Next Superstar

[Hammerin Hank]

Who is baseball's next superstar?

Albert Pujols who won the 2001 N.L. Rookie of the Year?

Joel Piniero who currently is 13-4 with a 3.20 ERA?

Alfonso Soriano who became the first 30-30 second baseman in only his second full season?

Or do you think that it'll somebody else?

[BASEBALL_TRIVIA_NUT]

A pitcher is my choice, Mark Buehrle
of the Chisox.

Watch for the reliever Julio of the
Birds as a possible superstar in years
to come and Jay Gibbons, a lefthanded
Killebrew for the Orioles - keep an eye
on both, especially Gibbons, who has
awesome power for a young hitter!

That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it!!!
:D

[Monarchs29]

You missed Brad Wilkerson of the Expos. This kid has it all, speed, arm, hitting, defence. Once he gets a couple of years experience, he's gonna be great!

[J.T. Dutch]

... I'll make a pitch for my team, and say Eric Gagne will be one of the future's Next Superstars -- perhaps he'll be the best closer in Baseball for the next decade.

The young player that impresses me the most outside of the Dodgers would be Adam Dunn.

[atruecubsfan34]

I think Alfonso Soriano.

[Hammerin Hank]

Soriano is a great choice. I've never seen so much power and speed in a young player who still has so much more potential. I'll be watching him throughout what should be a long and exciting career which may one day lead him into the Hall of Fame. He's the only Yankee I've ever liked. Maybe one day he'll be traded or signed by the Cubbies!

[atruecubsfan34]

Originally posted by CubbieFan7
Soriano is a great choice. I've never seen so much power and speed in a young player who still has so much more potential. I'll be watching him throughout what should be a long and exciting career which may one day lead him into the Hall of Fame. He's the only Yankee I've ever liked. Maybe one day he'll be traded or signed by the Cubbies!

That will be cool, but the Cubs have Bobby Hill in Iowa waiting for his time.

[trosmok]

Wish I had a crystal ball for questions like this, so many young players show promise, and then fizzle out. Pujols, Vlad, Tori Hunter, and Adam Dunn are all eligible candidates, but I must give the nod to Nomar; hope he can stay healthy.

[Hammerin Hank]

Brad Wilkerson? I never hear anything about him. Maybe it's because of the team he plays on. I don't know but he does have a lot of potential. He is definately under-rated though.

[atruecubsfan34]

Here are some stats about Wilkerson:
378 abs, 69 runs, 102 hits, 17 2bs, 6 3bs, 15 home runs, 42 rbis, .370 obp, .466 slg, and .270 avg.

[Hammerin Hank]

As far as I'm concerned, some of these guys are already superstars. Nomar Garciaparra for instance has already attained such a high status. Vladimir Guerrero also has that superstar status. I'm sticking with Pineiro, Pujols, and Soriano. And thanks to replies that reminded me of such up-and-coming stars like Buerhle and Dunn. I suppose these are the next generation of major league ballplayers. :)

[atruecubsfan34]

What about Prior, I think he's working his way up to become a super star too. Maybe not soon, but he will be one.

[Hammerin Hank]

There's one player that I forgot to mention that I think everyone should give credit to. I'm talking about Junior Spivey. I think he'll take over for some great players. If there's one guy I wouldn't mind having on my team it would be Junior. No to metion he's underrated. Anyone think the same?

[brewcrew82]

Spivey defenitely is a little overlooked this year because of the phenomenal year Soriano is having in NY, and if Soriano continues to put up good numbers Junior Spivey will keep being overlooked (unfortunately :( ).

Soriano and Adam Dunn (given a few years) will be the next BIG superstars.

[brewcrew82]

Also, though he might never be considered a "super star", Erubial (sp?) Durazo should prove to be a very handy player.

[Sports4u]

Whatever happened to Adam Piatt and all the SuperStar status that was directed at him. JD Drew also was highly touted.

[Appling]

Oakland shortstop Tejada and Torri Hunter of the Twins -- new All-Stars and blooming super-stars. And Soriano of the Yankees, of course.

[Hammerin Hank]

Adam Piatt has had a good season so far but he's never been an everyday player. If he does though, I still don't think he'll ever be a superstar. Still, I'm sure he'll turn out to be a very successful player.

