The Baseball America Prospect Handbook 2008 is an excellent reference guide for the fantasy player who is looking for an edge when it comes to upcoming rookies and for those in deeper keeper leagues. Right on the cover is this declaration, "The Secret Weapon For Fantasy League Success."
This year's edition includes some specific information the fantasy player will find valuable. The prospect experts at BA include a Top rookie for each of the 30 major league teams. The also provide a breakout prospect and sleeper for each organization.
Here is a list of the AL top rookies according to BA. Given the January publication, some are dated and do not reflect current developments. In these cases (Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins and Oakland A's), who should be the breakout rookie?
| TM | POS | PLAYER |
|---|---|---|
| NYY | RHP | Joba Chamberlain |
| BOS | OF | Jacoby Ellsbury |
| TOR | LHP | Dave Purcey |
| TB | 3B | Evan Longoria |
| BAL | LHP | Troy Patton |
| DET | RHP | Yorman Bazardo |
| CLE | RHP | Masahide Kobayashi |
| CSX | LHP | Gio Gonzalez |
| KC | RHP | Luke Hochevar |
| MIN | RHP | Nick Blackburn |
| LAA | SS/3B | Brandon Wood |
| SEA | C | Jeff Clement |
| TEX | LHP | Luis Mendoza |
| OAK | 1B | Daric Barton |