Scouting the American League Division Series’ Rookies – The ALDS match-ups are all set and start tonight. The Kansas City Royals (95-67) face-off against the Houston Astros (86-76) and the Toronto Blue Jays (93-69) will play the Texas Rangers (88-74). The Toronto Blue Jays are ending the longest playoff drought of any team from all four major sports.
Here is a look at some of the rookies who made the post-season rosters of their respective teams as well as a listing of a few of their key 2015 baseball cards, if applicable. Some players have 2015 autographed cards other do not and are designated as such below.
Scouting the American League Division Series’ 2015 Rookies – Texas Rangers
Keone Kela – Pitcher
Kela made his major league debut on April 7th of this year. He appeared in 68 relief appearances this season. He posted a record of 7-5 with a 2.39 ERA. He struck out 68 and walked 18. he held opponents to a .232 batting average and posted a WHIP of 1.16.
Key 2015 Cards: 2015 Bowman Chrome Base and Refractors
Delino DeShields – Left Field
The young outfielder with a MLB pedigree has been a highly touted prospect since being in the first round of the 2010 MLB Draft as the 8th overall pick. DeShields made his big league debut on April 8th of this year. He finished the season with a .261 batting average, 111 hits, 83 runs scored and 25 stolen bases.
Key 2015 Cards: 2015 Bowman Chrome Base/Refractors, 2015 Topps Heritage High Numbers
Scouting the American League Division Series’ 2015 Rookies – Toronto Blue Jays
Roberto Osuna – Pitcher
Osuna was signed as an International Free Agent out of Mexico in 2011. He made his first major league appearance on April 8th of this year. In 68 appearances the fire-baller threw 75 strikeouts versus just 16 walks and a 2.58 ERA. He held opponents to a .191 batting average and a remarkable WHIP of .92.
Key 2015 Autograph Cards: Topps Heritage High Number, Panini Immaculate Baseball, Topps Supreme Baseball
Scouting the American League Division Series’ 2015 Rookies – Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are hitting their collective prime. The team began a rebuilding process several years ago that includes key players like Alex Gordon, Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas. This year’s roster doesn’t include any rookie call-ups.
Scouting the American League Division Series’ 2015 Rookies – Houston Astros
Carlos Correa – SS
Baseball fans and collectors alike have been loving Correa this year. Since making his debut, June 8th he has racked-up an impressive stat line. The former number one overall draft pick in 2012 finished the season hitting .279 with 22 home runs, 68 RB and 14 stolen bases.
Key 2015 Autograph Cards: Topps Heritage High Number, Panini Immaculate Baseball
Preston Tucker – LF
Tucker was also selected by the Astros in the same year as Correa (2012) although much later (219th overall). Who would have known at the time that the two young prospects would contribute so significantly to the Astro’s post-season fortune. Since being called-up on May 7th, he has tallied 13 home runs, 33 RBI, and 35 runs scored.
Tucker has no autographed cards from 2015 Topps products to date but that could change quickly. Look for him in 2015 Topps Update, most likely. However, he does have some nice cards in Topps Heritage High Number and Bowman Chrome.
Key 2015 Autograph Cards: N/A to Date
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