It’s that time of year again where yours truly sits back and just waits…  I hope for the boys of summer to return to the field as soon as possible. We look for the signs. Baseball fans know what I’m talking about. It’s the snow melting in the midwest. The Gloves popping in local parks. We listen to hear the sounds of America’s game during the summer as the sun begins to set.

Until then, we stare at fantasy previews for the 2009 season. Wondering, “Who would be a better pick? Victor Martinez or Brian McCann? ” We think of the 2008 season and wonder, “Is Cliff Lee really someone to take in the upper echelon of pitchers?”  Jay Bruce shines in our mind as Cincinatti’s kid. We sit, we wait for catchers and pitchers to report speculating that this season, unlike the last, will be a success for our favorite team.

There is one thing we can do until then. Think fantasy baseball! With that, Let’s take a look at some rookies, who will have a major impact in 2009.

Matt Wieters, C Baltimore Orioles- Wieters is the clear cut favorite to be a force on fantasy teams. According to Baltimore Sun writer Jeff Zrebiec, the Orioles will start him in AAA, unless he has a scorching spring training. The way he is tearing up every single league he plays in though, he could be called up by mid to late April. I see a lot of fantasy owners taking him in later rounds as a backup catcher.

Matt LaPorta, OF Cleveland Indians- LaPorta is another sexy rookie in 2009 because of his power production. LaPorta will be invited to spring training and could play some first base as well. It seems that he will start off in AAA, but if one outfielder struggles, he could be the first person called up. Considering Franklyn Guitierez has been dealt, that only leaves Grady Sizemore, Ben Fransisco, Shin-Soo Choo, and David Dellucchi in the outfield. The Indians are high on Choo and Fransisco. We all know what Sizemore can do. LaPorta’s path might be tougher than people think.  

Dexter Fowler, CF Colorado Rockies- This rookie could be just what the Rockies ordered. With speed demon Wily Tavaras not returning to the squad, It seems almost inevitable that Fowler will take over his spot. One of Colorado’s best prospects, Fowler hit .335 with AA Tulsa and had 20 stolen bases. He did struggle in a call up last season, but could still stick with a really hot spring training. Alongside Carlos Gonzalez and Brad Hawpe, this outfield could be a great pairing for years to come.

David Price, SP Tampa Rays- This is a major duh isn’t it. Price showed in the post-season what makes him so valuable. He has the stuff to purely dominate hitters, and it will show in 2009. Enough Said.

Andrew McCutchen, OF Pittsburgh Pirates- McCutchen has made his way to the majors it seems, after the Pirates have put him through every minor league system. McCutchen has the ability to steal bases in the double digits and could have a power impact like teammate Nate McLouth did last season.  It seems he will be starting from day one of the 2009 season.

Ryan Perry, RP Detroit Tigers- The Fireballer has been invited to spring training by the Tigers, and could make the roster with a really good March. If Brandon Lyon has any trouble closing down the door, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Perry in the closers role by the all-star break. Detroit has had him on the fast track since coming to Detroit from Arizona in the 08 draft. He could also be valuable in holds leagues if Fernando Rodney or Joel Zumaya struggle.

Mat Gamel, 3B Milwaukee Brewers- Without Russ Branyan, and with Bill Hall only being successful against righties, Gamel almost seems like a sure bet to get some playing time in the cheese state. The Brew crew are also high on Joe Nelson and Alicides Escobar, but Gamel projects the best fantasy wise. I wouldn’t advise you to draft this youngster, but keep a look out for him. He has quite the power potential.

Elvis Andrus, SS Texas Rangers- He is the future of the Rangers. They really like his composure defensively and patience at the plate. So much, that they have talked and will most likley move gold glover Micheal Young to third base. Andrus will add steals and walks, but might have a hard time maintaining a major league average. At a weak position, he might  be a nice backup, but he isn’t like Michael Bourn who accumulated so many steals that he was valuable.

Clayton Richard, SP Chicago White Sox- Richard just barely qualifies for rookie status, but the lefty seems to have the inside track to the number five spot in Chicago. Pitching coach Don Cooper seems to think that it is Richard’s job to lose. Another name to look out for is top prospect Aaron Poreda, who could come in and sweep the spot away. Currently the fourth spot of the rotation is projected to injury proned Bartolo Colon. So Poreda becomes a nice target as well.

Cameron Maybin, OF Florida Marlins- Considered the best five tool outfielder from the 2005 draft class, Maybin seems poised to make a big impact in 2009. After being severely overmatched as a Detroit Tiger rookie, Maybin held strong in his only 8 games with the Marlins last season. He hit safely in 7 of them, while stealing four bases. It seems that Maybin will be in center field when the season starts. I like his extreme power potential and ability to steal bases. He is my early pick for National League rookie of the year.