2010 Fantasy Baseball Rookie Rankings - Top 60

It seems that everyone loves the Rookie these days in fantasy baseball, and this 2010 season is no different, as there are potentially a handful of future All-Stars looking to make their major league debuts this season.
With Fantasy Baseball Rookies our topic of discussion, I have provided my Top 60 Rookies that have a chance to make a fantasy impact this season. In other words, these rankings are based on a Rookies potential fantasy baseball impact for the 2010 season. Not the overall rankings among all minor league baseball prospects. Make sense? Alright then here we go.

If you think I missed anyone, let me know in the comments area below or on my blog at Hawk Fantasy Sports.

For a Rookie Rankings List without Player Profiles go here: ROOKIE RANKINGS

Updated: March 29, 2010

#1 - Jason Heyward - OF - Atlanta Braves - Age: 20
Widely considered to be the best hitting prospect in the minors to end the 2009 season, Heyward at just age 20, will be given an opportunity to claim the starting RF job for the Braves during spring training to begin the 2010 season. With Matt Diaz and Eric Hinske the main competition for the starting job, there is little reason to think Heyward will not be in the Atlanta Braves lineup on Opening Day to kick off the 2010 season. However, if for some reason the Braves do elect to send Heyward to the minors to begin the 2010 season, then expecting a June call up should be nearly guaranteed to happen. And after the successful June call up of Tommy Hanson for the Braves last season, you can be sure the Braves will likely give that same opportunity to Heyward during the 2010 season. 20 homeruns and 80 rbi is definitely possible from Heyward as a rookie in 2010.

#2 - Alcides Escobar - SS - Milwaukee Brewers - Age: 23
Loaded with enough talent to be considered a potential future All-Star, Escobar will enter the 2010 season as the starting shortstop for the Brewers. Offering outstanding speed, Escobar tallied 42 stolen bases at Triple A during the 2009 season. With an everyday starting job in the majors, Escobar could easily tally 30 stolen bases during the 2010 season.

#3 - Scott Sizemore - 2B - Detroit Tigers - Age: 25
With veteran second baseman Placido Polanco departing as a free agent, the Tigers will call upon seasoned minor league rookie Scott Sizemore to claim the full time starting 2B job during the 2010 season. Considered to be one of the Tigers top minor league prospects, and obvious 2B of the future, Sizemore offers an above average combination of power and speed for a second baseman, which should allow him to contribute immediately to the Tigers offensive lineup to begin the 2010 season. During the 2009 season, Sizemore tallied 17 homeruns and 21 stolen bases with a .308 batting average over 520 at bats in the minors last year. If he can claim the #2 spot in the Tigers batting order, Sizemore could easily be looking at similar numbers during his rookie year in 2010.

#4 - Austin Jackson - OF - Detroit Tigers - Age: 23
Coming to Detroit in the Curtis Granderson trade, Jackson is one of the top minor league prospects in all of baseball entering the 2010 season. With the starting CF job wide open in the Tigers outfield to begin the 2010 season, it appears that Jackson will be given every opportunity to claim the starting job sooner rather than later. As the CF of the future for the Tigers, Jackson is a solid all around hitter who makes decent contact and has excellent speed. As a top of the batting order candidate, Jackson could very easily tally 25 stolen bases for the Tigers during the 2010 season if he can receive 500 at bats. If Jackson is sent to Triple A to begin the 2010 season, then a June call up is very likely, and he could potentially make an Andrew McCutchen or Dexter Fowler type of impact as a rookie during the 2010 season for fantasy baseball teams.

#5 - Brian Matusz - SP - Baltimore Orioles - Age: 23
The former 4th overall pick in the 2008 draft, Matusz dominated in his first minor league experience during the 2009 season at both Single-A and Double-A. As a southpaw, Matusz offers excellent strikeout ability, and is considered to be a future ace of any major league pitching staff during the prime of his career. With just a total of 20 starts and 117 innings pitched under his belt in the minors, the Orioles could very easily elect to have Matusz begin the 2010 season at Triple-A to gain more experience. Then if Matusz begins to dominate hitters to begin the season, an early June call up would seem like a guaranteed bet. A Tommy Hanson type of rookie performance could be in store for Matusz in 2010 if all goes well.

