This article is part of our Bernie on the Scene series.
Projecting playing time for rookies is risky business.
For example, last week I didn't include Wander Franco in my American League Rookies of Consequence for 2021. I really believe the Rays will give Franco another season in development. That could change if the Rays fall out of the pennant race.
Because of injury and poor performance, young pitchers often get calls to the parent club sooner than expected.
This week, I look at National League Rookies of Consequence for 2021. I'll probably omit players you think will get playing time. But I'm not going to guess and mislead my readers.
So, knowing there are probably more than these, I am including rookies I think will either have enough at-bats or innings on the mound to be considered in fantasy.
Cristian Pache, OF, Braves
Bats right
Acquired as international free agent from Dominican Republic in 2015
6-2, 215
Age 22
Cristian Pache may well be the Braves' Opening Day center fielder. The club gave him a $1.4 million bonus.
I think Pache's skills are still as raw as when I first scouted him in the 2018 Fall League. He is an outstanding defensive outfielder. But I also see him as hitting hard line drives to the gaps. I don't see him as a major home-run threat. He did, however, hit 19 homers in 2019.
Pache is athletic and continues to add depth to his frame. He has some speed, but I don't know much the Braves will want him to run.
