Opening Day approacheth: Here are 10 talented names you need to know
10 names to know before the season begins
You know about Yasiel Puig's arm, Mike Trout's leaping/hugging abilities and the prodigious power of Giancarlo Stanton. And although he's never had a Major League at-bat, you've probably heard of Kris Bryant. I mean, there's even a book about his life:
But there are also some interesting, talented players who you may not have heard of yet. Here are 10 names to look out for in 2015.
Daniel Norris, Blue Jays
Norris is probably most interesting to Toronto for his 2-0 spring record, 2.41 ERA and 1.071 WHIP. He's most interesting to us because of his obsession with Jack Johnson and the fact that he lives in a van down by the river.
Taijuan Walker, Mariners
Although he hasn't officially been named to Seattle's starting rotation yet, the 22-year-old seems like a shoo-in following his incredible Cactus League performance. He's allowed one run over 25 innings in seven games. Dirty, filthy, disgustingess doesn't even begin to describe his repertoire.
Joc Pederson, Dodgers
Hidden beneath the Kris Bryant hoopla and other Dodgers stalwarts is young Joc. The outfielder has slugged six home runs this spring and slashed at a .389/.421/.796 rate. His teammates are excited from him to begin the season with the big club both for his power and his coffee-delivery abilities:
Jung Ho Kang, Pirates
The Korean infielder hasn't had a great spring -- hitting .171 with two homers and four RBIs. But he has showed some signs of improvement as of late and will be on the Opening Day roster come April 6. Let's hope he can bring some of his 40-homer, Ho-Bros magic to Pittsburgh this year:
Jorge Soler, Cubs
The Cuban slugger impressed with his power last September and, after a great spring, looks to be a prime candidate for the two-spot in the batting order:
Not a bad addition to a roster that will, at some point, also include Bryant, Javier Baez, Anthony Rizzo, Addison Russell, Starlin Castro and Jon Lester. Plus, fans can yell "SOLER POWER!" every time he hits a home run (or not).
Mookie Betts, Red Sox
Yes, there's a guy named "Mookie" that could star for the Red Sox this season. He's slashed an incredible .452/.477/.857 in 42 March at-bats and looks poised to begin the season as the team's starting center fielder. He's clutch at the plate and on the defensive side of the ball:
Dalton Pompey, Blue Jays
Pompey got called up to the big club at the end of last year, and now, after a spring in which he's hit .327/.364/.519 in 52 at-bats, the 22-year-old looks primed to take over a starting outfield position for the Jays. Scouts also believe he may be the second coming of Roman military leader Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, aka, "Pompey the Great." His conquering of King Felix helps support this theory:
Rusney Castillo, Red Sox
The Cuban outfielder played like a superstar when he came up with Boston at the end of last season -- hitting two homers and slashing at a .333/.400/.528 rate over 10 games. His injury-shortened spring has also been a sight to behold:
Castillo is competing for the starting right-field job with Shane Victorino. Victorino definitely has his work cut out for him.
Pat Venditte, A's
After spending seven years in the Yankees' Minor League system, the 29-year-old Venditte has put together a strong spring for the A's. We're hoping he makes the team, partly because we like when players make the team, but mostly because he pitches with both hands:
Burt Reynolds, Mariners
His name is Burt Reynolds. He's hitting 1.000 this spring (one triple in one at-bat) and he's also Robinson Cano's cousin. We're pretty sure he's not going to be on the M's Opening Day roster, but still, HIS NAME IS BURT REYNOLDS.