#6 - Neftali Feliz - SP - Texas Rangers - Age: 22
A top notch power pitcher, Feliz dominated as a relief pitcher after his major league call up to end the 2009 season. At age 22, Feliz is considered to be a starting pitcher, however another year of minor league experience may be needed if the Rangers wish to develop him into that starting role. The temptation for the Rangers however may be to keep Feliz in the bullpen during the 2010 season and let him gain experience that way. Overall, Feliz is an excellent strikeout pitcher who is fantasy baseball worthy both as a relief pitcher or starting pitcher.

#7 - Buster Posey - C - San Francisco Giants - Age: 23
As one of the best hitting catchers in all of baseball, Posey will spend the early part of the 2010 season waiting his turn to play full time with the Giants, as Bengie Molina will continue to be the everyday starter. However with the possibility of moving Posey around the infield to play other positions as well, including first base, the odds of Posey seeing major league playing time during the 2010 season is nearly guaranteed.

#8 - Ian Desmond - SS/2B - Washington Nationals - Age: 24
After getting a taste of major league playing time to finish the 2009 season, Desmond displayed his ability to play both shortstop and second base, while also making his case to become the Nationals shortstop of the future beginning in 2010. Offering plus speed and displaying an increasing power hitting ability, Desmond has the potential to become a 10 homerun and 20 stolen base shortstop during the 2010 season.

#9 - Gaby Sanchez - 1B - Florida Marlins - Age: 26
At age 26 and with a proven minor league track record, Sanchez will be given an opportunity to claim the starting 1B job for the Marlins entering the 2010 season. Offering a well rounded offensive approach with a solid power and speed combination, Sanchez who posted 17 homeruns, 92 rbi, 17 stolen bases, and a .314 batting average during the 2008 minor league season at Double A, is definitely capable of being a multi category stat contributor for fantasy baseball teams during the 2010 season. Just do not expect the standard power numbers that typical fantasy baseball 1B provide. Stats around 15 homeruns, 5 stolen bases, and a .285 batting average is reasonable to expect from Sanchez in 2010 if he can tally close to 500 at bats at the major league level.

#10 - Wade Davis - SP - Tampa Bay Rays - Age: 24
After making a highly successful major league debut to finish out the 2009 season, Davis definitely made good on his prospect hype and potential to be an excellent starting pitcher at the major league level. As a beneficiary of the Scott Kazmir trade, Davis will enter the 2010 season with a great opportunity to claim a spot in the starting rotation. Offering solid strikeout potential, including an 8.7 strikeouts per 9 innings ratio during his minor league career, as well as boasting an outstanding 3.28 ERA over 767 innings pitched in the minors, Davis at age 24 offers plenty of minor league experience and success to transition into becoming one of the best starting pitchers in the Rays rotation during the 2010 season.

#11 - Chris Tillman - SP - Baltimore Orioles - Age: 22
Tillman may not be quite as talented of an overall starting pitcher as teammate Brian Matusz, but Tillman enters the 2010 season with more minor league experience under his belt, and that in turn should give him the early nod as the better SP prospect for fantasy baseball teams entering the 2010 season. There is no reason why Tillman cannot nail down a starting spot in the Orioles rotation to begin the 2010 season. Expect some growing pains and bad outings during the 2010 season, but overall Tillman should definitely be worthy of gaining several spot starts for fantasy baseball teams in 2010 when the right matchup presents itself. In two or three years, Tillman has #1 or #2 starting potential.

