It appears that major league baseball clubs are beginning to make a strong push towards youth, which is appare.  Many of the bad teams are beginning to realize that over-paying one average veteran really isn’t helping them be competitive.  Teams like Kansas City, Texas, Minnesota, Colorado, Cincinatti, and Pittsburgh all look to be committed to a youth movement.  Some teams, like Baltimore, Houston, San Diego, and Seattle may choose to fully commit to the youth movement, if they decide to off-load their remaining good veterans for prospects.

With more teams willing to give young players a shot, look for a lot of rookie turnover in 2009.  Most rookies will have short leashes, as clubs try to find those potential hidden gems like C Teagarden (TEX), 3B/1B Chris Davis (TEX), and 2B Aviles (KC).  None of the second half rookie sensations are are likely to be as successful in 2009, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see one or more of them back in the minors sometime after June.

When looking for this year’s crop of potential rookies, look for teams that will have potential opportunites for young players to surface.  There are two outfielders in Colorado that may not start the season with the Rockies, but have a good shot at getting regular at-bats by June.  Florida has a possible opening at First Base and/or Third, if their current patches start off slow.  Pittsburgh will have open competitions at 3B, OF, and perhaps SS (if they can trade Jack Wilson). 

Some rookies have already been hyped by the main fantasy baseball publications, so don’t count on getting these guys at a discount or too late in the draft:

1. C Matt Weiters (BAL) – This year’s Geovany Soto.
2. C Taylor Teagarden (TEX) – After hitting.319 with 6 HR in 47 AB’s last September, I am sure he will get a lot of attention on draft day.
3. SS Jed Lowrie (BOS) – Looks like they are going to give him a shot. 
4. SP Jhoulys Chacin (COL) – 2008 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, but I wouldn’t expect an ERA below 4.00 on any pitcher in Denver.
5. OF Matt LaPorta (CLE) – Cleveland wants to show off their prize pickup from the CC Sabathia deal.
6. OF Cameron Maybin (FLA) – Was hot in 2008, but has a better shot to play in 2009, now that the Marlins dumped some of their hitters.
7. SP Neftali Perez (TEX) – Texas hopes he the next Edison Volquez...
8. SP Gio Gonzalez (OAK) – He may do begin living up to expectations in 2009.

Here is a list of the players that may be drafted as a reserve or even go undrafted, that could make an impact for your 2009 fantasy baseball season:

1. 3B Pedro Alvarez (PIT) – I’m sure someone will draft him, hoping that he will be this year’s Evan Longoria.
2. SP Chris Tillman (BAL) – One of the key reason’s why the Orioles shipped Bedard to Seattle.  He may be called up in June to give the Baltimore fans hope for 2010.
3. OF Dexter Fowler (COL) – The Rockies had a plan when they decided to trade Matt Holliday, and Fowler may be an integral part of it.
4. OF Eric Young Jr (COL) – After a fantastic Arizona Fall League performance, Eric Young Jr will likely get a long look at Spring Training.
5. SP Tim Alderson (SF) – With Randy Johnson and Barry Zito at the back of their rotation, expect a few rookie pitchers to be used by San Francisco in 2009.
6. OF Andrew McCutchen (PIT) – A lot of teams seem to have a glut of outfielders.  Until someone outshines the others, no one is truly safe.  McCutchen could steal 30 SB if he is starting by the beginning of June. 
7. SP Brett Anderson (OAK) - Anderson was one of the key components of the Dan Haren trade. 
8. 3B Matt Gamel (MIL) - If Billy Hall and other veterans continue to deteriorate, Gamel may get a chance to play some 3B for the Brewers in 2009.
9. SP James McDonald (LA) – With the Dodgers losing Penny and Lowe to free agency, they will likely look to their best minor league pitcher for some help.
10. SS Alcides Escobar (MIL) – If Rickie Weeks struggles or hits the disabled list (what is the chance of that happening, 85%?), then maybe the brewers will move Escobar to second base for a while until they decide if they want Hardy after 2009…
11. SP Carlos Carrasco (PHI) -  The Phillies don’t have many sure things after Cole Hamels in the rotation, so Carrasco could make an appearance in June or July.
12. SP Jonathon Neise (NYM) – The mets will likely need a spot starter during the season, and Neise will likely get the call..
13. SP Brett Cecil (TOR) – The loss of Burnett and the injury prone remains of the Toronto staff will likely mean Cecil gets a shot in 2009.
14. OF Colby Rasmus (STL) –After an injury plagued 2008, he won’t be in St Louis before June, unless the Cardinals suffer through a lot of outfield injuries.
15. SS Elvis Andrus (TEX) – With Texas rebuilding, they may try to trade Michael Young for prospects.  And don’t discount the possibility of an injury opening up some playing time for this speedy lead-off hitter.