ProSoccerTalk’s preseason picks for: Rookie of the Year

ProSoccerTalk’s Noah Davis says …

Walker Zimmerman

I’m gonna go out on a limb and say Walker Zimmerman takes home the award. The biggest reason is the Draft Day slight that saw him fall from a potential No. 1 pick to No. 7. Professional athletes need motivation during the dog days of summer and the times when they don’t fell like picking up another weight or running another sprint and there are few motivating factors better than plummeting on draft day.

I’m already on record saying Zimmerman will have the best career of the 2013 SuperDraft class, and I think he’ll start in 2013. The big question, of course, is playing time with Matt Hedges, George John, and Ugo (though still injured) presumably ahead of him on the FC Dallas center back depth chart. But if Zimmerman can find the field, and I think he will, he’ll be the second-straight center back to take home the hardware.

ProSoccerTalk’s Richard Farley says … Andrew Farrell

Like possession to the law, playing time is becoming nine-tenths of this award. That, along with his talent, is why I’m going with New England’s Farrell, though I’ll admit this is as much process of elimination as my affinity for his skills. There aren’t a lot of new faces that project to get as much playing time as Farrell (pictured, above). I suppose I could get creative and project an unexpected breakout, but Farrell’s a talented guy that will likely play from day one. His positional versatility doesn’t hurt.

I’ll take the easy choice and hope it’s the right one.

(MORE: full roster of ProSoccerTalk’s Major League Soccer previews and predictions)

ProSoccerTalk’s Steve Davis says … Andrew Farrell

It’s so hard to watch Andrew Farrell and not be impressed. As I’ve said before, he just looks like a guy who has been policing an MLS back line for years. The guy’s composure on the ball and the ability to start the attack from the back looks nothing like a fellow fresh out of college, one about to land his first professional minutes.

I will say that Revolution manager Jay Heaps can help by getting Farrell comfortable in one position, whether that’s right back, center back or holding midfielder. If I’m guessing, he’ll wind up at center back. I’m telling you, the guy looks like a center back – and a classy one. He’ll get playing time, and I’m betting he’ll get the award.