[J W]

Pat Burrell comes to mind.

Eric Hinske.
Roy Oswalt.
Roy Halladay.
Rodrigo Lopez.
Jason Jennings.

[yellowdog]

How about an exciting young switch-hitting shortstop with blazing speed. If he ever learns to read pitchers` moves and how to take full advantage of his speed, Rafael Furcal could be a superstar.

He is still very young and has a load of raw talent. He just hasn`t learned how to play the game yet. He needs to realize he`s not a power hitter and cut down on his swing, especially with two strikes. If he learns to take more of a defensive swing and just put the ball in play, with his speed he could hit for a very high average. He also needs to improve his bunting skills. He has occasional power, but needs to learn to let the home runs come naturally rather than swinging for the fences, which he`s been known to do.

His defense has improved greatly after getting off to a shakey start this season. And he has a cannon for an arm. He does have a tendancey to rush too much on defense but he`s learning to play more under control.

If he can improve on these aspects of his game, the sky is the limit for this kid who could become one of the most exciting players the game has seen in a long time. He reminds me a lot of a young Maury Wills.

[Shoeless]

Dunn. His weapons are power and walks, which don't fizzle with age (they ususally improve, in fact)

[S J]

Originally posted by yellowdog
How about an exciting young switch-hitting shortstop with blazing speed. If he ever learns to read pitchers` moves and how to take full advantage of his speed, Rafael Furcal could be a superstar.

I agree. It's funny all the things Furcal needs to improve upon and he is still that good.

Amazing isn't it? Pujols and Soriano are already superstars in my book.

Not too many outside of Atlanta seem to know about Furcal though.

[OaklandFan75]

A superstar pitcher, Barry Zito. Kid is only 24 years old, he gets alot of props from me.

Another, Carlos Beltran. Young hitter for a bad team, 5-tool player...

[Chisox73]

My picks go to Cincinnati's Adam Dunn.I can't wait to see what kind of numbers that he can put up at the Reds' new ballpark next season.

My next superstar pitcher is Mark Buehrle of the White Sox.He's been the most consistent pitcher on that staff the last 2 seasons.

Also on the verge of superstar status is Jose Vidro,Torii Hunter,Brad Radke(if he stays healthy),Barry Zito('02 Cy Young?),and David Eckstien.

[fbfcn]

How about Damian Moss

[Nineteen Eighteen]

Roy Oswalt!

If he stays healthy, he could be the best to ever pitch in Houston

(and I do realize what I'm saying)

[Hammerin Hank]

Well about half a year has gone by and I'm reviving this thread to see what you all think now. I'm going with Mark Teixiera who had maybe the best spring stats of any other batter. And I still have my eye on that Mark Prior kid too. Another Cub, Hee Seop Choi, seems to be future all-star material.

And Francisco Rodriguez, that's right I'm bringing up a relief pitcher, may outshadow them all...

[Steffo]

Oswalt!

Thurston!

Prior!

Pujols! (He's already a superstar)

Soriano!

Those are the main ones. Who knows how many more I can come up with.....

[Steffo]

Originally posted by J.T. Dutch
... I'll make a pitch for my team, and say Eric Gagne will be one of the future's Next Superstars -- perhaps he'll be the best closer in Baseball for the next decade.



Your prediction was correct.

[Captain Cold Nose]

The decade's hardly over yet.

I think Pat Burrell will be the next one along the lines of Magglio Ordonez and Vlad Guerrero as superstar talent and numbers who don't receive the recognition they deserve. Adam Dunn and Austin Kearns have good shots, too.

[Steffo]

Or a Brian Giles type player, great, top ten guy. Not even mentioned often. CCN, you just proved my point. Bobby Abreu is becoming like an unheard of superstar now. Heck, I didn't know he was good till fantasy baseball season started.

[Appling]

K-Rod is the man!

[racosun]

I must say Jeremy Bonderman of the Tigers. He's only 20 years old, and has great mechanics. He's got some great pitches, and could very well be a Zito-like superstar someday soon.

[BabeSox]

I think Prior could be one of the Greatest of the Game
Also Mark Teixeira though is too young yet and Josh Phelps the future kind of Edgar-Baines DH

[Sandman]

Crede, White Sox, Garcia, Indians.

