Sports Weekly's 100 Names To Know In 2008

9. Daric Barton, 1B, Athletics
Barton, 22, should open the season as the A's everyday first baseman. He has a compact stroke, but he may never hit for power. He had nine homers last season in 136 games at Class AAA Sacramento. He was impressive in his September call-up, hitting .347 while reaching base in all 18 games in which he played.

12. Colby Rasmus, OF, Cardinals
Rasmus, 21, will be given an opportunity to be the starting center fielder in place of Jim Edmonds, whom the Cardinals traded to San Diego. Rasmus, though, hasn't played above Class AA and might not reach the majors until later in the season. He has a smooth stroke and good bat speed. He's an above-average runner and takes good angles to the ball. This left-handed leadoff hitter also has the potential to hit 20 homers a year in the big leagues.

25. Shelley Duncan, OF, Yankees
The son of Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan and older brother of outfielder Chris Duncan, Shelley Duncan broke in with the Yankees in 2007 after spending seven seasons in their farm system. Duncan, who can play first base and the outfield corners, had seven home runs and a .554 slugging percentage in just 74 at-bats. With Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi slated to spend time at DH next season, the latter may wind up platooning at first base with the right-handed-hitting Duncan, 28, unless the Yankees make a trade.

33. Brendan Ryan, SS, Cardinals
Ryan will get a chance to make the team this spring as a backup infielder, but if he doesn't make it, he will start the season at Class AAA Memphis. Ryan, 25, is a shortstop by trade, but he can also play second and third base. He has some pop in his bat and his future is likely as a utility player, but the Cardinals want him to work hard and take his job more seriously.

100. Brian Barton, OF, Cardinals
Barton, 25, likely will be an extra outfielder with the Cardinals. He can play all three outfield spots, but left field is his best position. He's got power, an average arm and runs well.

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