Great Talent in Baseball’s 2012 Rookie Class

Remember those cool little trophies that Topps has put on baseball cards of the previous year’s best rookies? The card company began the practice in 1960 honoring the best rookies from 1959 — a group that included the likes of Pumpsie Green and Hall of Famer Willie McCovey.


Since that time, Topps has forsaken the trophies in a few years, but has continued to select an All-Rookie Team. Topps usually honors eight position players and two pitchers, one right-handed, one lefty. We prefer four starters and a closer.

Here’s our lineup of the top 2012 rookies we believe will be honored by Topps at the end of the season. Some are still in the minors, but you will know their names by the end of the summer.

Catcher: Hector Sanchez, San Francisco

First Base: Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs

Second Base: Freddy Galvis, Philadelphia

Third Base: Nolan Arenado, Colorado

Shortstop: Tyler Pastornicky, Atlanta

Outfield: Yoenis Cespedes, Oakland; Bryce Harper, Washington; Brett Jackson, Chicago Cubs

Designated Hitter: Jesus Montero, Seattle

Starting Pitcher: Yu Darvish, Texas; Matt Moore, Tampa Bay; Tom Milone, Oakland; Manny Banuelos, N.Y. Yankees

Relief Pitcher: Hector Santiago, Chicago White Sox