Reyes, Mets (maybe not this year, but listed best Player in the minors at this point (19 years old)

[YankeeMan]

Eric Almonte, SS-Yankees.

[Sandman]

He'd have to really do something in the next month in a half to be started over Jeter.

[Steffo]

Originally posted by YankeeMan
Eric Almonte, SS-Yankees.

And he'll get the job over Jeter how????

[Captain Cold Nose]

I don't think YankeeMan was fully serious. Do you really think he'd want someone to take his friend's place?

But I'm sure he'll settle for some strong play while his buddy will be "groomed for the OF"

:p

[YankeeMan]

Originally posted by YankeeMan
Eric Almonte, SS-Yankees.

I was (obviously) being facetious.

CCN: Twain was right.

[Sandman]

Originally posted by Steffo
And he'll get the job over Jeter how????
Where have you been?

[YankeeMan]

Originally posted by YankeeMan
Eric Almonte, SS-Yankees.

If he keeps his current pace up, I think we'll find a spot for him in the lineup!

At his current pace:

800 at-bats, 320 Hits, .400 batting average, 480 RBI's, 160 Homeruns. Wow!

Lookout Hack Wilson, Barry Bonds, and Ted Williams!

For the learning imapired: Do not take this post seriously! ;)

[yankee23]

Almonte did well tonight. I'm glad for him.

My post in the Yankees forum about it:
http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7343



.....

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

He may already be a superstar but I would say Andruw Jones. He is a five tool player, he can run, hit, field, and he carries himself well on and off the field. The only thing he needs to improve on is his strikeout numbers. He also has to care a little bit more when catching the ball.

[racosun]

Originally posted by Atlanta Braves Freak
He may already be a superstar but I would say Andruw Jones. He is a five tool player, he can run, hit, field, and he carries himself well on and off the field. The only thing he needs to improve on is his strikeout numbers. He also has to care a little bit more when catching the ball.

He could shed a few pounds, as well. :D

[Sandman]

Andruw Jones hasn't hit real well..ever in his career (excluding 2000)...but he is still very very young. (25) Just mad me realize this Kid has been playing in the Big Leagues since he was 17

[sopclod]

Originally posted by Steffo
And he'll get the job over Jeter how????

Maybe Jeter will get hurt or something... ;)

[sopclod]

Originally posted by YankeeMan
If he keeps his current pace up, I think we'll find a spot for him in the lineup!

At his current pace:

800 at-bats, 320 Hits, .400 batting average, 480 RBI's, 160 Homeruns. Wow!

Lookout Hack Wilson, Barry Bonds, and Ted Williams!

For the learning imapired: Do not take this post seriously! ;)
[/color]

I love the early season projections.

[lucasmod]

If Henson doesn't pan out, I wouldn't doubt seeing Almonte moved to third base. Especially if he continues to play well.

[yellowdog]

Originally posted by Sandman
Andruw Jones hasn't hit real well..ever in his career (excluding 2000)...but he is still very very young. (25) Just mad me realize this Kid has been playing in the Big Leagues since he was 17

He will turn 26 on April 23 and came to the Big Leagues in August of 1996 at age 19, not 17.

Most of you know I've been one of his biggest critics. He's had a nice career so far, but in my opinion hasn't progressed, especially offensively, as he should have. He is prone to prolonged slumps due to his stubborn insistance on trying to pull every pitch.
And I agree with racosun. I've said for the past several years he needed to shed 10-15 pounds. This year it looks more like he closer to 20 pounds overweight.

But I'll give him credit. He's gotten off to a good start this year and I've been impressed with the way he's swinging the bat so far. Let's just see if he can keep it up and avoid the type of prolonged slumps that have marked his career to this point.

[bly11]

What about Austin Kearns (CIN)?

[rubber thumb]

Pitcher: Mark Prior will be great
Batter: Soriano

[Sandman]

Soriano might be the next Sosa or Bonds or McGwire or even the next ARod.
Young player, no mammoth build yet, stolen base threat as well as homerun threat....

[sopclod]

Originally posted by Sandman
Soriano might be the next Sosa or Bonds or McGwire or even the next ARod.
Young player, no mammoth build yet, stolen base threat as well as homerun threat....

There's one glaring thing all those players do that Soriano doesn't: take a base on balls once in a while. ARod isn't a massive walker and Sosa had to learn it, but McGwire and Bonds are two of the most prolific walkers in the history of the game.

