Rookie of the Year 2009-Preview

Baseball anyone? As we are all enthralled in watching Lebron miss shots and Kobe win MVP's we must not forget that this is time that rookies begin to shine in the MLB. And by rookies I am not talking about Henry Rowengartner throwing fastballs by John Kruck.Lets break this down to 4 players that have caught my attention in descending order.

4) Joba Chamberlain-Steinbrenner
Did this farm bred youngster who grew up in Nebraska ever think he would wear the pinstripes of the evil empire? When Hank Steinbrenner put this kid in the New York bright lights this year he shyed away. Even though his 6'2" 230lb frame scared batters, it was only a matter of time before Manny and Big Papi figured him out. His 3.14 ERA is definately respectable in the AL but you are in the city that never sleeps and you have to be ready for October. You have some good stuff Joba and keep working at making step dad Hank proud, because we all know he's got some cash.

3) Evan Longoria-Parker
First off lets clear this up, Is Eva Longoria your sister? Its gonna take a few years for you to shed her name and break into the bigs and let people know you have an N at the end of your first name. But there are some positives Evan. 1)Your agent is a great man who negotiated a fantastic contract for you. 2) You play on the Rays and 3) You play on the Rays. Your way too close to the Mendoza line but I like your game for some reason. Everything is always sunny in Florida.

2) Kosuke Fukudome
I would add a hyphen to the name but its enough already. The question is are you really a rookie? Its like the 8th grader in a 5th grade class. Don't you already know all the answers. These Japanese leagues have been infesting the MLB with 30 years old rookies over the past few years. Its getting old, literally. More importantly you play in the curse layden Wrigley Field. Steve Bartman is gonna steal the award from you when September rolls around. Making jokes of the Cubs can go on for at least 100 years, like the last time you won the world series.

1) Blake DeWitt
Folks you heard it hear first. If this guy gets the At bats this year he will be the next great third baseman to wear Dodger blue and eat Farmer John hot dogs. During spring training this kid was cleaning Joe Torre's shoes. Now he is outrunning Mets for inside the park home runs..Check it out-

Now Andy LaRoche is stuck in Vegas with the Las Vegas 51's rolling dice and waiting his turn to come up. Nomar Garciappara is chilling in Downey with Mia Hamm making a perfect athlete. If Blake DeWitts get the at bats he will be there in September batting the .300 he is doing today to win the award.BLAKE DeWITT for ROY 2008! Feel free to throw out some names that have caught your eye..Updates to come