Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide 2009 - Top 5 Texas Rangers Rookies

After a disappointing 2008 season, one might think the Rangers would be looking to a number of rookies to retool and rebuild. Quite the contrary, Texas goes into the season with most of the roster set, including just about every position player. That does not mean, however, that there will not be chances for rookies to play in 2009 and help out your fantasy league team. Here are the top rookies for the 2009 Texas Rangers:

1. Elvis Andrus, SS

2. Neftali Feliz, P

3. Derek Holland, P

4. Justin Smoak, 1B

5. Doug Mathis, P

#1 Texas Rangers Rookie, Elvis Andrus, Fantasy Baseball 2009

Elvis enters the building in 2009. Elvis Andrus, the #1 prospect in the Rangers organization goes into spring training with the starting shortstop job his to lose. In a controversial move, the Rangers moved All-Star shortstop Michael Young to third, in order to make room for Andrus.

The former Atlanta Braves prospect came to Texas in the Mark Teixeira trade and blossomed last year at AA Frisco. According to Rangers farm system expert Jamey Newberg, Elvis Andrus has learned to hit for average and his excellent speed should make him a terror on the basepaths. Having him at the top of the order with Young and Hamilton hitting behind him should mean he will score a lot of runs. Drafting Elvis Andrus before the season starts could pay off if he gets off to a hot start. He could be a boon to fantasy team owners in 2009.

#2 Texas Rangers Rookie, Neftali Feliz, Fantasy Baseball 2009

The Rangers really need pitching, especially with the season-ending losses of Eric Hurley and Joaquin Benoit to injury just before spring training. According to ESPN's Keith Law, Neftali Feliz is one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball. His fastball is consistent in the mid to high nineties.

Like Elvis Andrus, Neftali Feliz came to Texas in the Mark Teixeira trade, and has quickly moved up to AA Frisco, dominating at every stop. Texas has no problem letting AA players jump right up to Arlington, so expect Feliz to get a shot at making the starting rotation in spring training, although a summer big league debut is more likely.

#3 Texas Rangers Rookie, Derek Holland, Fantasy Baseball 2009

What the Rangers love about Derek Holland, and the rest of the league should be terrified of, is the left hander's mid-nineties fastball. While visions of Randy Johnson dance in their heads, the Rangers will give Holland a chance to mature. He had a stunning 0.69 ERA with AA Frisco last year, and he will probably start the year at AAA Oklahoma City. A solid showing there could open the door to either a major league spot in the rotation or as a middle reliever.

#4 Texas Rangers Rookie, Justin Smoak, Fantasy Baseball 2009

With Chris Davis and Hank Blalock penciled in at first base, there may not be room for Justin Smoak on the major league roster right away. However, an injury or poor showing by either Davis or Blalock could open the door for Smoak to get some at-bats. He has decent power, and if there's a chance he can reach the Home Run Porch in Arlington, the Rangers may have no choice but to make room for Justin Smoak on the roster.

#5 Texas Rangers Rookie, Doug Mathis, Fantasy Baseball 2009

Doug Mathis saw only limited action early last season before an injury ended it in June. Armed with a lively fastball, Mathis did some spot starting last season, but will probably work out of the bullpen in a setup or middle reliever role. He may not get a large number of strikeouts, but he could eat up some innings and be a real stopper. Consider him carefully in your fantasy baseball draft.

Other Rangers rookies like pitchers Thomas Diamond and Blake Beavan or catcher Max Ramirez could also make an impact in Arlington this season as well. The only question is making space on the roster for them.

Sources: Newberg Report, ESPN, Fox Sports