Rookies expected to play key roles

Pirates outfielder Jason Bay is listed as a player to watch this season.
By DENNIS WASZAK Jr.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Several highly touted rookies are starting for major league teams this season, and many others are expected to play significant roles. Two of Japan's biggest imports are also part of this year's promising rookie class.
In Minnesota, the Twins were so confident in Joe Mauer's abilities that they traded All-Star catcher A.J. Pierzynski and made the 2001 No. 1 draft pick his replacement -- before spring training even began.
"If you ever were going to teach a kid how to swing, you'd want a videotape of him," Twins batting coach Scott Ullger said about the 20-year-old Mauer.
Crosby at shortstop
Bobby Crosby is taking over as Oakland's shortstop, replacing 2002 American League MVP Miguel Tejada. Tejada, who averaged more than 30 homers and 100 RBIs during the past four years, signed with Baltimore in the off-season.
"I know I have the potential to hit home runs," Crosby said. "But this year, I'm not going to try to do it. I want to just try to hit doubles, triples and let the homers come."
Two other rookie shortstops being counted on this spring are San Diego's Khalil Greene, who won the Golden Spikes Award as college baseball's top player just two years ago, and Kazuo Matsui of the New York Mets, a seven-time All-Star and former MVP in Japan.
Shingo Takatsu, Matsui's fellow countryman, is Japan's career saves leader and could be a key member of the Chicago White Sox's bullpen.
Top rookies
Here's a look at some of this year's top rookies:
UJason Bay, OF, Pirates: Acquired from San Diego last August, Bay is expected to hit for power and average as Pittsburgh's starting left fielder. In a game last September, he homered twice and had eight RBIs -- the most by a Pirates player in 53 years. Still recovering from an off-season shoulder operation, Bay will start the season on the DL.
UChad Cordero, RHP, Expos: The 20th selection out of Cal State Fullerton in last year's draft breezed through the minors and earned a September call-up, going 1-0 with a save and 1.64 ERA for Montreal. With his nasty slider and fastball, he'll be a setup man to Rocky Biddle to start the season but could be the closer by the end.
UBobby Crosby, SS, Athletics: The son of former major leaguer Ed Crosby might not hit quite like Miguel Tejada, but he's a solid hitter with above-average defensive skills. He had an outstanding spring after hitting .308 with 22 homers and 90 RBIs at Triple-A Sacramento last season.
UKhalil Greene, SS, Padres: He had such an impressive spring at the plate and in the field that former Gold Glove winner Rey Ordonez left camp, effectively handing the starting shortstop job to Greene.
UEdwin Jackson, RHP, Dodgers: The 20-year-old Jackson showed flashes of brilliance with his upper-90s fastball in four games with Los Angeles last season, going 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA. A rough spring might result in some fine-tuning in the minors.
UAdam LaRoche, 1B, Braves: The smooth-fielding LaRoche will start the season splitting time with 45-year-old Julio Franco, but is Atlanta's first baseman of the future. The son of former All-Star reliever Dave LaRoche is a line-drive hitter who's expected to develop more power.
Young talent
UKazuo Matsui, SS, Mets: New York signed "Little Matsui" to a three-year, $20 million deal, and his defensive abilities are so respected, the Mets moved their supposed shortstop of the future -- Jose Reyes -- to second base. Matsui struggled in spring training, but is expected to provide a speedy presence at the top of the Mets' lineup.
UJoe Mauer, C, Twins: Raised in St. Paul, Minn., Mauer has the pressure of jumping from Double-A to playing in front of his hometown fans -- and the hype of being the most heralded young catcher in years. With a solid spring, he's already shown he's up to the task with his smooth left-handed stroke and veteran-like poise behind the plate.
UMatt Riley, LHP, Orioles: Once known more for his wildness off the field, Riley has matured since he made his major league debut in 1999. He missed the entire 2001 season after Tommy John surgery, but has fully recovered. Riley went 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in two starts with Baltimore last season.
UShingo Takatsu, RHP, White Sox: Japan's career leader with 260 saves will be a setup man, but could move into the closer's role if Billy Koch falters. The 35-year-old sidearmer was called "Mr. Zero" because he didn't allow a run in 10 Japan Series games.
URyan Wagner, RHP, Reds: The 14th overall pick out of the University of Houston was the first from last June's draft to reach the majors, and went 2-0 with a 1.66 ERA in 21 2-3 innings. Cincinnati's future closer has a lively fastball, and his wicked slider has already made major leaguers look foolish.
Others
Other rookies who could see significant playing time this season include: right-handers Zack Greinke (Royals), Chin-Hui Tsao (Rockies) and Doug Waechter (Devil Rays); left-handers Sean Burnett (Pirates) and Brandon Claussen (Reds); infielders Aaron Miles (Rockies), B.J. Upton (Devil Rays) and Rickie Weeks (Brewers); and outfielders Jason Lane (Astros) and Terrmel Sledge (Expos).