Looking back at 1989, Scott Ellis was the heavy favorite on paper to win Rookie of the Year in the National League. Ellis did not exactly have a disappointing season (11 Wins, 3.11 ERA, 5.07 WAR) yet he still finished third in voting behind Mike Morley (.280/.340/.466, 122 OPS+, Silver Slugger for CF, 4.6 WAR) and eventual winner and All-Star Andy Keeran (.255/.348/.454, 121 OPS+, Gold Glove in LF, 4.7 WAR). There does not appear to be a clear favorite in 1990, however the rookie class for this season is deep for hitters. This preview will not be featuring a single pitcher for the first time; of course, that means get your bets in for a pitcher winning the award at the end of the season. Three of the four players reside in the NL East; this could be the season that Florida and New York see their records turning around and make a push for the playoffs. The Mets only have one player featured here, but they also have a handful of other young players that could have an impact depending on how Spring Training progresses. The Pirates again have one player (obviously no bias) that could make an impact, but most of the star rookies should be coming out of the East this year. Let’s start out East and work our way from there to go in-depth on these players.
2B/SS/CF Hank Fletcher – Florida Marlins
#15 Overall Prospect
Fletcher was drafted just last season by the Marlins with the 11th overall pick in the first round. He moved quickly through the minor league system, ending the season on the RLB roster and starting 32 games. His bat still has room to grow and adjust to RLB pitching, yet Fletcher still posted a 104 OPS+ in his limited time. While waiting for that to develop, Fletcher’s speed and defense is good enough to keep him playing every day. Not only speedy, Fletcher has shown great instinct on the base paths, giving a positive 0.5 value last season. He also possesses gap-to-gap as well as home run power; 11 of his 26 hits for the Marlins went for extra bases in 1989. Wherever position he ends up playing, Fletcher should give the most value in the field. Florida has discovered a rare player that can excel at two of the most valuable positions in the field, shortstop and center field. He may end up splitting time and not win a Gold Glove at any position, but he will give that caliber defense at multiple spots. If Fletcher’s bat catches up with his glove, he could be a runaway favorite in 1990.
3B Aaron Withers – Florida Marlins
#22 Overall Prospect
Withers has had an interesting trip through various minor league systems since being drafted by the Phillies in the 9th round in 1984. After not showing much potential his first two professional seasons, he was released by the Philadelphia organization, only to be picked up by the Chicago Cubs a short time later. Withers was then involved in two trades, from Chicago to San Diego, then finally to his current resting place in Florida. Since being released by Philadelphia Withers has come a long way, turning himself into an elite fielder at third base to go along with his above average bat. Before being called up to RLB, he put up a .277/.380/.430 line in AAA, slugging 20 extra base hits in 62 games. His time with the Marlins started a bit slower (90 OPS+) but he gained some valuable experience and will start this season knowing what to expect. He split time at first and third base in the last month of the season, but should settle in to play third for the Marlins. There he provides the most value with his above average range and one of the strongest arms in the league. He may not be as flashy as his teammate Fletcher, but Withers will provide a steady presence in the middle of the lineup for Florida.
SS Carlos Mendez – New York Mets
#8 Overall Prospect
Mendez was discovered by the New York Mets organization in 1984 out of the Dominican Republic and right away came in as a top 10 prospect in RLB. He never fell far from there, staying around that same ranking for the duration of his time in the Mets minor league system. The team showed great patience in allowing him to develop, and it looks to pay off handsomely for their big league club starting this season. Mendez has performed well at every level, most recently last season in AAA where he slashed .285/.338/.474, a 123 OPS+ and 53(!) extra base hits in 529 at-bats. He showed promise in his very short time with New York in September, collecting 4 extra base hits and a respectable 97 OPS+ in just 14 games. As good as Mendez is at the plate, he may be even more valuable in the field. He will provide top-tier defense at SS; he already compiled a 1.4 Zone Rating and 1.013 defensive efficiency for the Mets in 1989. He still has some room to develop, but already is average to above average in all tools at the plate. Mendez also has the benefit of knowing he has the starting job coming into camp, so he does not have to worry about being sent down after Spring Training. With a clear path to start every day and set to start at one of the most important positions in the field, even if Mendez doesn’t win RotY he may end up being most valuable to his team.
DH Josh Handke – Pittsburgh Pirates
#12 Overall Prospect
Handke was originally drafted 29th overall in the 1988 draft by the Atlanta Braves. Passed up by most teams because of his defensive (in)capabilities, the Braves were able to grab a high potential bat late in the first round. After putting up an impressive .287/.413/.547 slash line in AAA last season, the Braves called him up in September, where he posted a 117 OPS+ in 26 games. In the off-season he was traded to the Pirates, where he will now be the starting DH in 1990. Handke still has room to grow; already his power has matured, but his contact ability needs to catch up. As a switch hitter, Handke should be just as effective against right and left-handed pitching. His lack of defense may be the thing that holds him back from providing as much value as every other player in this list. If he can reach his potential however, he could be the best pure hitter out of this group and make up for not having playing time in the field.
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