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Rookies in starting roles

Sporting News, The, April 29, 2005 by Tom Gatto

Clint Barmes, SS, Rockies

Of the five rookie shortstops who are playing every day--the others are the Blue Jays' Russ Adams, the Twins' Jason Bartlett, the Brewers' JJ. Hardy and the Indians' Jhonny Peralta--Barmes, 26, is off to the best start. Heck, it would be tough for anyone to top the .421 average, four homers, nine RBIs and nine runs he compiled in his first 10 games. Barmes, who entered this season with 96 major league at-bats, showed some pop in the minor leagues and should be a consistent contributor batting before Todd Helton. Barmes is taking advantage of Coors Field-he's hitting .706 at home and .190 on the road. Scouts believe he has enough arm strength and range to be adequate defensively.

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Adrian Gonzalez, DH, Rangers. Two reasons why Gonzalez, 22, is in the majors: a blistering spring and an injury to veteran Greg Colbrunn. Gonzalez made his case that he's ready for the majors by hitting two homers in his first 24 at, bats. Mark Teixeira is ahead of Gonzalez at first basel so the DR job or even a move to the outfield might be in his future.

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Koyie Hill/Chris Snyder, C, Diamondbacks. Arizona manager Bob Melvin was a catcher, so he must see a lot in both players to go with a rookie platoon behind the plate. Snyder, who replaced Hill in Arizona late last season after Hill broke his ankle, is considered better on defense. Hill is supposed to be better at the plate, though the early numbers don't indicate that.

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Scott Kazmir, LHP, Devil Rays. His results have been mixed; which is what you would expect from a hard-throwing, headstrong 21-year-old. Kazmir struggles with his command, which means he quickly reaches his pitch count; he threw just five innings in each of his first two starts. The Devil Rays will keep running him out there for now as their No. 2 starter.

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Willy Taveras, CF, Astros. Taveras, 23, has taken advantage of the club's lack of outfield depth in a big way; after 10 games, he was hitting .314 with three stolen bases. Barring a trade for a run-producing outfielder, Taveras should stay awhile. He has great range in the outfield, and he brings speed to the No. 8 spot in the order.

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Rookies in starting roles

Sporting News, The, April 29, 2005 by Tom Gatto

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