1998's Rookie and Near-Rookie Crop: Part 1

1997 had the best rookie crop, especially in the National League, baseball had seen in at least ten years. 1998 won't match 1997, but it does look like this season will produce another excellent group of rookies, especially in the American League. Here are some of the rookies and near rookies who will likely make an impact at the major league level in 1998.

• Mark Bellhorn made a huge jump in offensive performance in his half season at Edmonton last season. He wasn't able to maintain that level when the Athletics tried him out in the majors, but he showed enough promise at the plate along with above average infield defense to make him a leading candidate for a regular job at either second or third base.

• Sean Casey right now doesn't fit into a role on the Indians, but he's already such a great hitter that a hole will almost surely open up for him somewhere by season's end. Casey has always hit for average and will likely be a future batting champion, but he is also becoming a solid power hitter. Since other teams lust after his bat, if Cleveland needs pitching mid-season, look for Casey to be traded elsewhere.

• Michael Coleman was a very pleasant surprise for the Red Sox organization last year, as he finally seemed to learn how to hit. He hit for a much higher average and for much more power at both AA and AAA.. And he's always had terrific range in centerfield. He clearly showed strike zone troubles during his brief appearance at the major league level - 11 strikeouts and 0 walks in 24 at-bats - so the Red Sox will probably start him down at Pawtucket. But the Red Sox outfield is downright awful, so Coleman could be called up at midseason if the Sox feel he's made progress on that front.

• Scott Elarton probably needs a bit more time in AAA this year, but if the Astros have an open spot in the rotation midseason Elarton is a real possibility to fill it. Last year he dominated the Texas League, showing excellent control of the strike zone. His ERA jumped after his promotion to AAA, but he should be able to make adjustments fairly easily.

• Juan Encarnacion improved his plate discipline enough last year to become a minor league star with his 26 home runs. If he can maintain that discipline in AAA, he'll probably earn a full shot at the major league level later this year thanks to his power and excellent defensive play. Still, Encarnacion showed such awful judgement at the plate before last year it would be in the Tigers' and his best interests not to rush him, because he could fall apart against tougher competition.
  The copyright of the article 1998's Rookie and Near-Rookie Crop: Part 1 in Baseball is owned by Greg Spira. Permission to republish 1998's Rookie and Near-Rookie Crop: Part 1 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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