IT'S not often you find a baseball rookie who can contribute to your fantasy campaign with the same impact of, say, running back Adrian Peterson or to the level of wide receiver Marques Colston in his first year in the NFL.
Football players just allow their physical skills to push their fantasy value. Baseball players must adjust to faster pitches, better breaking balls and a wider variety of speeds. Even if they start fast, often pitchers catch up to them, find their weak spots and pitch to those holes in the swing. Eventually, the good ones will adjust, but sometimes it takes a while.
With that in mind, here's some highly regarded rooks that could put a dent in your fantasy deficit, even if they do so inconsistently.
Jay Bruce, OF, Reds - Has some power, has some speed and has a knack for getting on base (reached safely in his first five big league plate appearances). Was a Rookie of the Year candidate as soon as he was called up. Should contribute well at a deep position, and is a prize in keeper leagues.
Clayton Kershaw, SP, Dodgers - He's a left-hander with a wicked curveball. Kershaw is a strikeout artist who didn't walk many in the minors. Expect the strike zone to tighten for him, and his strikeout-to-walk ratio to even out a bit. His fastball is blazing, but his ability to get his curveball over for strikes is key. He should do pretty well each time he faces a team for the first time. Expect a production dip upon repeated viewings until he perfects his changeups.
Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays - He's becoming known for more than just being the male namesake of a popular TV siren. Reports say he could spend some time as a backup shortstop as well, which would give him added flexibility for your fantasy roster.
Joba Chamberlain Joba Chamberlain , RP, Yankees - As of Tuesday, Chamberlain should become starter eligible in your fantasy leagues. With a 98- mph fastball and a strong slider, he has been one of the few middle relievers worth carrying. Now in the starting rotation, he is a must-have. It may take a start or two for him to develop the length to make him eligible for wins, but he will get strikeouts and should keep a respectable ERA and WHIP, though they will rise from his relief standards. If his curve and changeup are effective, he could be a top-line fantasy producer this year.
