More rookies to watch

Other rookies to keep an eye on in 2006.

Originally Published: February 10, 2006
By Gary Gillette | ESPN Insider
Other rookies to watch (ages in parentheses are as of July 1, 2006):

American League

Erick Aybar, Angels (22): A very fast, switch-hitting shortstop with good gap power, Aybar has hit .300 or better in each of his four pro seasons so far. He's currently competing with Brandon Wood as well as blocked by veteran Orlando Cabrera, but he's in the inside lane on the fast track.

Michael Aubrey, Indians (24): Aubrey, a port-side hitter who missed most of last year due to an injury, could replace Ben Broussard if the veteran first baseman (.792 OPS versus right-handers; .800 OPS in the second half) slips further. The Indians also have starboard-side slugger Ryan Garko waiting to get his chance, but Garko is now blocked by Eduardo Perez.


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Gary Gillette | email

ESPN.com MLB insider contributor
Gary Gillette, a contributor to MLB Insider on ESPN.com, is the editor of the 2006 ESPN Baseball Encyclopedia, which was published in March by Sterling. Gary can be reached via e-mail at GGillette@247Baseball.com.

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