5. Casey McGehee, Brewers (.285, 18 HRs, 73 RBI) » The third baseman finished fifth in NL rookie of the year voting last season and already has surpassed his 2009 home run and RBI totals this year.
4. Johnny Cueto, Reds (11-3, 3.38 ERA, 102 Ks) » The 24-year-old was flying under the radar until he started kicking players during Tuesday’s brawl between Cincinnati and St. Louis. Now the righty is known for the seven-game suspension he received Thursday and not for winning more than 75 percent of his decisions.
3. Delmon Young, Twins (.317, 14 HRs, 84 RBI) » The former first pick by the Rays in 2003 is excelling as a 24-year-old already in his fifth season. Minnesota’s left fielder is in the top 10 in the AL in batting average and RBI.
2. Mat Latos, Padres (12-5, 2.36 ERA, 125 Ks) » The 22-year-old leads the best pitching staff in the majors in wins, ERA and strikeouts. Latos also has a 0.995 WHIP, second only to Adam Wainwright in the NL.
1. Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies (.322, 25 HRs, 77 RBI) » Cargo leads the NL in batting average and is in the top six in the league in each triple-crown category. The 24-year-old is batting .354 with eight home runs since the All-Star break.
