1984 NL Rookie of the Year Candidates

SP Tom Rollins – Colorado Rockies

Prospect Ranking: #5

Rollins is a former #23 overall pick from the San Francisco Giants, acquired by the Rockies as the main piece in a trade for Ivan Chavez. The highest level Rollins has pitched at so far is A ball, but he looks to start out the season in AAA for the Rockies. He can touch 98 on the radar gun, and has proven very effective in limiting the long ball, only giving up 0.6 HR/9 innings through his career in the minor leagues. While he appears to be ready to appear in RLB, the Rockies may keep him down to start the season to give more experience at the higher levels of the minors before showcasing him in Colorado.

2B Billy Becker – Atlanta Braves

Prospect Ranking: #8

The first overall draft pick in 1983, Becker has made a remarkably fast rise through the Brave’s minor league system. In 118 games in the minor leagues, he put up a combined 4.0 WAR through the season. Becker will shift over to 2B instead of his natural SS position, his range and defensive capability should make him even more valuable to the franchise and put him into contention for a Gold Glove right away. While his bat may not be fully ready for the bigs, he still shows average contact ability now with room to grow; his greatest asset is his discipline at the plate. Once his contact tool develops further, expect to see Becker near the top of the OBP leaders in the NL.

1B Jesus Sanchez – Florida Marlins

Prospect Ranking: #14

Sanchez joined the Marlins organization in the offseason of 1979 in a trade that is looking to pay huge dividends for Florida. Logan Hinkle and Bobby Vazquez were also included in the deal, giving the Fish three starters for their young team this season. Sanchez’s power may still be more of a projection, but he already possesses an above average contact tool and discipline at only 22 years of age. While Marlins Park will limit his home run numbers, he should still be an extra base machine with his gap-to-gap power. If Sanchez can cut down on his errors, he could also be in talks for a Gold Glove with his above average range. My favorite to win RotY in 1984.

CF Bill Simpson – San Diego Padres

Prospect Ranking: #18

Simpson was taken 15th overall by the Padres in 1981, and so far has lived up to expectations while progressing through the minor leagues. Simpson has a great contact bat and will not strike out often; if there is any downside to his ability at the plate, he will not take many walks. His greatest strength comes in the field and on the base paths. Simpson possesses some of the best defensive range of any center fielder in the league already. The Padres also plan to give him the green light on the base paths; with his elite speed look for plenty of stolen base opportunities to come his way as well.

SP Mike Howard – Pittsburgh Pirates

Prospect Ranking: #32

Howard came over to the Pirates in a trade involving Josh Munteanu, the former top prospect for Pittsburgh. At 23, Howard has had plenty of time to develop in the minor leagues while in the Oakland system; he will start out the season as the #5 starter in the Pirates rotation. In 149 games, Howard has posted a 3.54 ERA and 9.9 K/9 throughout all levels of the minor leagues. While the strikeout numbers will most likely drop off in RLB, Howard throws four above average pitches and is just as effective against left-handed hitters as righties.

2B John Masi – Colorado Rockies

Prospect Ranking: #33

Masi was originally drafted 9th overall by the Houston Astros in 1981 and made his way to Colorado in a trade that sent Jeremy Wydra to the ‘Stros. While Wydra has already found success in RLB, Masi looks to do the same in 1984. He will provide everything at the plate except power numbers with above average contact, discipline and the ability to keep the ball in play and limit his strikeout numbers. Much like Billy Becker, Masi’s natural position is SS but will get most of his playing time at 2B for the Rockies. If he can avoid injuries that have plagued him so far, Masi could run away with the RotY in 1984.

SP Bob Schloss – Houston Astros

Prospect Ranking: #34

Schloss has been a fast mover through the Astros system, reaching AA in just his first season in the organization after being drafted 13th overall in 1983. While not overpowering with velocity, he throws four above average pitches with outstanding control. The Astrodome does not yield many home runs to start with; Schloss had a 61% GB rate in A ball and a 64% rate in AA, if he can continue that trend in RLB along with the above average defense the Astros provide, Schloss could find quick success in Houston. It is still a question if he will start the year in AAA or with the big club. Either way, Schloss will be making noise in Houston sooner rather than later.

RF Ryan Bjorkland – Cincinnati Reds

Prospect Ranking: #164

The remaining names on this list may not be the blue chip prospects as the previous players, but do not discount the impact they may have on their respective teams. Bjorkland, a second round pick by the Seattle Mariners in 1981, has hit a combined .342 in his minor league career. The Reds feel confident enough in his abilities that they traded away last year’s MVP Mitch Woodward to clear room for him in the lineup. Bjorkland may not draw many walks, but his contact and speed have led him to lead off for Cincinnati through Spring Training. If that continues through the regular season, he will have plenty of opportunities to be driven in in front of a still strong Reds lineup. He may not win any Gold Gloves in RF, but possesses a strong arm that will limit how much teams will run on him.

RF Dylan Newson – Saint Louis Cardinals

Prospect Ranking: #306

Newson is another homegrown talent on this list, taken 25th overall by the Cardinals in 1981. He is one of the more well-rounded players of all the rookie players this season, with no obvious flaws or any part of his game outside of being weaker against left-handed pitching. Newson has hit well through all levels of the minor leagues, with a slash line of .313/.383/.558 through his career so far. He will also provide steady but not spectacular defense in RF. Through Spring Training Newson has been given the chance to hit cleanup in the Cardinals order, which will provide him with plenty of opportunities for run production.

C Joe Schoolcraft – Philadelphia Phillies

Prospect Ranking: Unrated

Schoolcraft may be the dark horse of all the RotY candidates, but do not sleep on the former 12th round pick’s capabilities. His bat may only be average overall, but he will draw a fair amount of walks and provide some pop in the lower part of the Phillies’ lineup. His real contribution will come on the field; inside the organization, it is no secret that his defense and knowledge will have a great impact on a young starting rotation in Philadelphia. The real chance of him winning RotY may be a long shot, but he should have a great effect on his team that will not show up in the counting statistics.