Last season was a disappointing one for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Top prospect Pedro Alvarez fell apart. Injuries knocked out key players, forcing the Pirates to dig deep into the minor leagues for replacements. Overall, Pittsburgh scored fewer runs than nearly any team in the MLB.
A new calendar year grants the Buccos an opportunity to start fresh.
Every year, some MLB rookies fold under pressure and others look like they are ten-year veterans. Sometimes the successes become perennial stars, while others disappear into the shadows.
This list of rookie seasons are the cream of the crop from the last decade. Most of the players featured on this list are still stars today, while others have had their struggles.
These are the top fifteen rookie seasons of the 2000s.