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Sep 21, 2006


WASHINGTON - This season has seen the debut of many future stars. This rookie
class has both depth and quality. It got me thinking: How does this year's
class stack up against other top classes in recent history?


< The class of 2003 has already had a major impact. Two pitchers have become
staff aces and are among the league's top pitchers. Dontrelle Willis
finished second in last year's Cy Young Award voting, while Brandon Webb is
gunning for this year's award. Miguel Cabrera and Jose Reyes are both in the
mix for National League MVP.

In addition, Mark Teixeira has won two Silver Slugger Awards. Don't forget
about Rocco Baldelli, one the game's most promising five-tool talents.

< The 2001 class featured today's best slugger (Albert Pujols), best pure
hitter (Ichiro Suzuki) and only the fourth person to join the 40/40 club
(Alfonso Soriano). A supporting cast of Roy Oswalt, C.C. Sabathia, David
Eckstein, Jimmy Rollins, and Adam Dunn isn’t too bad either.

< In 1986, it was not so much about quantity, but quality. It saw the
emergence of Barry Bonds, one of the greatest hitters in recent history. The
class also produced future Hall-of-Famer and 12-time All-Star Barry Larkin.
Others who debuted: Will Clark, John Kruk, Ruben Sierra, Kevin Mitchell, and
Jose Canseco.

< In 1984, it was the year of the pitcher. Six future All-Star pitchers
debuted, who between them would win 9 Cy Young Awards. The jewel is future
Hall-of-Famer Roger Clemens. While not as prolific as Clemens, Orel
Hershiser, Mark Langston, Ron Darling, and Mark Gubicza were four of the
better pitchers of their day.

On the hitting side this rookie class produced future MVP's in Terry
Pendleton, and Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett. This class could have been even
better if off the field issues did not alter the career of Dwight Gooden, who
put up two of the greatest seasons ever for a pitcher in 1984 and ‘85.

As of right now I would go with the class of '84 as the best rookie class
because of its depth, quality, and accomplishments.

< This year's class can be even better.

Ryan Zimmerman has established himself as the year's top rookie. He makes
his nightly appearance on “Baseball Tonight's” Web Gems and produces at
the plate. This year he will finish with over 100 RBI and he has a
rookie-leading 22 go-ahead RBI.

Zimmerman also has good company with this year's class. Four are hitting
over .300 (Nick Markakis, Andre Ethier, Ronnie Paulino, and Chris Duncan).
Three have more than 25 home runs (Josh Willingham, Dan Uggla, and Prince
Fielder). Hanley Ramirez is approaching 50 stolen bases. Three have become
their team’s backstops (Paulino, Kenji Johjima, and Russell Martin).

Seven pitchers already have 10 wins. Florida's quartet of Josh Johnson,
Scott Olsen, Ricky Nolasco, and the no-hitting Annibal Sanchez are making a
push for the playoffs. Francisco Liriano, Justin Verlander and Matt Cain
could soon become staff aces. Others have looked promising in brief stints
this year (Cole Hamels, Chad Billingsley, Mike Pelfrey, Brian Bannister,
Jeremy Sowers, and Rich Hill). In the bullpen, quality young arms in Jonathan
Papelbon, Joel Zumaya, Adam Wainwright, and Taylor Tankersley are promising.


In good company

< Since 1949, only six third baseman have ever been named Rookie of the Year.
The most recent was Eric Hinske in 2002.

< Since 1988, only three rookies have eclipsed the century mark in RBI:
Albert Pujols (130), Carlos Beltran (108) and Mike Piazza (112). Zimmerman is
currently sitting at 98.

< Zimmerman won a gold medal with the 2004 USA Baseball National Team. He
also won a Triple Crown.