And Soriano? 53 walks in 1328 at-bats for his career (through 2002). That's not just bad, it's anemic. However he is still young and he could improve in that area. Even if he never improved his walk rate he'd still be a great player.

[Mulliganfan]

Yes, the Tigers suck now, but we'll remember the names Omar Infante, Andres Torres, Shane Loux and Ramon Santiago in the future.

[Sandman]

Originally posted by sopclod
There's one glaring thing all those players do that Soriano doesn't: take a base on balls once in a while. ARod isn't a massive walker and Sosa had to learn it, but McGwire and Bonds are two of the most prolific walkers in the history of the game.

And Soriano? 53 walks in 1328 at-bats for his career (through 2002). That's not just bad, it's anemic. However he is still young and he could improve in that area. Even if he never improved his walk rate he'd still be a great player.
Still early in his career though

[PumpsieGreen]

Only Alfonso can come close to the ranking of Albert Pujols in this. His stats through the first 2 years are compared to those of Ted Williams. Joel Pinero may ber good, but he doesn't stand a chance to the St. Louis Slugger.

[PumpsieGreen]

oh yeah, and Mark Prior. Hes gonna be the best thing thats come in pitching terms on the cubs in a long, long time. i like adam dunn, but he racks up the whiffs. Kearns is looking very good, too.

Be on the lookout for rich harden!

[baseballwise]

Right on, bly! Austin Kearns blows me away....and he's on my fantasy team. WAHOO!

However, I'm really here because of Pumpsie Green. He was part of my childhood, as he played shortstop for my beloved SF Seals in their final years when the Bosox bought the team for their AAA farm club. 1956-1957. He was VERY young, highly touted, offensively and defensively talented, and the first black player in the Red Sox system. I was naive (still celebrating one-digit birthdays) and knew nothing about the racial policies of the Red Sox. Didn't learn till years later that they were the last ML organization to integrate. Shameful smear on their resume.

Anyway.....it was a pleasant surprise to see your moniker. It brought back many happy memories.

Mind if I ask why his name is your moniker? You've seen the other player monikers, and somehow Pumpsie Green never impressed me as being as well known.

[Chisox73]

Put me down for Austin Kearns,and while I'm at it,I'll throw in Reds teammate Adam Dunn.

[baseballwise]

Adam Dunn???? What's with that? He's a clumsey pooloka who gets some lucky hits.....for power....but a flash in the pan IMO.

Austin Kearns all the way!

[Sandman]

Flash in the pan :rolleyes:
Maybe this streak he is on. He's getting pitched to only because Kearns is red hot.

[sopclod]

Originally posted by baseballwise
Adam Dunn???? What's with that? He's a clumsey pooloka who gets some lucky hits.....for power....but a flash in the pan IMO.

Austin Kearns all the way!

Dunn knows how to take pitches and get on base, which is a valuable skill that tends to lead to long careers.

[baseballwise]

I'd like to see a scouting report on Dunn. IMO, he's a one-tool player...big bat for power but not necessarily for average...and he doesn't look like a guy with "baseball instincts." Know what I mean??? He doesn't run or field well...average at best.

Kearns on the other hand, has it all.

[Hammerin Hank]

Okay, so most of the guys we talked about in this thread are already superstars. Soriano, Buehrle, et al. Bobby Hill hasn't made it yet, nor has Wilkerson. Mark Prior is making some noise. This kid has a lot of hype already. I'd like to add another Cub to list and say David Kelton.

I want to hear more minor leaguers in this discussion. The kids who we never hear about on any of the sports shows.

[Steffo]

Originally posted by sopclod
Maybe Jeter will get hurt or something... ;)

I meant in the long term....

[Steffo]

The Cubs still have a few fireballers....

I know it's not what you want, but can I add Dontrelle Willis?

Hmmmm, Angel Guzman looks real nice.

[baseballwise]

Dontrelle Willis is one I'll keep an eye on for the future. There's LOTS of buzz about him in the Cubs camp and many can't understand why we didn't "hide" him rather than trade him. Time will tell.

Hope you're right about Bobby Hill!

