NL Rookie Watch: Top Ten to make an Impact

NATIONAL LEAGUE ROOKIES: Who to watch out for in S4! "I'd really be surprised if one of these 20 (AL & NL) are not the S4 R.O.Y. I guess we'll find out!

(1) This rookie from the was was drafted as the 4th overall pick of the S2 draft at the age of 18. Flynn entered the draft straight out of Weymouth High School and signed on for $3,720,000. And why not? Afterall, he possesses a rare combination of power and speed with high marks all around. After 40 at bats Flynn is batting a .425 with a .452 OBP. Look for this guy at the end of the year for R.O.Y.

Brendan Flynn San Francisco Dedringers Age: 20 B/T: R/R Born: Lowell, MA Position(s): LF

(2) Strong is a pitcher with a lot of potential in the Big leagues. After a minor league record of 47-20, with a .246 OAV and a 3.08 ERA he is ready. While he possesses great control and stamina and will completely shut down lefty batters, he still only has 2 ML caliber pitches. But coming off his best minor league season of 16-6 he is one to keep your eye on.

Willie Strong Chicago Orphans Age: 23 B/T: L/L Born: Canton, SD Position(s): P (SP1)

(3) Kipling makes his Major League debut after being the 36th overall pick in S1 out of Middle Tennessee State University. And may have been S1's best buy signing to a mere $880,000. With plenty of minor league experience, and fine tuned ratings, Kipling should make a huge impact on the majors.

Kirk Kipling Dover Diamond Devils Age: 25 B/T: L/L Born: Harned, KY Position(s): LF/1B/DH

(4) Mota makes his ML debut after 3 years riding out the AAA with "Monty" as the captain. This guy was begging for the "bump up" and was finally given it by new manager crimsontears. Now, with good fielding and speed, and a great bat, will try to bump up the sunken franchise.

Juan Mota Trenton Thunder Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Tucson, AZ Position(s): 2B

(5) After spending just one year at Southwestern Christian College Beckwith was selected 10th overall in the S2 draft and signed on for $3,160,000. While still young, perhaps a bit premature for the ML, he has huge potential at this level. Although he is struggling wit his bat right now, he still provides strong fielding with great range, glove, arm, and accuracy. In fact, can probably play any position on the diamond except C and P.

Jason Beckwith Salt Lake City Golden Crew Age: 21 B/T: R/R Born: Allen, TX Position(s): 3B/1B/2B/OF/DH

(6) Montgomery is another prospect that brings a very respectable scorecard to the majors. With 114 HR's, a .309 batting average, and .405 OBP he should do some damage to opponent's he faces in the ML as Jackson's starting 1B. With decent fielding for a 1B and good patience this guy could make a solid impact on an already "great" franchise.

Luther Montgomery Jackson Stonewall Age: 23 B/T: L/L Born: Stouffville, ON Position(s): 1B

(7) As the 9th overall pick in the S1 draft, out of Samuel W. Wolfson High School, Figureoa signed to a $3,250,000 signing bonus. With room to grow this rookie has already made a presence in the big leagues by turning in a .375 batting average in 9 games and 32 at bats. Great ratings across the board look for this guy to hit headlines this season and seasons to come.

Torey Figureoa Charlotte Codes Age: 21 B/T: R/R Born: Jacksonville, FL Position(s): 3B/IF/OF/DH

(8) With 51 saves out of 62 opportunities and 184 innings pitched in the minors Piatt looks to make a difference in the later goings of the games. With a .87 whip and a 2.13 Era after 12.2 innings pitched so far in the season he appears to be doing just that. Piatt possesses great control and great spits, and has excellent durability and stamina for a closer/setup guy. This is a guy that can come in to a lot of late innings and pitch well.

Jeff Piatt San Francisco Dedringers Age: 24 B/T: S/L Born: Warden, WA Position(s): P (SuA)

(9) Logan was the 21st overall selection in S2's draft from University of the Pacific. He signed on with a $2,130,000 bonus. Now the starting 1B he is hitting a .317 with 1Hr, and 4 RBI's in 41 at bats. Which is nothing compared to his .400 minor league average! Logan is a pretty healthy player with good power, should be great against lefties and has a excellent eye. Logan's only downside may be his patience, so when he gets in a slump it may take some time to pull out.

Alan Logan Austin Anteaters Age: 23 B/T: R/R Born: Walthan, MA Position(s): 1B/DH

(10) Lastly, but not least we have Brown making his debut this year. Brwon closed 62 of 68 opportunities with a 1.08 WHIP, a 2.38 ERA, and a 2.33 OAV. in the minors. Most likely, had Brown been bumped up next year he would be closer to the top of this list, but being 24 already I understand this move. Brown has the potential to be great and if he reaches it may be one of Hobb's most solid closers. He possesses excellent control, excellent durability and stamina for a closer/setup and excellent splits. He may struggle at times with the picthes that he has now but if he reaches his potential will have 3 good ML pitches to work with. Watch out for this guy if that happens.

Earl Brown Cincinnati Queens Age: 24 B/T: L/L Born: Denver, CO Position(s): P (SuA)