Who will be this year's Adrian Beltre? Brad Lidge? Or Jake Peavy?
Craig Monroe could be huge this year. I meant to get him but, doh! He is off to a tremendous start this spring and he has looked good in center field. Look for him to take the starting job and never look back.
Everyone is high on Jeremy Bonderman, but I like the looks of Erik Bedard. He's on a high powered offensive team and the lefty is on fire in spring training (as was Ryan Vogelsong last spring, lol).
If he stays healthy, Jose Reyes will be a beast.
Brandon Webb hasn't been walking hitters this spring.
All young Willy Taveras needs is a chance to play. The Astros outfielder wannabe had 55 SBs in 105 minor league games last year along with a .320+ avg. He's currently hitting .300 this spring with 7 SBs.
It seems that everyone knows that Jerry Hairston should be the lead-off man for the Cubs. Everyone, except for Dusty Baker. Once Baker realizes that Hairston is a legit lead-off hitter, he will run with it. Given 450+ ABs, Hairston could reach 35+ SBs. Not too shabby.
Take your pick of the up and coming hitters on the Rangers and Rockies.
This will be AJ Burnett's second season since Tommy John surgery. He posted nice numbers in the second half of -04, suggesting he may finally be healthy. While Josh Beckett is the "sexy" name on the staff (in large part due to his dominating -03 WS), Burnett could actually be the better pitcher of the 2.
And finally, what's not to like about Rich Harden? Tim Hudson was asked last season during a "Budweiser Hotseat" session, "who is the most talented pitcher on the A's?" Without hesitation he said Harden. Harden's second half of -04 offered a glimpse of what he can become. If he learns to have confidence in his fastball and just pound hitters on the corners, this kid will have a huge year.