Fantasy File: Early 2004 rookie watch

By James Quintong, SI.com

Joe Mauer is ready to make the quick jump from the All-Star Futures game to the real All-Star Game. Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The players who will be scrutinized the most this spring aren't the high-priced free agents; they are the highly touted youngsters looking to earn a spot with the big club. They come in all shapes and sizes: Some have already been installed as starters. Some have promise that may develop in the spring but could use a little work in the minors. Some come out of nowhere and grab a starting job away from a veteran.

There are still a lot of questions to be answered this spring, but the first list of players includes those seemingly on track to a starting job, and thus worthy of fantasy attention already, especially for those with really early drafts.

Just remember, though, that plenty can change during spring training, and even afterward. Remember that Albert Pujols wasn't on the radar a few years ago at this time but then tore the cover off the ball. Last year's top three in NL Rookie of the Year voting, Dontrelle Willis, Scott Podsednik and Brandon Webb, were hardly expected to be major factors in 2003 and look where they are.

That's where the second list comes into play. These players could make a significant impact later in the year if given the right situation. There are plenty of other youngsters who could emerge this spring, and we'll be here to keep you up to date.

Ready now

Joe Mauer, C, Twins: The No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 draft appears ready to take over the starting job in Minnesota now that A.J. Pierzynski is with the Giants. Mauer was Baseball America's Minor League Player of the Year after hitting .339 in the minors with 85 RBIs. The power still needs to come around, but he's a sound hitter and should be a solid pick.

Khalil Greene, SS, Padres: He's got 20-25 homer potential, not bad for a shortstop, although he could stand to improve his batting eye. Still, he's a solid contact hitter who proved his college success could translate to the pro level. He struggled a bit in a September call-up, but he'll have time to sort it all out before likely starting Opening Day.

Bobby Crosby, SS, A's: Miguel Tejada's successor put up excellent numbers in the minors last year: .308-22-90-24. Will he do that in the majors this year? That remains to be seen, especially with much of the rest of Oakland's lineup still a bit shaky. It may be early, but he and Mauer are the likely front-runners for AL Rookie of the Year.

Kazuo Matsui, SS, Mets: He's officially a rookie, just like Hideki Matsui last year, but plenty of people already know of his potential speed-power combination. I don't think he'll hit 33 homers like he did last year for the Seibu Lions, but he'll be among the top shortstops if he can continue stealing bases.

Terrmel Sledge, OF, Expos: I've already talked about him at length regarding the open outfield slot in Montreal, but it bears repeating that he is the team's top hitting prospect after hitting 22 homers with an on-base percentage well over .400. He can steal bases, too. Budget issues prevented him from getting a cup of coffee with the big club last September.

Adam LaRoche, 1B, Braves: He's another player I've discussed recently, since he's the early favorite for the open first base job. He hit 20 homers in the minors last year and is at least on the level of last year's starter, Robert Fick. He could be in for a solid year if he gets the starting job.

Freddy Sanchez, 2B, Pirates: He was hitting .341 for Pawtucket when he was dealt to Pittsburgh and is the early favorite to be the Opening Day starter. He has some speed but nothing earth-shattering, and he was less than stellar the couple of times he played for the Red Sox. Still, he's a good No. 1 or 2 hitter who could score some runs if Pittsburgh had anyone to drive him in.

Brandon Claussen, P, Reds: Cincinnati needs plenty of starting pitching help, and this former Yankees prospect could be one of those answers if he's fully recovered from Tommy John surgery in 2002. He pitched one good game for the Yankees last year, but the Reds shut him down after getting him in the Aaron Boone trade to make sure he's ready for this year. That second year after the surgery is when things start turning around, so that's the hope for the Reds and Claussen.

Edwin Jackson, P, Dodgers: The fifth spot in the L.A. rotation is still wide open, but Jackson should be considered one of the favorites after a brief but impressive stint with the club last summer. Only 20, he's got great stuff but still needs to harness his control. He's a guy with tons of upside.

Ryan Wagner, P, Reds: One of three players taken in the first round of the 2003 draft to play in the majors last year, he could be the team's closer of the future after some impressive numbers in relief for the Reds. There's no rush, though, with Danny Graves still around, but he may do some damage as a setup man.

Chad Cordero, P, Expos: Just like Wagner, this closer of the future made the jump from the draft to the majors and put up even more impressive numbers out of the bullpen. Again, there's no immediate need to rush him into the job, but incumbent Rocky Biddle may be vulnerable.

Ready soon

Adam Wainwright, P, Cardinals: The Braves had to give him up to get J.D. Drew, and they may eventually regret that move. Wainwright, who went 10-8 with a 3.37 ERA at Class AA Greenville last year, has good stuff, and could move into the rotation by midseason, especially if St. Louis has the same staff issues as last year. If anything, he could displace Jason Marquis, who also went to the Cards in the Drew deal.

Zack Greinke, P, Royals: Despite the myriad candidates for spots in Kansas City's rotation, Greinke could win his way on the big club with a good spring. He was The Sporting News' Minor League Player of the Year after dominating performances at the Class A and AA levels. Even if he doesn't start the year with the team, a midseason callup could be in the cards (think Dontrelle Willis).

Rickie Weeks, 2B, Brewers: The third of the 2003 draftees to see major-league time, Weeks and his great bat likely will start the year in the minors with Junior Spivey now the starter. But if Spivey gets dealt, as expected, Weeks could be back in there.

J.J. Hardy, SS, Brewers: The other half of Milwaukee's potential double-play combo of the future is also due for a call-up sooner rather than later. He hit .279 with 12 homers at Class AA Huntsville last year. Veteran Craig Counsell is the starter now, but he's merely a placeholder for Hardy.

B.J. Upton, SS, Devil Rays: The No. 2 overall pick in the 2002 draft has a lot of Derek Jeter in him, and could be with the big club by midseason. He's got a good batting eye and plenty of speed, although he needs to improve on his 40-for-61 on stolen bases.

David DeJesus, OF, Royals: He may be in the running for the left field job and could still get plenty of playing of time as a reserve when Juan Gonzalez goes back on the disabled list. He rose up the charts after hitting six homers and putting up a .956 OPS in the Arizona Fall League.

James Quintong is Fantasy Sports Producer at SI.com.