Top rookies in the majors in 2010
While Jason Heyward and Stephen Strasburg have gained the bulk of the hype this season, the majors are littered with rookies who are budding stars (Players listed alphabetically; stats through Monday night):
Brennan Boesch, Tigers , RF: A 6-foot-4 left-hander, he's batting .337 with 10 homers and 36 RBI and may well be the AL version of Heyward.
Jason Castro, Astros, C: A 2008 first-round pick from Stanford, he made his major-league debut Tuesday night.
Tyler Colvin, Cubs, OF: Manager Lou Piniella is using him gradually and catching some heat in the Windy City; Colvin is batting .310 after 61 games.
Ike Davis, Mets, 1B: An Arizona State product, he's solidified himself as the starter with a .261 average, eight home runs and 26 RBI.
Alcides Escobar, Brewers, SS: After 64 games, the 23-year-old Venezuelan is batting .250 but is batting .290 for his past 10 games.
Neftali Feliz, Rangers, RHP: A 22-year-old from the Dominican Republic, the 6-3 closer has 19 saves in 21 opportunities.
David Freese, Cardinals, 3B: The 273rd player selected in the 2006 draft, he's batting .306 after 64 games.
Jaime Garcia, Cardinals, LHP: After a brief callup in 2008, he has blossomed this season with a 6-3 record and 1.59 ERA in 13 starts.
Jason Heyward, Braves, RF: On the verge of being voted into the All-Star Game, he is hitting .264 with 11 home runs, 44 RBI and 42 walks.
Mike Leake, Reds, RHP: Another former Arizona State star, he's 5-1 with a 2.92 ERA after 14 major-league starts.
Buster Posey, Giants, C: A Florida State product by way of Leesburg, Ga., the Giants catcher of the future is batting .303 in 20 games.
Carlos Santana, Indians, C: A 5-11 Dominican, he's batting .393 after nine games in the majors and is 7-for-11 in his past three games.
Justin Smoak, Rangers, 1B: A solid 6-4 and 220 pounds, he has eight home runs and 32 RBI and in his first 54 games. .
Mike Stanton, Marlins, RF:He's batting only .233 after 11 games but hit a grand slam June 18 to beat the Tampa Bay.
Stephen Strasburg, Nationals, RHP:The No. 1 pick in the amateur draft a year ago, he is 2-0 with a 1.86 ERA and has matched the hype with 32 strikeouts in three starts.A.
Dayan Viciedo, White Sox, 3B: A 240-pounder from Cuba, he went 1-for-4 in his debut with Chicago on Sunday.
