthanded, and he can flat out rake the ball. If given a chance, he has 20HR potential and can hit for average.
Glen Perkins - SP Twins** If given the chance to remain in the rotation instead of being misused in the bullpen, as he was in 2007, he could be a big time winner. That may not happen until Santana is traded or leaves via free agency.
Carlos Gonzalez - OF Diamondbacks** He's still only 21, and he put up impressive numbers at AA and AAA. He may not be the power threat that people thought, but at 21, it's difficult to say that it won't come. He's a star waiting to happen.
Ian Steward - 3B Rockies** The future 3B for Rockies, but there's no room for him yet, so he could waste another year at AAA. He rebounded in 2007 from a dissapointing 2006. He can hit, and playing in Colorado won't hurt.
Chin-Lung Hu - SS Dodgers** Could be a sparkplug for the offense if he gets a chance to play. That may be difficult in LA with Furcal blocking his path. He's worth a look, and may contribute in the second half of the season in some capacity.
Jeff Clement - C Mariners** The good news is that he can flat out hit. The bad news is that Seattle has a catcher they love already. Clement has 25 HR potential. Perhaps the Mariners should make him a firstbaseman, and ditch Sexson.
