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Young players trying to prove themselves, established stars trying to
adjust from foreign countries and a reliever who overpowered baseball's
best hitters during the postseason highlight this year's rookie class. Here's a capsule look at 12 of the best:
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| Kurt Ainsworth, San Francisco Giants |
The former Olympian locked up a starting job when Livan Hernandez was dealt to Montreal. A four-pitch pitcher, Ainsworth allowed less than a hit per inning and struck out more than a batter per inning at Class AAA. Could be followed soon by Jesse Foppert and Jerome Williams.
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| Hee Seop Choi, Chicago Cubs |
Looking to become the first South Korean hitting star in the majors, Choi will share the first base job with Eric Karros. Hit 26 homers with a .406 OBP at Class AAA last season. Choi is an above average fielder and led the PCL in chances at first base.
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| Jose Contreras, New York Yankees |
The former ace of the Cuban national team got a four-year, $32 million deal to sign with the Yankees. He will start the season in the bullpen because of New York's deep starting staff but should make an impact in the bullpen and as a spot starter.
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| Michael Cuddyer, Minnesota Twins |
Slugged .594 at Class AAA to earn playing time for Minnesota late in the season. Batted .259 with four homers in 112 at-bats, maintaining rookie status. Cuddyer should become an outfield fixture for the AL Central champions.
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| Franklyn German, Detroit Tigers |
Came to Detroit from Oakland in three-way deal that sent Jeff Weaver to the Yankees. The 6-foot-6, 245-pounder is a true power closer, striking out 90 in 64 innings in the minors. German will start as a setup man and could take over the closer's spot if the Tigers trade Matt Anderson.
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| Hideki Matsui, New York Yankees |
The top slugger in Japan tries to carry over his success to the majors. Hit .334 with 50 homers and 107 RBIs last season and will try to prove that a power-hitter can make the transition from Japan.
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| Xavier Nady, San Diego Padres |
Should earn a starting role following the season-ending injury to Phil Nevin. Development was slowed by an elbow injuries, but Nady should become a dangerous power hitter. He hit 23 homers in 484 minor league at-bats.
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| Brandon Phillips, Cleveland Indians |
A key component of Cleveland's rebuilding plan, Phillips came over in last year's trade for Bartolo Colon. A converted shortstop, Phillips is so confident he wrote "The Franchise" on a pair of workout shoes this spring. Phillips hit .302 in the minors last season with 18 homers and 31 doubles.
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| Francisco Rodriguez, Anagheim Angels |
Tied a major league record by winning five games in the postseason last year but still has rookie status because he only pitched 5 2/3 innings as a September callup. His slider was nearly unhittable in the postseason. The only question is if he loses effectiveness when hitters become more familiar with him.
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| Ricardo Rodriguez, Cleveland Indians |
Earned a spot in the rotation this spring. Rodriguez is one of Cleveland's many talented prospects. Acquired from Los Angeles in the Paul Shuey trade, Rodriguez throws in the 90s but is not a strikeout pitcher.
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| Mark Teixeira, Texas Rangers |
Considered by many to be the top hitting prospect in baseball, Teixeira played his way straight from Class AA to the majors with an outstanding spring. Batted .318 with 19 homers in 321 at-bats last season at Class A and Class AA. One cautionary note, Hank Blalock made the jump from Class AA last year for Texas and struggled mightily.
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| Joe Thurston, Los Angeles Dodgers |
Thurston is only 5-11 but has some pop, hitting 64 extra-base hits at Class AAA last season. Struggled a bit this spring, but the Dodgers seem committed to give him a chance. Went 6-for-13 in brief major league stint last September. Needs to be more consistent defensively.
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