Here’s the first in a four part series on young (under 25) major leaguers to keep your eye on in 2008.
Nick Markakis
In his rookie season of 2006, Markakis swatted 16 homers, with 62 RBI, 72 runs, and a .291 batting average in 491 at-bats. One year later he hit 23 homers, 112 RBI, 97 runs, and a .300 batting average, WITH 18 stolen bases, in 637 at-bats. What will 2008 hold in store for Markakis?
Russell Martin
As a 23 year old rookie catcher for the Dodgers in 2006, Martin hit a respectable .282 with 10 homers, 65 RBI and 10 stolen bases. After one year of seasoning, he batted .293 with 19 homers, 87 RBI and 21 stolen bases. A catcher who was one homer away from a 20-20 season? Not bad at all. Keep a close eye on this Canadian native who won both the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards in the National League for 2007.
Mark Reynolds
You might be saying, “Who?” This 2007 rookie, who took over the starting job at third base for the D-Backs, put 17 balls over the wall in 2007 in only 366 at-bats. If he gets 600 at-bats in 2008, look for him to hit close to thirty homers.
B.J. Upton
Upton will be entering his fourth year of big league ball in 2008. After hitting only one homer in 175 at-bats in 2006, he knocked 24 dingers in 474 at-bats last year. Match that with his 22 stolen bases and .300 average last year and you’ve got a superstar in the making.
Chad Billingsly
After the All-Star break last year, Billingsly struck out 83 batters in 92.1 innings pitched, with seven wins, and a 3.12 ERA. The 23 year-old will be entering his third major league season, and will be a mainstay in the Dodgers’ rotation.
Yovani Gallardo
Gallardo has 78 whiffs in 86.1 innings pitched last year, again, after the All-Star break. 2007 was Gallardo’s rookie season, and he made the most of it. 9 wins in 17 games started. 101 whiffs in 110.1 total innings pitched (most happened after the All-Star break as you can tell from above.)
To answer the question of why you care about these 2008 players to watch, other than general baseball knowledge, it’s because if any of them have a breakout year you’ll see their baseball card values skyrocket.
Markakis definitely doesn’t get enough respect outside of fantasy baseball circles.
Martin’s either going to be even more awesome next year or he’s going to tire out.
Upton’s going to be great, but the other’s I think maybe need another year to break out.
Markakis, in his third year, will be one to watch closely in 2008. Look for him to improve on the homer totals of 16 and 23 respectively in his first two MLB seasons.