Top 5 Rookie Left Fielders - Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide for 2009

When you're looking for rookies in fantasy baseball, there are a few factors to consider; among them are age, potential, and ability to get at bats in the coming season. With that in mind, here are the top five left fielder rookies to keep an eye on in your 2009 fantasy baseball draft.

Chris Dickerson (Reds)

Dickerson made a grand entrance into the major leagues last season. In a 31 game call up (102 at bats), Dickerson hit .304 with 6 homers 15 RBIs and 5 steals. Right now it looks like this 6-3, 225 lbs lefty, has the Reds' left field job all to himself, which means he has the makings of a fantastic sleeper pick. Though he did not hit for a high average in the minors, Dickerson did steal plenty of bases, and showed some pop in his bat. With a little bit of luck this season, Dickerson can reach the 20-20 plateau, which makes him one of the best in the up coming rookie lot at left field.

Chris Carter (Red Sox)

Carter, a 26 year old in the Boston organization, is ready for his shot in the majors. The only problem with Carter is that Jason Bay will be keeping him from a lot of his at bats. Still, there is no denying that Carter can hit, having hit .308 with 110 homers in 5 minor league campaigns. In a nine game call up to the majors last year, Carter added 6 hits and 5 runs in 18 at bats. If you are in a keeper league, Chris Carter is worth taking a late flyer on.

Nick Stavinoha (Cardinals)

Stavinoha had an excellent season at Class AAA Memphis last year, hitting .337 with 16 homers and 74 RBIs in only 112 games. His hitting earned him a call up to the majors where Nick collected 11 hits in 57 at bats. With only Chris Duncan to beat out, Stavinoha might have a chance to win the a job inleft field, and he's worth keeping an eye on this fantasy baseball season.

Juan Miranda (Yankees)

Miranda, a former Cuban ball palyer who defected to the US, made his way through the Yankee's minor league system in just two years. All of 25, Mirandahas tremendous upside. Last season in 99 games at Class AAA, Miranda hit a solid .287 with 12 homers and 55 RBIs. Look for Miranda to get a chance to earn at bats, based on both his potential, and the big contract the Yankees gave him. If he plays regularly, a +20 homer 80 RBI season is possible.

Greg Golson (Texas)

Golson is 23, strikes out a lot, and has David Murphy playing in front of him. If you can get past all that, Golson is also a decent player with a bit of power and the ability to steal bases. At Class AA Reading last season, Golson hit .282 with 12 homers, 60 RBIs and 23 steals in only 106 games. He also has120 career swipes (78% success rate) in the minors. Will he get playing time in 2009? Perhaps, perhaps not. At the very least, Golson is one to file away for a future draft.

Statistical Source:

www.sports.yahoo.com

www.minors.baseball-reference.com