Pujols, Cano, Verlander, Tulo … Easy to predict all of these will be
impact players. BBRT wants to look a little deeper at players we think may make a bigger difference than you might expect in 2012.
Matt Moore – SP – Tampa Bay… This Strasberg-like phenom will help keepTampa in striking distance. Potential Rookie of the Year could rack up 12-15 wins and 200 ks.
Mat Latos – SP – Cinc. … Strong second half of 2011 (after starting season on the DL) showed this potential ace is fully healthy. Should benefit from the Reds offense after going 9-14 with the anemic Padres. 15-10 not too optimistic. Key to Red’s ability to chase down Pujol-less Cardinals.
Daniel Hudson – SP – Arizona … Good bet to win 16 games, toss 200 innings and strikeout 200 for the D-backs, and they’ll need it to hold off SF.
Madison Bumgarner – SP – SF … Lincecom and Cain get most of the publicity, but this 22-year-old seems on the verge of a great season. 191 Ks versus 46 BBs last year.
Francisco Liriano – SP –Minn. … Looked strong in spring. If he goes back to form of 2010, could help the Twins return to respectability.
Matt Garza – SP – Chicago (N) … 10-10 record in 2011 may put him under the radar, but Garza still has plenty left. Keep in mind, he went 6-2 (2.45 ) in the second half of 2011 and, for the season, he struck out 197 in 198 innings. If Cubs are going nowhere, Garza may go somewhere (to a contender).
Julio Teheran , Shelby Miller, Drew Pomeranz – SPs – Atlanta, St. Louis, Colorado … Youngsters with great stuff sure to get to the “show” sometime in 2012, if they don’t start the season there. Once up, they will make a difference.
Glen Perkins – RP – Minnesota … Hard thrower stabilizes Twins’ end-game, and if Matt Capps falters, Perkins could slide into the closer role (which it is unlikely he will ever relinquish).
Nick Hundley, Jesus Montero – Cs – San Diego, Seattle … Two young “catchers of the future,” unfortunately playing where the opportunity to make a difference will be minimal – but look for strong seasons from both.
Eric Hosmer –1B – KC …. Will build on his .293-19-78 of 2011. Important power source for Royals. And, hes only 22.
Ryan Rayburn – 2B – Detroit … Showed nice pop for a middle infielder (14 HR in 121 games) last year. Plus he can play all over the field. Will find plenty of ABs as the Tigers defend the Central.
Dee Gordon – SS – LA (N) … Spray hitter with little power, but brings great speed. Hit .304 with 24 stolen bases in 56 games with the Dodgers last year. Will lead off and have an impact. Could lead Kemp to the MVP.
Bryce Harper – OF – Washington … Enough written already, look for him in the Nats’ lineup by June and to lead a surge to a .500 season.
Micheal Cuddyer –OF – Colorado. Steady power hitter will benefit from move away for Target Field to Colorado’s power-friendly air. .280-30-100 a possibility. Needs to perform and lead in the clubhouse if Colorado is to contend.
As the season unfolds, there will be plenty of surprises and these are just a handful of players BBRT thinks will make a bigger difference than you might expect