#12 - David Freese - 3B - St. Louis Cardinals - Age: 27
After an achilles injury forced Freese to miss the beginning of the 2009 season, he was never able to make an impact on the Cardinals roster in 2009. Now entering the 2010 season, the starting third base job is essentially up for grabs for the Cardinals, and Freese will be given every opportunity to win the job. Displaying solid power and run producing ability, Freese could benefit tremendously from batting behind Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday in the Cardinals lineup. With playing time available at third base in St. Louis, combined with Freese's ability to hit for power, he should be considered a potential rookie of the year candidate in 2010.

#13 - Adam Moore - C - Seattle Mariners - Age: 26
The catcher of the future for the Mariners, Moore at age 26 will enter the 2010 season with the opportunity to win the starting catchers job in Seattle. With 4 years of very successful minor league experience under his belt, Moore has already proven his power hitting ability, as he has posted 55 homeruns, 262 rbi, and a .301 batting average over his minor league career, including a 22 homerun and 102 rbi year during the 2007 season. With the starting catchers job up for grabs for the Mariners, Moore will have an excellent opportunity to win the starting job to begin the 2010 season. Moore offers enough potential to tally 15 homeruns and 70 rbi during his rookie season in 2010.

#14 - Stephen Strasburg - SP - Washington Nationals - Age: 21
There is absolutely no doubt that Strasburg will see playing time with the Nationals during the 2010 season, it is only a matter of if he will be on the roster on Opening Day or if he starts in the minors and then receives a June call up. Either way, Strasburg and his triple digit fastball will and should be owned in nearly every fantasy baseball league during the 2010 season. Aside from this, there really is not that much to say that you have not already heard about this guy.

#15 - Aroldis Chapman - SP - Cincinnati Reds - Age: 22
Chapman's name has demanded a lot of attention, and with an electric arm, he has deserved most of the hype. At just age 22 and relatively inexperienced, Chapman is more than likely to begin the 2010 season in the minors. However if he can jump out to a fast start and dominate hitters, an early June call up could be in store, and it would not be surprising if Chapman was able to put up Tommy Hanson type rookie numbers in the majors during the 2010 season.

#16 - Carlos Santana - C - Cleveland Indians - Age: 24
One of the best hitting catcher prospects in all of baseball, Santana is the catcher of the future for the Indians. With Victor Martinez gone, Santana should easily find an opportunity to see playing time during the 2010 season. If Santana does not start the season with the Indians, then expect an early June call up for sure. During his prime, Santana has the ability to be a 20 plus homerun and 80 plus rbi hitter, while also tallying a batting average around .300.

#17 - Michael Stanton - OF - Florida Marlins - Age: 20
One of the best pure power hitting prospects in all of baseball, Stanton is considered by many to be a potential major league All-Star in the making. After destroying Single A pitching during the 2008 season to the tune of 39 homeruns over just 468 at bats, Stanton actually struggled a bit when he was promoted to Double A during the 2009 season. This struggle will likely halt Stanton's progression to the Marlins major league roster in 2010, however with Triple A likely for Stanton to begin the 2010 season, if he can hit the ball well at that level and continue to mature overall as a hitter, then a mid to late season call up to the majors could be in store for this 20 year old.

#18 - Pedro Alvarez - 3B - Pittsburgh Pirates - Age: 23
Considered to be one of Pittsburgh's best hitting prospects ever, Alvarez at age 23 is poised to make a big league splash with the Pirates at some point during the 2010 season. Currently a third baseman, Alvarez could make a switch to play first base, but it all depends on what the Pirates need at that time. Displaying tremendous power potential, Alvarez tallied an incredible 27 homeruns and 95 rbi during just his first minor league season in 2009. If Alvarez does not get an opening day roster spot to begin the 2010 season with the Pirates, then expect an early June call up, with the potential to make a fantasy baseball splash similar to what Pirates teammate Andrew McCutchen did last year.

#19 - Desmond Jennings - OF - Tampa Bay Rays - Age: 23
As one of the top outfield prospects in all of baseball, Jennings will be lurking in the Rays plans to utilize his talent and ability on an everyday basis during the 2010 season. With an offensive skill set similar to Carl Crawford, Jennings should develop into an excellent leadoff hitter who has blazing speed while also having enough power to tally 15 homeruns in a season. If Jennings is unable to claim an opening day roster spot with the Rays, he will be a near guarantee to earn a June call up. A rookie impact similar to that of the Pirates Andrew McCutchen during the 2009 season, could be in store for Jennings during the 2010 season.

