2007 was an awesome year for rookies, and we saw some great seasons outof guys who will become household names in Troy Tulowitzki, NL ROY
winner Ryan Braun, Hunter Pence, Kevin Kouzmanoff,  AL ROY winner
Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Clay Buchholz, Tim Lincecum, Alex
Gordon, Delmon Young, Justin Upton and Chris Young of the Diamonbacks.
Some of these guys will still qualify as rookie status for the 2008
season however. Officially, here’s what the book has to say about
rookie status:

Determining rookie status:

A player shall be considered a rookie unless, during a previous season
or seasons, he has (a) exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in
the Major Leagues; or (b) accumulated more than 45 days on the active
roster of a Major League club or clubs during the period of 25-player
limit (excluding time in the military service and time on the disabled
list).

Thus, a guy like Andy LaRoche of the Dodgers can still be considered a
rookie despite the fact that he played in 35 games for LA last year
with 93 at Bats. The same can be said for the Red Sox Clay Buchholz. So
here’s a look at the ones to watch in 08

Evan Longoria, 3B, Tampa Bay – The young 22 year old is just another
incredibly talented product of the Rays lack of success at the big
league level, and is projected to handle the reigns at third for the
Rays after he slugged 26 homers between AA and AAA in 07. Look for a
huge year for Longoria as he anchors the hot corner in the bigs for the
first time.

Cameron Maybin, OF, Florida – Maybin flashed tons of potential in
Motown after his mid season callup. I would suggest Detroit did it
somewhat too early. Maybin was a little inconsistent at the plate,
batting just .143 in 49 at bats. Still, his potential is incredible,
and with a chance to play everyday for a poor Marlins team, he’ll get
plenty of at bats and will have to grow up fast.

Colby Rasmus, OF, St Louis – With the departure of Jim Edmonds in the
offseason to the Padres, the door swings wide open for Rasmus, a
potential 5 tool caliber player, to claim the center fielders job at
Busch. Rasmus led the AA Texas league in homers last season, and his
defensive qualities in the outfield make him one to watch in 08.

The Cincinnati Reds – you may laugh, but the Reds have a host of young
hot shot rookies that could make it big time in the majors this year.
Let’s start with Homer Bailey, who made his big league debut June 8th
vs the Indians at Great American Ballpark. Bailey looked a little
unpolished in 07, but he was close. He suffered a touch from injury
late in the year, but the fact that he came back and went 2-0 with a
3.71 ERA in 3 September starts would suggest he’s pretty much ready for
full time duty. Jay Bruce is also another name to watch. Bruce,
currently ranked number 1 in MILB.com’s top 50 prospects for 2008,
projects as an incredible corner outfielder with power, high average
potential while boasting a great arm. The Reds first round selection
(12th overall) in 2005 slugged 26 homers last year and made the jump
from Class A ball all the way to AAA in 07, hitting .300 or better at
every level. The Reds aren’t finished yet. Joey Votto is set to be a
big star at first for a long time to come, and the lefty has tremendous
pop and can hit for average to go with it. Also look out for pitcher
Johnny Cueto, who while small, has a power arm, and some have compared
the Dominican native to a young Pedro Martinez. This all comes after
Cueto posted 170 k’s (6th in the minors in 07) with a 3.07 ERA in 28
starts last year. If all these guys make it this year, it could be a
big, promising year for Cincinnati.

Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox – While the Red Sox boast a great arm in
Clay Buchholz, who threw the 2nd no hitter of the season last year vs
the Orioles and will likely begin the year in the rotation with the arm
troubles of Curt Schilling, Ellsbury proved he could handle the center
field reigns in
Beantown. Ellsbury slugged .353 for the Sox in 33 games
and didn’t make an error. His post season average of .360, including
.438 in the World Series have more than shown the Sox that the speedy
outfielder is more than ready for full time duty at Fenway Park. Say
goodbye to Coco Crisp…

Joba Chamberlain – P, Yankees – There’s been a ton of talk about the
hard throwing Yanks righty all offseason, will he start in the pen,
will be figure in the rotation? At this point, it’s gonna be determined
in spring training, but he could end up in both at some point. What’s
for certain however, is that Chamberlain will provide entertainment
regardless of where he pitches, so look out!

Others worthy of a mention….

Kosuke Fukudome – OF, Cubs – another great export from Japan looking to make his mark in the bigs

Gio Gonzalez – P, A’s – If the A’s trade Joe Blanton, look for this
exciting young lefty, who led the minors in strikeouts in 2007, to be a
regular in the Oakland rotation

Luke Hochevar – P, Royals – The first overall pick in the 06 draft
showed he could handle himself in the majors after a september callup
in 07, and a job in the Royals rotation is his to lose this spring.

Andrew McCutchen – OF, Pirates – A five tool center fielder, McCutchen
could quite easily see a ton of time in center for the Pirates if Nyjer
Morgan and Nate McLouth can’t nail it down in 08.

UPDATE: I will add Rockies left hander Franklin Morales, who was a great callup by Colorado late last year when he posted a 3.43 ERA in 8 starts. Although he got lit up a little in the postseason, look for this flamethrowing lefty to grab the 5th starters spot in the Rockies rotation this spring!