I don’t know about you, but I miss the rated rookies subset and I think when and if Donruss ever gets their MLB license back they should definitely start producing them again. So in the meantime, I thought it would be fun to create a rated rookie set for this upcoming season. Unfortunately I’m sure Donruss owns the rights to the name so I have to come up a new name. I have come up my own name, which I’m sure has already been used, but what the hell, I’ll call them RIDICULOUS ROOKIES!
The rules are simple. To qualify the player has to have finished in at least AA or higher at the end of the 2008 season. They can have MLB time but no more than 150 at bats or no more than 50 innings pitched. These are all players that should make an impact in 2009. If you have any graphics skills come up with a logo and I’ll send you some bad wax. I’ve got my list and I’m counting backwards from 20 to 1. Let me know what you think.
17 – Ridiculous Rookies – Lou Marson
Player Name: Lou Marson
Player’s Team: Philadelphia Phillies
Will he start the year in the majors this year?: Yes, mid to end of the year.
Position: Catcher
Outlook for this season: Ruiz is not the answer at catcher for the Phillies, and to be truthful, Marson may not be the long term guy there either. However with Marson, you get a player who can take a walk, isn’t going to hurt you with his average. Should be able to get to 10 – 15 homers a season, can steal a base if needed, and he has a cannon of an arm. My reason for putting him on here is simple. He was a September call up, went from AA to the pros. Should start in AAA but by the end of the season he should be platooning with Ruiz. Expect a 0.285/5/60 statline until he starts to hit his prime (around 26) he’ll be 23 next season.
His future: Should become the regular catcher for the Phillies. Ruiz although very good defensively is expendable since he can’t even hit his weight. Marson won’t be a franchise catcher but should have a very productive career.
Card Values: One of the more over hyped Ridiculous Rookies, most of his cards are topping the $15 mark even for game used and autos. To be honest I don’t see the investment potential in this one.
I agree with your entire assesment. As A phils fan I think the $15 tag for Marson autos is way High. Probably get a HOF auto in that range.