2013 Season Preview: Rookies

The 2012 rookie class was one of  better ones in recent years with players such as Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Yeonis Cespedes, Manny Machado and Japanese import Yu Darvish. The 2013 may not have the star power from the previous year, but it should be quite talented.  Here is some players who could become household names or have an impact on their respected ball clubs.

2013 Topps

Rangers shortstop Jurickson Profar is considered to be the top prospect of baseball.  The 20 year old made his major league debut last season.  He showed the Rangers he belonged by hitting a home run in his first major league at bat. The problem with Profar is where to play him. Right now, Texas is set with Elvis Andrus at shortstop and Ian Kinsler at second base.
Will Myers is an outfielder for Tampa Bay Rays and was the key component in the trade for James Shields from the Kansas City Royals.  He has the tools to become a future all star and has put up impressive stats in minor leagues. He should be close to major league ready and Tampa has an opening with the departure of B.J. Upton.

A couple starting pitchers who made their major league debuts in 2012 and still retain rookie status for this upcoming season are Baltimore's Dylan Bundy and St. Louis' Shelby Miller.  Both have top of the rotation stuff and is very close to being ready for a spot in a big league rotation.  It is a matter of having an opportunity for both them, and Miller seems to have more of one with the injury to Chris Carpenter and loss of Kyle Lohse,
The Cardinals also have a big time talent in the OF with Oscar Taveras.  The 20 year old has power and speed and is still harnessing his talents for the big leagues. The Cardinals can be patient with him as they have an OF of Carlos Beltran, Matt Holliday and Jon Jay.
The Detroit Tigers have a couple outfielders who they are high on:  Avisail Garcia and converted 3B Nick Castelllanos.  Both have power from the right side of the plate that could compliment lefty Andy Dirks in a platoon situation. They are still quite young and need every day at bats and may start in Triple A Toledo. Another reason they may start in minors is Jeff Kobernus. He is a Rule 5 draftee and must be on the big league roster or will be returned to his original team. Kobernus is a righty who could play both OF and 2B and has plenty of speed. He could be 2013's version of Quinten Berry for the Tigers.
Speaking of speed, no one in the minors has more than Billy Hamilton of the Reds.  He set a minor league record 155 stolen bases in 132 games. He is still very raw and has no power. Reds have made him into an OF from SS, which should help him make the big league roster sooner.
Pittsburgh has a couple top draft picks who are about major league ready in pitchers Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon. They are not quite ready for a spot in the rotation, but by the end of year, they could be help out the Pirates.
These are some of the names to look out for during the 2013 major league season.  Most of them may not make their big league club right of spring training, but could have a big impact on pennant races.  Don't be upset with your favorite team if they do start in the majors. Remember both Mike Trout and Bryce Harper both started the season in the minors and end up winning the Rookie of the Year awards.