Which rookie will have the greatest impact THIS year?

[Sticky Spice]

As far as Burke, he'll have an impact, but at what point will he actually get regular PT.

I think almost all his impact will be after he gets the 2B job, if ever. If Biggio gets moved to 2B now or when Berkman comes back his value is screwed.

[blackbearabroad]

Baseball impact? I'ld go with Street, helping solidify an A's bullpen that was rancid last year. He wont be in any ROY discusions but he will be the equivilant of a free mid year pick up for a team with limited finances, which might help change the race out west...and could be a good MR pick up as well in your leauge

[raiders_umpire]

Mauer's not considered a rookie anymore, right? Because if he is then he would definately be my pick

mauer is still a rookie.......

If Chipper Jones dies midseason, a la Daryl Kile, Andy Marte might have a big impact

that is a one of the most asinine posts i have ever read here in the cafe

[mcqfesijiba]

I like Jeremy Reed a lot if he can bat second, but I don't think it's set between him and Winn yet. I'm not all that confident in Kazmir for this season yet, but I think I like his chances second most among rookies. Actually when I think about it, there are quite a few rookies who will get a good chance to make impact, so I can't really rank them beyond these two.

I agree with the last poster. Couldn't there have been a better way to think of Andy Marte getting a shot than bringing up Daryl Kile? Some people might find that extremely offensive.

[Tavish]

Chris Burke. Talented rookies in hitters parks that have no competition for the position are usually the best bets to make an impact. Clint Barmes would be my second choice.

[PhillyFan1]

I like Swisher, hits form both sides and is a contact hitter with good power.

[AcidRock23]

I think that it's gonna be Iguchi too-chi, as it were!

He's already impressed Guillen w/ his bat handling ability enough to get bumped into the 2 hole (there's another thread about that here this AM...). I think that he's likely to do very well w/ the Sox in that role. And has a Japanese dude on the team already to show him the ropes and that sort of thing too, which should greatly ease the transition for him.

[nettles3Ball-star]

I like Jeremy Reed a lot if he can bat second, but I don't think it's set between him and Winn yet.

I thought I heard Reed is slotted to bat 2nd. Anyone know of a source confirming that?

[nettles3Ball-star]

For those who are more minor league knowledgeable - how do Kazmir, Francis and Floyd stack up? I read alot about worries because Francis pitches in Coors. In two starts at home - 2.45 ERA. In five road starts - 6.31 ERA. I do recognize it's a small sample.

[stumpak]

Swisher a contact hitter? Are you crazy? Of all the rookies, he is clearly the most overrated. He doesn't run at all and his minor league career average is .258. Sure he may hit 25 HRs, but would you want Matt Stairs on your fantasy team? That is basically what he will be: Mike Cameon without the SBs.

I would have to say Ignuchi or Reed out of the people listed, but what about Wright?