Major league prospects for 2003: some rookies who could make a crucial contribution to their big league clubs this season include pitcher Francisco Rodriguez, catcher Victor Martinez, first basemen Hee Seop Choi and Lyle Overbay and outfielders Joe Borchard and Hideki Matsui - Baseball's Top Rated

Baseball Digest, March, 2003 by George Vass

Pujols demonstrated in 2002 that his rookie year was no fluke as he led St. Louis to a division title, batting .314 with 34 HR and 127 RBI.

Furthermore, who could have predicted that last year's National League Rookie of the Year, Colorado's Jennings, would pitch so superbly against all odds at Coors Field, which has always been a torture pit for proven stars such as Mike Hampton and Denny Neagle and many similarly shell-shocked predecessors. The almost overlooked Jennings was 16-8 after not even being listed among the Rockies' four most promising rookies for 2002.

It goes to show that like most everything about baseball, evaluating rookies is far from an exact science. As some would say, it's something of a crap shoot. You never can be exactly sure how well a youngster will do once he is put to the test in the major leagues.

That's the way it always has been, and no doubt will be this year as well.

Waiting For Their Arrival

ALL MAJOR LEAGUE CLUBS WAIT WITH ANTICIPATION FOR one their team's top prospects to break into the majors and fulfill all his talent at the big league level. Below are some hopeful arrivals for the 2003 campaign.

* Joe Borchard, CHICAGO WHITE Sox--A strong, switch-hitting outfielder, Borchard is the White Sox center fielder of the future. He hits to all fields with good power and a strong arm. He patrols center field well and is an excellent athlete. Needs to improve pitch selection and make more contact.

* Hideki Matsui, NEW YORK YANKEES--A three-time most valuable player in Japan, the 28-year-old outfielder will add power to club's lineup. He hit .334 with 50 homers for the Yomiuri Giants last season.

* Victor Martinez, CLEVELAND INDIANS--Switched from a shortstop to catcher in 1996, Martinez has excellent hands and is steady behind the plate. A switch-hitter, he hits well from both sides of the plate with good gap power.

* Mark Teixeira, TEXAS RANGERS--If Teixeira can fulfill his potential, Texas could have the left side of their infield set for years to come. The powerful switch-hitter batted .318 with 19 homers and 69 RBI in 76 games last season. Has strong arm with good hands at the hot corner.

* Lyle Overbay, ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS--At 6-2, 215 pounds, the left-handed hitting first baseman has pounded minor league pitching the last two seasons in which he has combined for a .347 average, 32 homers, 89 doubles, 165 runs and 209 RBI at AA El Paso and AAA Tucson.

* Rocco Baldelli, TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS--Excellent defensive center fielder who quickly moved through Tampa's minor league system with stops at Bakersfield (A), Orlando (AA) and Durham (AAA) last season and combined for a .331 average, 19 HR, 71 RBI and 26 steals. He's an all-around performer.

* Hee Seop Choi, CHICAGO CUBS--Power hitting first baseman whom Cubs fans have waited to replace Mark Grace and join Sammy Sosa.

All-Stars At Every Position

Last season many young minor leaguers pushed themselves closer to getting their shot to play in the major leagues. Here are our selections for the top performers at each position in the minors in 2002.