[Sandman]

Future stars:
Aaron Heilman (ML) SP
Jose Reyes (ML) SS
Craig Brazell (AA) 1B
Danny Garcia (AAA) 2B
David Wright (AA) 3B
Justin Huber (AA) C
Bobby Keppel (AA) SP
Royce Ring (AA) CL
Scott Kazmir (A) SP

those are all of the Mets' top prospects.

[baseballwise]

We've listed several who seem outstanding. My top three are as follows:

Mark Prior
Dontrelle Willis
Austin Kearns

Yes....as you can see....I'm a NL fan and won't list AL players 'cause I don't know that much about them.

[Brannu]

Have I just traveled through a time-warp?

Funny that this was reposted because Mark Prior is my predicted come back player of the year in 2007 ... winning near 20 games again. Yep, I said it.

He hasn't lived up to "the next superstar", but ... I'm a believer.

[EvanAparra]

Soriano is a great choice. I've never seen so much power and speed in a young player who still has so much more potential. I'll be watching him throughout what should be a long and exciting career which may one day lead him into the Hall of Fame. He's the only Yankee I've ever liked. Maybe one day he'll be traded or signed by the Cubbies!

Said in 2002. Ask and you shall recieve.

[Dalkowski110]

This is a great look into the not-too-distant past. I saw Drew Henson, Hee-Seop Choi, and Damian Moss mentioned, none of whom are even playing. Makes one wonder about the current prospects/"future stars." I also saw this for the New York Mets...

"Aaron Heilman (ML) SP
Jose Reyes (ML) SS
Craig Brazell (AA) 1B
Danny Garcia (AAA) 2B
David Wright (AA) 3B
Justin Huber (AA) C
Bobby Keppel (AA) SP
Royce Ring (AA) CL
Scott Kazmir (A) SP"

Well, we all know where Reyes and Wright are. And Kazmir (unfortunately). Aaron Heilman didn't quite live up to expectations as a starter, but is a very good reliever (too bad he himself doesn't know it). Craig Brazell fizzled, and was never even projected as a regular. Danny Garcia, the first Brooklyn Cyclones player to make the Majors, also did pitifully and is just kinda floating around in pro ball. Justin Huber was picked up by the Kansas City Royals, converted to first base, and rushed to the Major Leagues. He'll probably never develop to full potential. Bobby Keppel may or may not be still playing pro baseball. IMO, Royce Ring will make a good LOOGY for the San Diego Padres. Makes ya wonder how many of the current prospects...Pelfrey, Humber, Gomez, Milledge, Guerra, Martinez, Bostick, Smith, Mulvey, Niese...are going to make it.

[Hammerin Hank]

Said in 2002. Ask and you shall recieve.

Haha! Wow, usually stuff like that doesn't come true. Too bad he never learned how to walk.

[W_Marone]

Most of the guys I saw when I glaced over it have turned into good ball players.

[CPatt44]

Justin Verlander
Prince Fielder
Jon Papelbon
Yadi Molina
Matsuzaka

[Hammerin Hank]

Garrett Atkins
Rocco Baldelli
Jason Bay
Miguel Cabrera
Matt Cain
Robinson Cano
Stephen Drew
Prince Fielder
Jeff Francoeur
Jeremy Hermida
Matt Holliday
Ryan Howard
Josh Johnson
Scott Kazmir
Francisco Liriano
Lastings Milledge
Mark Prior
Hanley Ramirez
Jose Reyes
Nick Swisher
Huston Street
Mark Teixeira
Dan Uggla
Justin Upton
Justin Verlander
Dontrelle Willis
Brandon Wood
Delmon Young
Ryan Zimmerman

[BoofBonser26]

Garrett Atkins
Rocco Baldelli
Jason Bay
Miguel Cabrera
Matt Cain
Robinson Cano
Stephen Drew
Prince Fielder
Jeff Francoeur
Jeremy Hermida
Matt Holliday
Ryan Howard
Josh Johnson
Scott Kazmir
Francisco Liriano
Lastings Milledge
Mark Prior
Hanley Ramirez
Jose Reyes
Nick Swisher
Huston Street
Mark Teixeira
Dan Uggla
Justin Upton
Justin Verlander
Dontrelle Willis
Brandon Wood
Delmon Young
Ryan Zimmerman
Well, the next superstar is on that list. But your batting average will be about .005. ;)

[billyisgone14]

