Soph Slumps? Soph Studs?

Last season, the rookies of the year was Geovanny Soto and Evan Longoria. Other high vote getters included the Reds' Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Edison Volquez, Jair Jurrjens from Hotlanta, and Fukodome. On the AL side, Alexi Rameriz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Mike Aviles, and Armando Galarraga, and Denard Span followed Longoria.

The 2007 winners were Dustin Pedroia and Ryan Braun. Braun edged out Troy Tulowizki, Hunter Pence, and Chris Young. Braun had a great Soph season but the other three were pretty average. Well below average in fantasy terms. Delmon Young, Brian Bannister, and Daisuke Matsuzaka followed Pedroia on the AL side. Young is a non fantasy factor. I don't think we have to even talk about Bannister, and Dice K is was a 2008 walk machine but found ways to escape and get Ws. I don't know if it was a year for Soph slumps, it was just a lousy rookie class when you got past Pedroia and Braun.

This year's 2nd year players should prove out to be some fantasy studs. Longoria is a can't miss. Bruce and Votto are going to bat in 2 of the first three spots in the order for the Reds. It's their time to take off this season. I'd be surprised if Volquez can match his 2008 campaign. He'll be a top notch fantasy pitcher still though. I don't know if Soto's average will keep up but he's obviously a very good hitter. On the AL side, I love Denard Span and Alexi Rameriz. You're always looking for middle infield fantasy help and those two will provide it.