Some say the sophomore slump is a myth, but a documented list of players has suffered its full effects.

Just ask Eric Hinske. Coming off a rookie season in which he won the American League Rookie of the Year award with 24 home runs, 13 stolen bases and 99 runs, Hinske faded into relative mediocrity and never played at the same level. Past award winners Dontrelle Willis, Jason Jennings, Angel Berroa and Bobby Crosby have equally suffered from this tragic disease.

With the 2008 Major League Baseball season coming to a close this weekend, fantasy owners, specifically keeper leaguers, can start to think about 2009. This season’s exceptionally deep rookie class will give owners several second-year players to consider as keepers and early draftees next season. Read more »

Lugging veterans’ bags, shagging balls in the outfield, and suffering through rookie hazing all come with the territory of being a first-year player in Major League Baseball. They do what they can, on the field or otherwise, to earn their teammates’ respect as they get used to life in the big leagues.

Some players, like Cincinnati’s Jay Bruce, are lucky enough to learn from historical greats like Ken Griffey Jr. Others, like New York’s Joba Chamberlain, are forced into the limelight, relied upon to fill in for an injured star. Then there are surprises like Mike Aviles, who take an opportunity and run with it in a low pressure city. Read more »

Even before major league rosters expand in September, the fantasy baseball world will have seen a lot of fresh faces arrive make contributions to fantasy teams. Young players are the lifeblood of fantasy rosters, especially those who fly so low under the radar that competition is sparse for their services. Rookies can boost fantasy teams to championships at little to no cost during the season.

The trade deadline was full of important transactions, at least as far as this list is concerned. Sure, CC Sabathia, Manny Ramirez and Rich Harden were big deals for their clubs, but they presented little opportunity for fantasy owners to capitalize. Those chances came in the form of younger players, who were likely fantasy free agents on July 31. Read more »

The arrival of much anticipated rookies Jay Bruce and Clayton Kershaw has shaken up the top 10 rookie rankings. The two phenoms join an already impressive class of rookies that includes: early Cy Young contender Edinson Volquez, Red Sox sparkplug Jacoby Ellsbury, and one of the game’s most productive catchers in Chicago’s Geovany Soto.

Here are the top rookies that have and will continue to make huge fantasy impacts. Read more »

Rookies, despite all their inexperience, can make even a novice fantasy baseball manager look like a serious veteran. These are the top 10 rookies so far this season in the fantasy landscape. And yes, the Cincinnati Reds do have an incredible group of young players. Read more »