The next superstar is always a hard one to call. Who had ever heard of Albert Pujols before he exploded onto the scene? What about Johan Santana going from reliable long reliever to the best pitcher in baseball? The next big superstar is going to be someone that no one expects. There's always those players drafted early and developed that have consistently good seasons throughout the careers but the next big guy will be someone that makes everyone go "Who the hell is this guy and where was he last year?" You'll find no record of him anywhere and suddenly he's the top dog somewhere. I think it's aliens really....jk but seriously some of these guys really come from obscurity and just demolish the entire league suddenly and never look back. If Pujols retires today he's in the Hall of Fame that's how good he's done in the short career...technically has he even hit his prime? God that's scary. But I have to choose a name i guess... hmmmm.... Let's go with a pitcher. He's done not much in his career so far, but the stuff this guy has blows most pitchers out of the water. If he gets the right control on all of them(basically just tone down a bit on the aggression) he's going to be a top flight guy. Daniel Cabrera. I hate the Orioles but that guy has the pure stuff and movement on his pitches to make some of the best pitchers look like little kids. Just has no control currently. He finds a way to harness those pitches, it's over.

[Erik Bedard]

Watch for the reliever Julio of the
Birds as a possible superstar in years
to come and Jay Gibbons, a lefthanded
Killebrew for the Orioles - keep an eye
on both, especially Gibbons, who has
awesome power for a young hitter!

That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it!!!
:D

Unfortunately, Julio still sucks, and Gibbons can't hit any more. :ughh

[TheKingofKings]

Player-wise:

Ryan Zimmerman (3B-WSH): As he showed us last year, he has everything anybody would want out of a 3B, Power (20 HR), Clutch (.313/90 with RISP) and Defense (.965 %). You might all think I'm Crazy to bring these statistics up but do not forget he was only 21 last season, compared to Dan Uggla (26), Mike Jacobs (25), Miguel Cabrera (23), Joe Crede (28) and Ryan Howard (26).

Let me compare Joe Crede, Miguel Cabrera and Mr. Zimmerman:

BA: .283/.339/.287
HR: 30/26/20
RBI: 94/114/110
OPS: .828/.998/.822
SB: 0/9/11
E: 10/17/15

Joe Crede: 2
Miguel Cabrera: 3
Ryan Zimmerman: 1

You can see that Crede is better defensively, probably due to experience but Zimmerman is not that far off, watch out for Zim in years to come...

[slugger33]

Player-wise:

Ryan Zimmerman (3B-WSH): As he showed us last year, he has everything anybody would want out of a 3B, Power (20 HR), Clutch (.313/90 with RISP) and Defense (.965 %). You might all think I'm Crazy to bring these statistics up but do not forget he was only 21 last season, compared to Dan Uggla (26), Mike Jacobs (25), Miguel Cabrera (23), Joe Crede (28) and Ryan Howard (26).

Let me compare Joe Crede, Miguel Cabrera and Mr. Zimmerman:

BA: .283/.339/.287
HR: 30/26/20
RBI: 94/114/110
OPS: .828/.998/.822
SB: 0/9/11
E: 10/17/15

Joe Crede: 2
Miguel Cabrera: 3
Ryan Zimmerman: 1

You can see that Crede is better defensively, probably due to experience but Zimmerman is not that far off, watch out for Zim in years to come...
I was going to say Zimmerman also.

[Jibbs67]

I think Andy Marte has a great chance at becoming a star in the league, and I predict Brian McCann to end up being one of the greatest offensive catchers ever before it's call said and done. David Wright, and Jose Reyes will be a fearsome tandem on the left side of the infield for years to come also but in many peoples heads their already stars. Ryan Zimmerman also has a bright future.

This post wouldn't be complete without including a Cub. I think lefty Rich Hill has a bright future in the league, he performed well in AAA last year and was the starter in the All Star Game for the PCL.

[EdmondsFan#1]

...................

[TheKingofKings]

Prince Fielder. Besides the obvious that were mentioned like Wright, Zimmerman, and Reyes.

I think Fielder is pretty underrated but if they have a good year like I expect them too this year I think he will get better regonized.

For him to be rated, he'd have to qualify as a ball player:

Hit
Field
Run

[Westlake]

For him to be rated, he'd have to qualify as a ball player:

Hit
Field
Run

He can run.

