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.
5 – Ridiculous Rookies – Travis Snider
Player Name: Travis Snider
Player’s Team: Toronto Blue Jays
Will he start the year in the majors this year?: Looks like he opens up as Toronto’s Opening Day Left Fielder.
Position: Outfield
Outlook for this season: He may have made the jump from advanced A to the majors last year and you would think there would be some growing pains. However this former 14th overall selection in the 2006 draft is major league ready. Not only that, but at only 21, he is capable of putting up 0.280/18/80 this season. He should be a 30 home run hitter by the time he hits his prime. Travis will definitely contend against other Ridiculous Rookies for the Rookie of the Year award, although look for him to split time with Adam Lind in the outfield and DH roles. I think he could become something special for the Blue Jays, and I know there are a lot of people out there that feel the same way.
His future: Like I said he’ll be a starter on Opening day. Since the Jays have a wealth of outfielders, look for him to be pushed all season to keep the job.
Card Values: They are not really high. Autographs are going for nearly $15, game used $3 and rookie cards are going for $2. He is very good and is worth a look to see how he responds to starting the year out at the Major League level.
