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| | Friday, October 15 | |||||
Special to ESPN.com | ||||||
| REPORT FILED: OCTOBER 15
I don't get to vote for the real Rookie of the Year Award, but here is how I would rank the National League candidates.
1. Scott Williamson, RHP, Reds 12-7 record, 19 saves, and 2.41 ERA are impressive enough. But check this number out: 54 hits in 93.1 innings. That works out to a .171 average, folks. Williamson will be a superb closer if his workload this year doesn't catch up with him first. 2. Kris Benson, RHP, Pirates After mediocre performance in the minor leagues, Benson proved that the Pirates were right to draft him first overall in 1996, with a solid rookie campaign. A 4.07 ERA is excellent these days, and he has the stuff and intelligence to be a true ace. 3. Warren Morris, 2B, Pirates Morris hit in college and hit in the minors, but there were still doubts among some observers who questioned his athleticism. He proved his bat was for real, and his glovework, which was supposed to be weak, turned out to be pretty good. 4. Matt Clement, RHP, Padres Hard-thrower struggled early, but gradually gained command as the season progressed, and was very strong down the stretch. Could be a Kevin Millwood-like surprise in a year or two. 5. Ron Belliard, 2B, Brewers Injury to Fernando Vina gave Belliard a chance to play, and the Brewers were better off for it. Gets on base, has pop in his bat, and is going to be an excellent fielder with further experience. 6. Preston Wilson, OF, Marlins He played much better than I expected. Good power was a given, but .280 average was about 50 points higher than I thought he was capable of. Still strikes out a lot and will have to prove he can adjust and keep his on-base percentage at a decent level. 7. Alex Gonzalez, SS, Marlins Even less patient than Wilson, but showed real power and flashed potential with the glove. Just 22, and he acts that way sometimes. Must gain consistency on and off the field. 8. Kevin McGlinchy, RHP, Braves Became a bulwark in the bullpen after pitching as a starter in the minor leagues. McGlinchy could still enter the rotation someday, and the bullpen apprenticeship should help him remain healthy. 9. Michael Barrett, 3B/C, Expos Hit .293 and showed excellent contact ability. Will need to develop more power, but that should come with time. The Expos need to decide whether he is a third baseman or a catcher. 10. Erubiel Durazo, 1B, Diamondbacks Would rank higher if he had played more, but he exhausted his rookie eligibility, so I'll put him on the list. Brushed aside bonus baby Travis Lee like an annoying insect. Durazo is a professional hitter, and the D-backs deserve credit for giving him a chance. 11. Daryle Ward, OF-1B, Astros Like Durazo, Ward would rank higher if he had played more. Superb power potential. Not much of a fielder in the outfield, but blocked at first base by Jeff Bagwell. 12. J.D. Drew, OF, Cardinals Rookie of the Year favorite struggled, which certainly delights Phillies fans. That said, Drew still showed power, speed, and patience. He will have a fine career. 13. Joe McEwing, UT, Cardinals Scrappy player came out of the minors and showed he could play any position asked, while hitting a little too. A perfect example of why no team should have a weak bench: there are several guys in the minors who could do what McEwing did, if they get the chance. 14. Benny Agbayani, OF, Mets Like McEwing, Agbayani was trapped in the minors for years, but got a chance and made the most of it, establishing himself as a useful bench player. John Sickels is the author of the STATS 1999 Minor League Scouting Notebook. You can email your questions to him at JASickels@AOL.com. | ALSO SEE Down on the Farm archive
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