Rising Young MLB Stars - Top Ten Unheard of List

This list was created to help you get more familiar with those players that are soon to hit stardom in the majors. Included in this list are players that haven't necessarily played all season for their big league club but big things are expected from them in the next year or two(or even the second half of this season). Not included in this list are rookies who have already made a big splash for their teams and have been mentioned several times in the national media. That means if your name has been mentioned for the 2007 Rookie of the Year Award then you can't make my list. Let's create some suspense by ranking the top unheard of young stars from 10 to 1. Without further adue, here's the list.

10. Phillip Hughes, RHP, New York Yankees
Even though Hughes did get some mention earlier this season about being a candidate for A.L. Rookie of the Year, injuries have sidelined him and that is why I have him included on this list. You may have forgotten about him after he injured his hamstring in a May start for the Yankees. In that game, Hughes had a no-hitter going until he did suffer the unfortunate injury that will sideline him until at least after the All-Star break. He may be the most highly-touted prospect the Yankees have produced since Alfonso Soriano. In spring training, Jason Giambi said Hughes reminded him of a younger Roger Clemens. High praise, no matter the source.

9. Jon Lester, LHP, Boston Red Sox
Just like the A.L. East standings this season the Red Sox are once again ahead of the Yankees. Lester has overcome more adversity the past couple of years than most big-leaguers will ever have to face. Just last year at the age of 22, Lester started treatments for a rare form of blood cancer, which has since gone away so that Lester has been able to resume his career at the Triple-A level this year. The lefty has had a terrific year in the minors and is expected to be called up to play for the Red Sox at some point during the year.

8. Yunel Escobar, IF, Atlanta Braves

Escobar was called up this year due to the numerous injuries the Braves have encountered this year. He filled in at third base for Chipper Jones when he was injured and it was like Chipper never left because Escobar cleaned up at the plate, coming up with some clutch hits in his debut series against the Chicago Cubs. The Braves have had a log jam in the infield because of all the young players they are trying to get playing time, but Braves manager Bobby Cox has been creative in getting Escober at-bats nearly every game. For the season, Escobar is hitting .305 with 6 RBI's and 13 runs scored.

7. David Price, LHP, Tampa Devil Rays
Even though Price was just drafted in June by the Devil Rays, he is expected to contribute sooner than later for a club that desperately needs some starting pitching help. The big 6'5 lefthander was the number one overall pick in this year's MLB draft. Many believe he will be in the starting rotation for the Devil Rays opening day roster in 2008(if not sooner).

6. Tim Lincecum, RHP, San Fransisco Giants
Lincecum was just drafted last season by the Giants, but they were so sure of his abilities that they called him up early this season where he dominated early on. Although he has been inconsistent this season, Lincecum has shown flashes of brilliance at times for the Giants.

5. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C, Atlanta Braves
Just like Jeff Francouer a couple of years ago, "Salty" has become an instant fan favorite and has come out swinging for the fences. He has shown tremendous power to all fields. The only problem is the Braves have Brian Mcann at catcher and Saltalamacchia is a defensive liability at his other new position of first base. He has been rumored in a few trades but the Braves don't what to give him up just yet because of his tremendous potential. By the start of next season, you can count on Salty starting for somebody at catcher or first base and putting up big, big power numbers.

4. Andrew Miller, LHP, Detroit Tigers
As if the Tigers needed anymore help in the pitching category, the Tigers called up lefty Andrew Miller this year, their first round choice from the 2006 MLB Draft. Miller has been terrific for the Tigers this year with an ERA under 3.00 and has picked up 3 wins already on his short season. Miller was regarded as the best pitcher in the 2006 draft and right now he is showing why the scouts were saying that.

3. Lastings Milledge, OF, New York Mets
Milledge is the Mets number one prospect in the minor leagues and scouts around baseball have been raving about him for the last couple of years. He is a five-tool player who the Mets feel is still about a season away from being a major contributor to the team. Mets General Manager Omar Minaya refused a trade last season for Barry Zito, when he heard the price was Milledge. If that doesn't tell you how good this kid is, then nothing will. Just wait until 2008 and this young star will be tearing it up at Shea.

2. James Loney, 1B, Los Angelas Dodgers
Since his callup in early June, Loney has been even hotter than Alex Rodriguez. Loney is hitting for a .478(not a typo) average with three homeruns and 14 runs batted in. Loney's future looks so good that veteran Nomar Garciaparra was moved to third base to make room for Loney's sizzling bat. Loney hasn't been mentioned in any ROY talk just yet but give that a few more weeks and Loney's name may be at the top of the list.

1. Ryan Braun, 3B, Milwaukee Brewers
Of course, you've probably heard of the years that Prince Fielder and J.J. Hardy have had this year but have you heard just yet of Ryan Braun. Braun's bat was so highly touted by the Brewers that he was placed in between these two sluggers in his first major league game this season in mid-May. His defense isn't great but his offensive production more than makes up for his so-so glove. Braun has not disappointed Brewer fans so far either, He's hitting .331 with 6 homers and 21 RBI's so far. Braun will probably be one of the front-runners for ROY by the end of the year.

So if you haven't heard of these guys yet, keep your eyes open because I guarantee at least half of these guys will become perennial All-Stars in the next few years.

salty, loney, braun, milledge, lincecum, david price, andrew miller