Jason Michael Barker

Unlike the National League, the American League does not boast a bevy of high-profile rookies who look to be thrust into starting jobs this season. There are, however, several players who could make an impact in 1998. The four players profiled here should not only begin the year as regulars for their respective clubs, but they will be counted on to contribute immediately.

Top prospects Miguel Tejada in Oakland, Tom Evans in Toronto, Ricky Leede in New York and Enrique Wilson in Cleveland are competing for starting jobs this spring, but may well begin the year in AAA.

Ben Grieve, RF, Oakland

Grieve ended the 1997 season with a blast -- a 480-foot home run off Texas lefty Darren Oliver in the final game of the season. It seemed a fitting end to an incredible 1997 campaign.

The year began for Grieve at AA Huntsville, where he hit .328 BA/.455 OBP/.610 SLG in 100 games before being called up to AAA Edmonton. Grieve proceeded to tear PCL pitching apart, hitting .426/.484/.741 over 27 incredible games. Oakland management then deemed him ready for the bigs, and the left-handed slugger did not disappoint, hitting three doubles in his major league debut.

Grieve was Oakland's regular right fielder down the stretch last season, and he looks to fill that role in 1998 and for years to come. Top contender for AL Rookie of the Year honors. Also watch teammate Miguel Tejada, a flashy shortstop who made the jump from AA last season and has been compared to Alex Rodriguez.

Todd Greene, C, Anaheim

The American League's next star catcher. After a promising AAA season in 1996 (.305/.347/.453), Greene struggled to .190/.238/.278 during his September call-up. 1997 saw him return to the minors, where he rediscovered the power that made him the third most prolific homerun hitter in NCAA history. Greene smacked 25 and slugged .727, compared to 5 and .453 in 1996. He got the call-up in July, and his second stint in the majors was much more successful than his first. Before suffering a broken wrist late in August that ended his season, he hit .290/.328/.556 with 9 home runs in just 34 games.

  Greene's offensive output and his improved defense have solidified him as Anaheim's number one catcher. His bat is productive enough that he may occasionally DH in 1998 to reduce the wear and tear of catching every day. The power is there, but he needs to work on his plate discipline in order to become an All-Star. Even if Greene doesn't improve, he'll still be one of the top catchers in the league.

Magglio Ordonez, RF, Chicago White Sox

You won't see Ordonez on most prospect lists because of his size (5'11", 170 lbs.), but this guy can flat out hit. He was named MVP of the AAA American Association last year after edging teammate Jeff Abbot for the league batting title with a .329 average. Ordonez' small frame doesn't generate home run power, but he can hit to all fields. He has an unorthodox batting stance: a crouch which places all of his weight on his back foot. He has a quick bat, however, and hopefully won't get a hitting coach who tries to change his approach. He also has a strong arm and is a capable fielder.

With Dave Martinez now in Tampa Bay, Ordonez should begin 1998 as the White Sox regular right fielder, barring a complete collapse in spring training. Like most young players, he needs to cut down on his strikeouts if he wants to succeed. If Ordonez can't fill the bill in Chicago, look for Abbot to get a shot at the job.

Ken Cloude, RHP, Seattle

After making the jump from AA to the majors last August, Cloude gave Mariner fans a glimpse of the future with a memorable debut. The hard-throwing right hander threw six perfect innings and took a no-hitter into the seventh before tiring and giving way to the bullpen. He went on to post a 5.12 ERA in 9 starts, but pitched much better than that number would indicate. Cloude held opposing batters to a .218 average, and unlike many young right handers, didn't struggle against left-handed bats, holding them to a .210 average. He showed tremendous poise last season while pitching in a pennant race.

Cloude throws a fastball which reaches the low 90's, a sinking fastball, and a decent breaking ball. He should begin the year as Seattle's fourth starter. His biggest concerns should be cutting down on the number of gopher balls he gives up (8 HR in 51 IP last year), and Lou Piniella's historically poor handling of young pitchers (see Wolcott, Bob). If Cloude can overcome Piniella, his future looks bright.

Jason Michael Barker is a wizard with the leather, and can even use a baseball glove on occasion. He can be castigated or showered with accolades at jmb@strikethree.com.

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