USA Today Sports lines released its annual “100 Names You Need to Know” at the beginning of April. This annual list of top prospects who are set to play in the Major Leagues during the coming season, is so influential that the USA Today sports spreads change for teams that are lucky enough to have players in the top 10.
USA Today Sports Weekly: Top 10 for 2009
David Price, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays:
The young ace pitcher was set to join the Major League runner ups’ young, talented and cheap rotation but was recently sent back down to the AAA affiliate. Look for Price to come back shortly. USA Today Sports baseball may have been a little early on this pick.
Travis Snider, OF, Toronto Blue Jays:
Snider’s timing at the plate is as good as his timing with the team: the Jays were desperate for hitting and this outfielder sizzled in the minors. Snider began the season as a starter and in first 312 at-bats he already has jacked 3 home runs and 9 hits with a .292 batting average and a crushing .710 slugging average.
Chris Davis, 1B, Texas Rangers:
Hurting for a first baseman and, more importantly as slugger since losing Mark Teixeira two seasons ago, the Rangers should feel great about the addition of Davis in 2008. Playing his first full season in 2009, Davis has already hit 19 home runs and has a .278 batting average.
Pablo Sandoval, IF, San Francisco Giants:
This big hitting third baseman should fit in nicely for a Giants team with an anemic offense. Sandoval is hitting a phenomenal .321 with an on-base percentage of .341. USA Today Sports baseball department nailed this one.
Kenshin Kawakami, RHP, Atlanta Braves:
Not exactly a young buck, the Braves signed this long-time Japanese starter to a three-year deal this offseason. He has split decisions with a 5.25 ERA in two starts this season. Look for him to settle down and be a great addition.
Cameron Maybin, OF, Florida Marlins:
Maybin is set to be the complete package as he develops and to change USA Today sports spreads in the Marlin’s favor for good. He can steal, field, has a power arm, and some plate power. After hitting a sizzling .500 at the end of 2008, though, he has cooled to a .194 so far in 2009.
Taylor Teagarden, C, Texas Rangers: ?
Though they already have an established starter at the all-important catcher spot, Teagarden has fizzled at bat so far this year but dominated with a .319 for the 2008 season in 47 plate appearances.
Dexter Fowler, OF, Colorado Rockies:
Fowler is a defensive specialist who can run the bases when he’s on. He has a solid average so far in 2009 batting .265 with a very solid .324 on-base percentage.
Matt Wieters, C, Baltimore Orioles:
After scorching the minors in his one season down there, the Orioles traded their former catcher to make room for Wieters. Thankfully, the Orioles also signed a stopgap backup because Wieters was just reassigned back to their AAA affiliate. The smart money says he’ll be back before mid-season.
Carlos Carrasco, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies:
As if the World Series champions were not quite loaded enough, they have this 22-year-old right-handed pitching ace trying to compete for the fifth starting position in their rotation. He is set to makes his big league debut in April.
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