Selected by the staff of Baseball America; Text by John Manuel
October 10, 2005

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2005 Rookies:
• Rookies Play Big Role In Penant Races
• Ryan Howard Clears His Own Path
• Gomes Is Pleasant Surprise In Tampa
• Huston Street Shows No Fear As Rookie Closer

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While 2005 didn’t provide a monster rookie whose performance made history, such as Mark McGwire in 1987 or Mark Fidrych in 1976, this rookie class did provide amazing depth and variety. The Braves and Athletics were among the teams that relied on such players in the pennant race, while rookies like Jonny Gomes (Devil Rays) and J.J. Hardy and Rickie Weeks (Brewers) helped ignite second-half surges for their clubs. The depth and variety were such that we went two deep with our All-Rookie Team this year.

Catcher: Brian McCann, Braves

Johnny Estrada’s injury opened the door for McCann to jump from Double-A Mississippi to the big league club. He makes the first team with roommate Jeff Francoeur due to both his solid bat and his ability to handle the Braves’ pitching staff. When veteran John Smoltz makes a rookie his personal catcher, it’s a hint the rookie can catch.

AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
.278	.345	.400	180	20	50	7	0	5	23	18	26	1

SECOND TEAM: Ryan Doumit, Pirates

AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
.255	.324	.398	231	25	59	13	1	6	35	11	48	2

First Base: Ryan Howard, Phillies

Some dismissed Howard’s amazing 2004 season, when he hit 50 homers between three levels. Others thought it was immaterial because he was blocked by Jim Thome in Philadelphia. But in 2005, Howard hit more like Thome than Thome. Good luck to the Phillies figuring out what to do with a pair of true lefthanded sluggers both limited to first base.

AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
.288	.356	.567	312	52	90	17	2	22	63	33	100	0

SECOND TEAM Mike Jacobs, Mets

AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
.310	.375	.710	100	19	31	7	0	11	23	10	22	0

Second Base: Robinson Cano, Yankees

Even though most members of the organization thought Cano was ready for prime time, the Yankees still signed Tony Womack in the offseason to play second base. Cano helped jump-start the team when recalled in May, and while he played somewhat erratic defense, Cano led all rookies in doubles and batting, among those who qualified for the batting title.

AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
.297	.320	.458	522	78	155	34	4	14	62	16	68	1

SECOND TEAM Tadahito Iguchi, White Sox

AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
.278	.342	.438	511	74	142	25	6	15	71	47	114	15

Third Base: Garrett Atkins, Rockies

As former UCLA teammate Chase Utley flourished in Philadelphia, Atkins finally got his shot in Colorado after two seasons in Triple-A. As with most Rockies hitters, he was much better at Coors Field (.339 vs. .239 on the road). Still, he played solid defense at third and led all rookies (as well as the Rockies) in RBIs.

AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
.287	.347	.426	519	62	149	31	1	13	89	45	72	0

SECOND TEAM Wilson Betemit, Braves

AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
.305	.359	.435	246	36	75	12	4	4	20	22	55	1

Shortstop: J.J. Hardy, Brewers

While Rockies rookie Clint Barmes got off to a huge start, he stumbled in his return after a broken collarbone. Hardy, on the other hand, steadily improved after getting off to a horrendous start as he came back from a shoulder injury, and he's a better defender. Hardy batted .297 with eight homers after the all-star break to help the Brewers reach .500 for the first time since 1992.

AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
.247	.327	.384	372	46	92	22	1	9	50	44	48	0

SECOND TEAM Clint Barmes, Rockies

AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
.289	.330	.434	350	55	101	19	1	10	46	16	36	6

Outfield: Jeff Francoeur, Braves

Perhaps this year's most interesting rookie, Francoeur hit a three-run homer against the Cubs in his July 7 debut and stayed scorching hot for two months. He didn’t draw his first walk (Aug. 21 against the Padres) until he had already hit 10 home runs, and while he inevitably cooled off, his bat and defense (13 assists) helped the Braves to their 14th consecutive division title.

AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
.300	.336	.549	257	41	77	20	1	14	45	11	58	3

SECOND TEAM Ryan Church, Nationals

AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
.287	.353	.466	268	41	77	15	3	9	42	24	70	3

Outfield: Jonny Gomes, Devil Rays

An 18th-round draft pick in 2001, he batted just .266 in the minors and was 3-for-29 in the majors entering 2005. His stint in Mexico last winter helped him better recognize breaking balls, however, and his improved selectivity and brute power helped him tie Nick Swisher for most home runs by an American League rookie. His bat and swagger helped turn a club with a 28-61 record at the all-star break into a winning team (39-34) in the second half.

AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
.282	.372	.534	348	61	98	13	6	21	54	39	113	9

SECOND TEAM Ryan Langerhans, Braves

AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
.267	.348	.426	326	48	87	22	3	8	42	37	75	0

Outfield: Willy Taveras, Astros

Following Carlos Beltran isn’t an easy task for any player, not to mention a rookie jumping from Double-A. Taveras, acquired from the Indians before the 2004 season, handled both tasks. He played a dynamic center field, freeing Craig Biggio for a return to the infield, and led all rookies in hits and steals. He needs to walk more and improve his baserunning savvy to maximize his speed.

AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
.291	.325	.341	592	82	172	13	4	3	29	25	103	34

SECOND TEAM Nick Swisher, Athletics

AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
.236	.322	.446	462	66	109	32	1	21	74	55	110	0

Designated Hitter: Dan Johnson, Athletics

Johnson fits the profile for a first baseman—he hits for power and controls the strike zone. He walked nearly as often as he struck out while providing Oakland’s lineup with needed punch. While the A’s surge from a 17-32 start to the brink of the playoffs fell short, a full year of Johnson should provide even more of a jolt to next season’s lineup.

AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
.275	.355	.451	375	54	103	21	0	15	58	50	52	0

SECOND TEAM Rickie Weeks, Brewers

AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
.239	.333	.394	360	56	86	13	2	13	42	40	96	15

Starting Pitcher: Joe Blanton, Athletics

The second of Oakland’s two first-round picks in the overhyped “Moneyball” draft in 2002, Blanton was one of the American League’s best pitchers in the second half, with a 2.63 ERA in 15 starts. He handled lefthanded hitters (.226 average), and his overall ERA ranked 23rd in the major leagues and was tops among rookies who qualified for the ERA title.

W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
12	12	3.53	33	33	2	0	201	178	23	67	116	.236

SECOND TEAM Zach Duke, Pirates

W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
8	2	1.81	14	14	0	0	85	79	3	23	58	.253

Starting Pitcher: Gustavo Chacin, Blue Jays

After languishing in Double-A for parts of four seasons, Chacin broke out in 2004, winning 20 games including the Eastern League playoffs. He proved last season was no fluke with a consistent rookie effort, tying for first on the Jays in wins and ranking second innings pitched.

W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
13	9	3.72	34	34	0	0	203	213	20	70	121	.274

SECOND TEAM Jeff Francis, Rockies

W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
14	12	5.68	33	33	0	0	184	228	26	70	128	.311

Starting Pitcher: Scott Kazmir, Devil Rays

Kazmir’s season is about more than strikeouts, though he led all rookies in the category and ranked ninth among all big league starters with 8.42 per nine innings, edging Randy Johnson. Like Johnson in his younger days, Kazmir still struggles with command--his 100 walks led the majors--and like Johnson, he has electric stuff. Like Johnson, he should become an ace.

W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
10	9	3.77	32	32	0	0	186	172	12	100	174	.248

SECOND TEAM Felix Hernandez, Mariners

W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
4	4	2.67	12	12	0	0	84	61	5	23	77	.203

Starting Pitcher: Chris Young, Rangers

If Ameriquest Field in Arlington is the American League’s answer to Coors Field, don’t tell Young—he was equally solid at home (4.35 ERA) and on the road (4.17). The 6-foot-10 righthander and Dallas native put his basketball career firmly in his past by being the Rangers’ No. 2 starter behind Kenny Rogers.

W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
12	7	4.26	31	31	0	0	165	162	19	45	137	.252

SECOND TEAM Ervin Santana, Angels

W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
12	8	4.65	23	23	1	0	134	139	17	47	99	.266

Relief Pitcher: Huston Street, Athletics – Baseball America’s Rookie of the Year

The third A’s rookie to make the first team was the best one of all. While his father James Street was a college football and baseball hero in Texas, Huston has built his own story. The 2002 College World Series Most Outstanding Player earned the nod as Rookie of the Year in 2005 with numbers almost identical to those of Mariano Rivera.

W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
5	1	1.72	67	0	0	23	78	53	3	26	72	.194

SECOND TEAM Jesse Crain, Twins

W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
12	5	2.71	75	0	0	1	80	61	6	29	25	.179