Top Five

Sporting News, The, July 30, 2001

The best players 22 and younger.

1 Albert Pujols. Pujols, 21, hits for average, drives in runs and has a knack for clutch hits. One knock is defense (15 errors). He makes up for it with versatility--he has started at four positions. Despite a recent slump, he should win N.L. Rookie of the Year.

2 Jimmy Rollins. The shortstop is the only legit challenger to Pujols for top N.L. rookie. If Pujols isn't careful, speedy Rollins could swipe it, as he has done to so many bases this year. Though he's only 5-8, 165, Rollins, 22, is a big reason the Phillies have a shot at the East Division title.

3 Byung-Hyun Kim. The language barrier remains an issue. But everybody understands 12 strikeouts per nine innings. Injuries to teammates have moved Kim, 22, from setup man to closer. He has converted seven of eight saves for Arizona.

4 C.C. Sabathia. Sabathia, 21, has chalked up nine wins in 19 starts for Cleveland. His blistering fastball is backed by an imposing 6-7, 260-pound frame.

5 Adrian Beltre. His average has dropped, but so would yours if you had abdominal surgery after an appendectomy. Beltre, 22, will man third in Los Angeles for a long time.