#20 - Madison Bumgarner - SP - San Francisco Giants - Age: 20
At just age 20 for the 2010 season, Bumgarner is nearly on the same fast track to the majors that fellow Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum was on to start his major league career. Offering an outstanding pitching arsenal and excellent strikeout ability, Bumgarner is nearly guaranteed to see playing time in the Giants starting rotation during the 2010 season. As a potential ace starting pitcher on nearly any major league staff, Bumgarner could make a huge splash in nearly every single fantasy baseball league in 2010.

#21 - Alex Avila - C - Detroit Tigers - Age: 23
#22 - Jaime Garcia - SP - St. Louis Cardinals - Age: 23
#23 - Tyler Colvin - OF - Chicago Cubs - Age: 24
#24 - Reid Brignac - SS/2B - Tampa Bay Rays - Age: 24
#25 - Justin Smoak - 1B - Texas Rangers - Age: 23
#26 - Dan Hudson - SP - Chicago White Sox - Age: 23
#27 - Ike Davis - 1B - New York Mets - Age: 23
#28 - Allen Craig - 1B/3B/OF - St. Louis Cardinals - Age: 25
#29 - Josh Bell - 3B - Baltimore Orioles - Age: 23
#30 - Jenrry Mejia - SP - New York Mets - Age: 20

#31 - Juan Francisco - 3B - Cincinnati Reds - Age: 22
#32 - Fernando Martinez - OF - New York Mets - Age: 21
#33 - Carlos Carrasco - SP - Cleveland Indians - Age: 23
#34 - Michael Taylor - OF - Oakland Athletics - Age: 24
#35 - Brett Wallace - 3B/1B - Toronto Blue Jays - Age: 23
#36 - Chris Carter - 1B/OF - Oakland Athletics - Age: 23
#37 - Tommy Manzella - SS - Houston Astros - Age: 27
#38 - Dan Runzler - RP - San Francisco Giants - Age: 25
#39 - Yonder Alonso - 1B - Cincinnati Reds - Age: 23
#40 - Tyler Flowers - C - Chicago White Sox - Age: 24

#41 - Drew Storen - RP - Washington Nationals - Age: 22
#42 - Jason Castro - C - Houston Astros - Age: 22
#43 - Jose Tabata - OF - Pittsburgh Pirates - Age: 21
#44 - Michael Saunders - OF - Seattle Mariners - Age: 23
#45 - Jeremy Hellickson - SP - Tampa Bay Rays - Age: 23
#46 - Danny Valencia - 3B - Minnesota Twins - Age: 25
#47 - Michael Brantley - OF - Cleveland Indians - Age: 23
#48 - Domonic Brown - OF - Philadelphia Phillies - Age: 22
#49 - Chris Heisey - OF - Cincinnati Reds - Age: 25
#50 - Josh Reddick - OF - Boston Red Sox - Age: 23

#51 - Mat Gamel - 3B - Milwaukee Brewers - Age: 24
#52 - Starlin Castro - SS - Chicago Cubs - Age: 20
#53 - Dustin Ackley - 2B/OF - Seattle Mariners - Age: 22
#54 - Tanner Scheppers - RP - Texas Rangers - Age: 23
#55 - Eric Young Jr - 2B/OF - Colorado Rockies - Age: 25
#56 - Logan Morrison - 1B - Florida Marlins - Age: 22
#57 - Aaron Crow - SP - Kansas City Royals - Age: 23
#58 - JP Arencibia - C - Toronto Blue Jays - Age: 24
#59 - Freddie Freeman - 1B - Atlanta Braves - Age: 20
#60 - Jesus Montero - C - New York Yankees - Age: 20
#61 - Derek Norris - C - Washington Nationals - Age: 21