Top 10 New York Sports Rookies Of 2015
By Daniel Friedman
» More Columns
With all the hype surrounding Knicks rookie sensation Kristaps Porzingis, I thought it'd be apropos to take a look at the top first-years in New York sports right now. With that, let's get started:
10. Janine Weber, Riveters
The first player to sign an NWHL (National Women's Hockey League) contract, Weber was an NCAA star and has already dazzled in New York with her skill and tenacity. The points haven't really come yet for the Austrian forward, but they will.
9. Lorenzo Mauldin, Jets
Mauldin has started to establish himself as an underrated pass rusher, and has impressed recently. He was a third-round pick of the Jets (82nd overall) in the 2015 NFL draft.
8. Greg Bird, Yankees
Bird smacked 11 home runs in 46 games for the Bronx Bombers this past season, and should challenge for a regular spot in the lineup in 2016.
7. Leonard Williams, Jets
He's been subbed in and out lately, now that certain players have returned from injury, but Williams has certainly shown flashes of brilliance and has indicated that he can be a star. When he hasn't been brilliant, he's been consistently solid.
6. Oscar Lindberg, Rangers
Traded to the Blueshirts in 2011 for Ethan Werek, Lindberg has 16 points through 26 games this season. He's been versatile both with and without the puck, and has slipped into the conversation for Rookie of the Year. Perhaps we shouldn't be too surprised, since he was a second-round pick in 2010 and was the 2013 playoff MVP of the Swedish Elite League.
5. Steven Matz, Mets
Imagine growing up rooting for a team and then being asked by that same team to pitch in a World Series game. That's what Matz did this past October, and he flourished in the role. All in all, his limited work during the regular season was impressive, too. Injuries got in the way of what should've been an outstanding novice campaign.
4. Luis Severino, Yankees
Severino appeared in 11 games, going 5-3 with a 2.89 ERA and striking out 56 batters. He could be the next Yankees ace to tow the mound in the Bronx.
3. Michael Conforto, Mets
In Conforto, the Mets have found their future cornerstone at the plate. He batted and fielded well, hitting .270 through 56 contests, and should be in the lineup full-time in 2016.
2. Kristaps Porzingis, Knicks
How fun has he been to watch? After everyone and their mother-in-laws bashed the Knicks' choice of Porzingis, the Latvian wunderkind has been superb as both a shooter and rebounder. He's averaging nearly 16 points and 11 rebounds over his past five games.
1. Noah Syndergaard, Mets
"Thor" showed in 2015 that his hammer packs some serious wallop. He struck out 166 batters in 24 starts. He was fourth among all MLB pitchers in strikeouts during the postseason, whiffing 26 batters over four appearances.
