Last season was an impressive year for newcomers into the National League. Two rookies finished in the top 10 in batter WAR; Doug Rider (PIT) put up a 7.0 WAR season while Justin Treadway (MON) accumulated a 5.0 WAR. Frank Enz (STL) also had an impressive rookie season from the pitching side, having a 6.0 WAR season that was fourth best in the NL. While the actual production has yet to be seen, the potential of this year’s class is also high. Two starting pitchers and three position players make the list this year, let’s take a look at my favorites to take home Rookie of the Year in 1989.
SP Scott Ellis – San Francisco Giants
#1 Overall Prospect
Ellis had an interesting start to his career already when he was chosen second overall by the Saint Louis Cardinals, then failed to sign with the team. What could be called “The Ellis Rule” was put into place after the Redbirds were unable to come to an agreement with Ellis, draft signings and bonuses are now a thing of the past. He became a free agent and quickly signed with the Giants, who right away made him the highest paid player in RLB. Ellis is making a record $5.25 million in 1989, with a total value of $31.3 million over the life of his 10-year contract. So far, Ellis has been impressive in his 8 starts between AAA and RLB in 1988. Over four starts in AAA, Ellis posted a 2.81 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 2.5:1 K:BB ratio in 32 IP. His numbers were similar if not better once called up to the big club: 2.59 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and a 16:7 K:BB ratio over 31.1 innings. Ellis is the clear favorite to win the best rookie in the NL this season, and this article could probably stop here. But what fun would that be?
LF Andy Keeran – Saint Louis Cardinals
#54 Overall Prospect
Keeran was originally drafted 21st overall by the Atlanta Braves in 1985. He only stayed in the Braves organization for one season before being swapped in a straight up deal for Bert Wright. Wright has pitched well for Atlanta, accumulating an 18-9 record and a 3.29 ERA over 44 appearances. It is yet to be seen which team got the better end of this trade; Keeran will start to play dividends for the Cardinals this season. He can do it all at the plate, with elite level power and the ability to draw a walk to go along with his above average potential for batting average. If turned loose, Keeran can be a threat on the base paths as well; he stole twelve bases while only being caught once in 90 games in AAA last season. Keeran will be most effective against right-handed pitching, but can handle lefties well enough to be in the lineup every day if the Cardinals organization decides to use him that way.
1B/DH Pablo Garcia – Pittsburgh Pirates
#63 Overall Prospect
Garcia came over to the Pirates in the off-season along with Mike Howard in return for five prospects. He was originally drafted by the Montreal Expos (9th overall) in 1985, then traded to the White Sox organization in April of 1988. Not surprisingly, he did not last long as a member of the Sox, making a brief appearance of 25 games in RLB before being shipped to Pittsburgh. A fringy defensive 1B at best, Garcia relies heavily on his bat to make an impact. Above average across the board, Garcia should find the most benefit playing in the more HR-friendly Forbes Field this season. He will be used primary against right-handed pitching; being platooned along with only sporadically playing in the field will limit his WAR totals, but Garcia still may put up enough offensive to be in consideration at the end of the season.
SP Terry Cohen – New York Mets
#73 Overall Prospect
Cohen joins the Mets’ rotation for 1989 with no prior RLB experience. It is possible that he could already be one of their top pitchers, impressive for a staff that includes the likes of Dennis Kane and Jesus Rodriguez. Cohen was first drafted by the Saint Louis Cardinals in 1984, 138th overall. He bet on himself, opting instead to attend college in hopes of improving his draft stock. The gamble paid off, being drafted the second time by the Mets with the 14th overall pick in 1987. Cohen is a rarity in RLB these days in joining the major league club that he was drafted by. He did have some struggles last season in AAA ball, posting a 6.05 ERA across 27 starts. Something seemed to click in the Winter League; Cohen won 10 games in 13 starts to go along with a 2.59 ERA and 110 K’s in 104.1 innings pitched. The Mets are relying on Cohen finding his Winter League magic instead of regressing back to his AAA level of performance. While he may not possess the pure talent of Scott Ellis, Cohen is more than capable of turning into a top of the rotation starter in RLB.
SS Bill Rich – Colorado Rockies
#119 Overall Prospect
Rich joins Ellis as the second member of this list that was drafted just last season. He has high expectations and big shoes to fill, taking over for Brian Lindsey in the Colorado lineup. Rich’s RLB experience is limited, but if he can continue at a level close to what he attained in 1988 the risk of trading away a player of Lindsey’s caliber may be mitigated. In 83 plate appearances for the Rockies, Rich slashed .316/.366/.518, also putting up a 146 OPS+. He will also play good enough defense at 2B to add to his overall value; he may never be a Gold Glove winner but he will provide above average defense for the Rockies. Nothing in particular stands out as elite or highly above average about his game, Rich will provide consistency and solid production across the board. Colorado will not need him to put up Lindsey type numbers in their title defense season to be successful, if he can give them average to slightly above average production Rich can help the Rockies make plenty of noise again in the NL West.
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