[Erik Bedard]

So now David Ortiz and Travis Hafner aren't baseball players?

[Centerfielder2]

A pitcher is my choice, Mark Buehrle
of the Chisox.

Watch for the reliever Julio of the
Birds as a possible superstar in years
to come and Jay Gibbons, a lefthanded
Killebrew for the Orioles - keep an eye
on both, especially Gibbons, who has
awesome power for a young hitter!

That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it!!!
:D
jay gibbons has way to long of a swing to be a superstar

[TheKingofKings]

A pitcher is my choice, Mark Buehrle
of the Chisox.

Watch for the reliever Julio of the
Birds as a possible superstar in years
to come and Jay Gibbons, a lefthanded
Killebrew for the Orioles - keep an eye
on both, especially Gibbons, who has
awesome power for a young hitter!

That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it!!!
:D

I wouldn't call a 30-year old with an insecure job the next Harmon "The Killer" Killebrew from the left-side of the plate...

[cardsfanatic]

Yadi Molina


Heh, I wouldn't hold my breath on that one. :)

Yadi is a great defensive catcher... best in the league, IMO. But his bat is so pathetic he barely breaks even. If he even does that, which is debatable.

[cardsfanatic]

If Pujols retires today he's in the Hall of Fame that's how good he's done in the short career...technically has he even hit his prime?

Pujols hits his prime this year. Although, there's no way he's a hall of famer if he retired today. Not only do I think his stats would fall short of the mark currently but he couldn't get in anyway. You have to play a minimum of 10 seasons to get into the pro baseball HOF.

Unless something tragic happened to where he quit playing because he had some kind of disease OR he was killed (god forbid either), then they might make a special exception for him. Who knows. But just on his numbers/career, there's no way he's a HOF'er right now. But he's certainly on the inside track.

[ChrisLDuncan]

Hanley Ramirez is my pick...he rightfuly won RoY and I think only Rafeal Furcal was the better SS in the NL than he was last season. This kid's a stud, he can run and he has some pop in that bat.

[cardsfanatic]

As far as the next big superstar I'm going to go with Grady Sizemore on the offensive side of the ball. My pitcher... hmmmm, I suppose I'll go with Adam Wainright.

[nolanryan5714]

:twocents:

For some reason, I will go out on a limb and say Hunter Pence. :)

I think he started 2 days before May, and he is currently hitting (with 194 AB's) .351, with 7 homers, 17 doubles, and 5 triples. He has knocked in 33 runs, and stolen 5 bases.

If Berkman isn't careful, this rookie sensation will overtake HIM in the stat department this year!

[Zagi-CRO]

Who is baseball's next superstar?

Albert Pujols who won the 2001 N.L. Rookie of the Year?

Joel Piniero who currently is 13-4 with a 3.20 ERA?

Alfonso Soriano who became the first 30-30 second baseman in only his second full season?

Or do you think that it'll somebody else?

I think Verlander, Bonderman, Peavy, Hamels, Carmona, Matsuzaka, Liriano...
and Pence, Fielder...

In the second row may be: Harris, Pedroia, Germano, Gallardo.

[holyroman]

I second the post on Hunter Pence.
I like Brandon Phillips of the Reds also

[Dodger_Ric]

I don't think I saw Alex Rios or Russel Martin on here yet.

And if I may dream, Matt Kemp and James Loney. :pray:

[oaklandman666]

I loved the Damian Moss projections. I remember he got traded to the giants in the Russ Ortiz Deal (I think) after a good 2002 campaign. What happened to Craig Brazell?

[oaklandman666]

Soriano is a great choice. I've never seen so much power and speed in a young player who still has so much more potential. I'll be watching him throughout what should be a long and exciting career which may one day lead him into the Hall of Fame. He's the only Yankee I've ever liked. Maybe one day he'll be traded or signed by the Cubbies!

yeah, imagine that happening...

[GotMelk?]

He is only in AA ball right now but I have a feeling Joba Chamberlin will be an ace along with Wang and Hughes. Joba is great he can hit 98 in the 7th inning of most of his starts. He will be a midyear call up next year.

[DodgerBlue8188]

This is an interesting thread. I like how somebody said Gagne might end up being the best closer in the next decade (said it in 2002). That could have happend if he never got hurt.