TOP 10 YOUNG PLAYERS 1. Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves – The Braves youngster won Rookie of the Year in 2011 and set a rookie saves record with 45 saves. If that’s what he can do in his first year on the job… 2. Yu Darvish, Texas Rangers – The Rangers dished out more than $110 million to sign Darvish. First, the Rangers had to pay about $51 million to his Japanese team, the Nippon Ham Fighters, just to negotiate with him. Then they settled on a $60 million, six-year deal. Considering pitching expert Nolan Ryan has final say on all Rangers signings, Darvish must be good. Last year, he finished with a 1.44 ERA and had a Japanese career ERA of 1.72. 3. Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals – It will be interesting to see how quickly Harper continues to move up through the Nationals minor league system. The No. 1 pick of the Read More

TOP 10 RELIEVERS 1. Mariano Rivera, N.Y. Yankees – Still the best closer in baseball, despite being 42 years old. Rivera has amassed 603 career saves and last season finished second in the American League with 45. He has finished with a sub-2.00 ERA the past four seasons. 2. Jonny Venters, Atlanta Braves – Despite not being his team’s closer, Venters might be the game’s most dominating reliever. He throws a mid-90’s fastball with wicked movement to go along with his knee buckling slider leaving many helpless in the batter’s box. In his first two seasons as a big-leaguer, Venters struck out 189 batters, pitched 171 innings, and gave up only three homers. 3. Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves – The 23-year-old is the only one standing in the way of Venters being the Braves full-time closer. If you can believe it, Kimbrel’s fastball is both harder (high 90‘s) and has more movement than Read More

TOP 10 STARTING PITCHERS 1. Justin Verlander (RHP), Detroit Tigers – Won the American League Cy Young by winning pitching’s Triple Crown (24-5 record, 2.40 ERA, 250 Ks) and will be relied on to help Detroit to the World Series. 2. Clayton Kershaw (LHP), L.A. Dodgers – Like Verlander, Kershaw won the Cy Young (in the National League) after winning pitching’s Triple Crown (21-5 record, 2.28 ERA, 248 Ks). History is on his side to have a similar season. 3. Roy Halladay (RHP), Philadelphia Phillies – In most years, Halladay’s numbers (19-6 record, 2.35 ERA, 220 Ks) would have made him a lock to win the Cy Young. Look for more greatness this season. 4. Cliff Lee (LHP), Philadelphia Phillies – The other half of Philadelphia’s dynamic duo, Lee was impressive again last season (17-8 record, 2.40 ERA, 238 Ks) and hopes he and Halladay can carry the Phillies to the World Series after Read More

TOP 10 HITTERS 1. Matt Kemp, L.A. Dodgers – Many thought Kemp should have been the National League MVP after taking two-thirds of the triple crown (39 HRs, 126 RBIs) and finishing third in hitting (.324), so the chip on his shoulder will be noticeable as he tries to become the first 50-50 player (50 HRs, 50 stolen bases) in MLB history. 2. Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers – The controversial choice as NL MVP, he didn’t lead any of the big three categories (HR, RBI, BA), but he did hit .332, 33 HRs, and produce 111 RBIs, 109 runs and 33 stolen bases. However, with the alleged drug use that came out this past offseason, this could be a tough season. 3. Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers – If Cabrera can duplicate his numbers from last season (30 HRs, 105 RBIs, 111 runs scored and a career-best .344), he and newly acquired star Prince Read More

TOP 10 ACQUISITIONS 1. Albert Pujols, L.A. Angels – Biggest acquisition in recent years, for any team. 2. Prince Fielder, Detroit Tigers – Returning to the city where he watched his father play and give Detroit fans hope again. 3. C.J. Wilson, L.A. Angels – The combination of Pujols and Wilson could be what Angels need to win it all. 4. Carlos Beltran, St. Louis Cardinals – Can he replace production of Pujols? Likely not, but having Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday in the lineup make it possible. 5. Brad Lidge, Washington Nationals – Some may question Lidge’s place on this list, but if you remember the Lidge from 2008 (41 saves in 41 save opportunities in the regular season and 7-for-7 in the playoffs), and you consider his numbers from last year (1.40 ERA as a set-up man) you’ll understand. 6. Yu Darvish, Texas Rangers  – Could be another bust from Japan, but his numbers Read More

TOP 10 MOST INTERESTING PEOPLE 1. Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants – This generation’s Yogi Berra. Wilson is often over the top with everything he says or does – wearing a tuxedo leotard at the ESPY’s, giving a beat down to water coolers in the dugout after a blown save, or telling Jim Rome in a live interview that he has ninja skills. 2. Ozzie Guillen, Miami Marlins – You never know what this man will say, but you don’t want to miss it. Either on Twitter, or in front of a camera. 3. Kevin Millar, Baseball TV Personality – Co-host of MLB Network’s Intentional Talk has baseball’s best TV segment in “Got Heem!” A term originated by interesting man No. 1, Brian Wilson. 4.Bobby Valentine, Boston Red Sox – Back in the MLB, after a stint managing in Japan and on ESPN, to manage the high-profile Red Sox. He’s already begun taking shots Read More

TOP 10 ACQUISITIONS 1. Albert Pujols, L.A. Angels – Biggest acquisition in recent years, for any team. 2. Prince Fielder, Detroit Tigers – Returning to the city where he watched his father play and give Detroit fans hope again. 3. C.J. Wilson, L.A. Angels – The combination of Pujols and Wilson could be what Angels need to win it all. 4. Carlos Beltran, St. Louis Cardinals – Can he replace production of Pujols? Likely not, but having Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday in the lineup make it possible. 5. Brad Lidge, Washington Nationals – Some may question Lidge’s place on this list, but if you remember the Lidge from 2008 (41 saves in 41 save opportunities in the regular season and 7-for-7 in the playoffs), and you consider his numbers from last year (1.40 ERA as a set-up man) you’ll understand. 6. Yu Darvish, Texas Rangers  – Could be another Read More