Every year, there are those hyped rookies, or near-rookies whom generate big expectations. Elusive 30/30 types, that we sometimes reach for….not only in their early years, but subsequent seasons as well.
Why? Well, we all like to look like experts….taking reach picks that pay off is a badge of honr of sorts. However, all to often we end up burned, or perhaps not burned, but slightly disappointed.
Remember these guys?
Rickie Weeks
The highly touted second basemen was thought to be a lock for 20/20 every season, with 30/30 upside. Injury has plagued Weeks….along with strikeouts. While Weeks is by no means a bust, it remains that he hasn’t lived up to some of the expectations.
A batting average killer, Weeks has yet to top 50 RBI or 20 HR in season. There is still alot to like here, a complete season will certainly yield higher power numbers and steals. However, injury and ability to make contact, have him slipping further down the draft board.
Jeremy Hermida
Similar to Weeks, Hermida was thought to be a legit 30/30 type, certainly 20/20. Also similar to Weeks, Hermida has a bit of an injury history, although he did top 500 AB in 2008.
It can be expected that Hermida will build upon his 08 totals and 20+ HR and 75+ would not be a reach as a by-product of another healthy season. However, it doesn’t appear that Hermida will ever run as was once expected.
As it is, Hermida is just another average fantasy outfielder that could be picked off a waiver list a just about any time in all but the deepest and biggest of leagues. Watch his numbers and health and be ready to pick up should we start to see the hitter that was forecasted several years ago.
Alex Gordon
Gordon, thought by many to be the second coming of the King of Pinetar himself, George Brett has been unspectacular, but consistent. Although entering just his 3rd MLB season, Gordon turned 25 in February and has some wondering if the upside will materialize.
Could a platoon be in Gordon’s future? Unless he learns to hit left-handed pitching, I don’t think it is out of the question. .234 1 HR 10 RBI vs. lefties, .273 15 HR 49 RBI vs. righties.
Watch closely to see how those left-handed numbers trend. However, even with a somewhat thin 3B pool, Gordon doesn’t warrant a pick until late-game.
Delmon Young
Yet another considered to be a 20/20 lock, the 2005 minor league player of the year has yet to realize their upside. It is without question that Young, just like Weeks and Gordon, has a rare combination of skills….however, like the others he just can’t seem to put them all together.
Entering his 4th major league season, could Young be prepped for a break-out year? Or is it what you see is what you get?
It will be interesting to see what players from this years draft might fall into the same categories in a couple seasons.
Cameron Maybin? David Price?
Matt Wieters by all accounts is the second coming of Johnny Bench…and according to some will be pounding major league pitching well before Memorial Day. We have heard similar hype before, will be interesting to watch which of this years young prospects are able to deliver.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Gordon – 2 HR’s yesterday, brings his Spring avg. to a robust .323 (62 ab’s), with 5 HR, 13 Rbi, 11 extra-base hits. Yes, its the Spring, but the sign of life is a good thing nonetheless. Still only 25, I think he will start to make good on his talent and expectations soon. we’ll see.
There is no doubt Gordon is talented, but until he learns to consistently hit left-handed pitching he will put up numbers beneath the expectation. By all accounts a great kid…a baseball fans player, I would love to see him turn into a Brett type….I’m sure Royals fans would too!
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