MLB 2012: Ranking the Top 50 Hitters

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It is finally that time.  With the 2011 baseball season being one of the most exciting that I can remember, we fans have a lot to look forward.  With several stars changing their logos and international phenoms coming to join the fun this year, hitters and pitchers alike are going to make fans feel extremely special that they were able to take part in this soon-to-be memorable year.  

I hope you enjoy my article about the 50 best hitters leading into this season, and if you have questions or comments, please write them down below!  Thanks.

50. Hanley Ramirez

Ned Dishman/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .243

HR: 10

RBI: 45

R: 55

SB: 20

OPS: .712

I have always thought that Hanley has been a bit overrated.  He did have four straight years of hitting over .300 while stealing over 27 bases, but 2011 was just a bad year for the new third baseman.  

I only put him on this list because I knew I was going to be criticized if I did not, and secondly, having a loud-mouth manager like him can only help his cause.  I do see a better year for No. 50 on our list but not quite 2009 successful.

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .286

HR: 25

RBI:  86

R: 92

SB: 35

OPS: .815

49. Jeff Francoeur

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .285  

HR: 20

RBI: 87

R: 77

SB: 22

OPS: .805

Francoeur had, perhaps, his greatest season as a Major Leaguer in 2011.  He has hit more home runs, had more RBI's and has had a higher average in the past, but 2011 was taking each category and making it as solid as it could be.  

A great 20/20 season put Francoeur on a slight pedestal in Kansas City as now he and several other young stars are poised to make the Royals a team to fear within the next few years.  

He comes in at No. 49 because the loss of Melky Cabrera to the Giants will be huge for Francoeur.  Melky was a great contact and power hitter who was included in a lot of Francoeur's production.  

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .294

HR: 24

RBI: 90

R: 72

SB: 18

OPS: .842

 

48. Freddie Freeman

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .282

HR: 21

RBI: 76

R: 67

SB: 4

OPS: .795

Freeman had a great rookie season last year, but a few things could have made it better.  Jayson Heyward had a severe sophomore slump, and Brian McCann was cursed with injuries and bad slumps.  A 3-4-5-6 of these three studs and Dan Uggla, will boost Freeman's numbers in every way.  

He is only ranked at No. 48 because, depending on where he is placed in the lineup, having a solid 2-batter behind Michael Bourn may shake his RBI total a slight amount.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .271 

HR: 28

RBI: 85

R: 80

SB: 7

OPS: .806  

 

47. Ichiro Suzuki

Brandon Wade/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .272

HR: 5

RBI: 47

R: 80

SB: 40

OPS: .645

Who would have thought that it would take 11 seasons for Ichiro to finally slip.  After 10 seasons of averaging 224 hits and a .331 average, Ichiro hit only .272 with 184 hits.  

Unfortunately, it may be difficult to point out what made Ichiro hit as "poorly" as he did.  He had only 69 strikeouts, his lowest since 2008, and walked 39 times, one of the lowest of his career.  We can only assume that Ichiro will bounce back and have another historical season leading the league in hits.  

The future Hall-of-Famer, falling to No. 47, only grasps this low of a spot because of his recent struggles, but I have the utmost confidence that he will return to the form that we are so used to seeing.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .319

HR: 6

RBI: 55

R: 94

SB: 44

OPS: .680

46. David Ortiz

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .309

HR: 29 

RBI: 96

R: 84

SB: 1

OPS: .953

Big Papi had one heck of a year last year.  Being that he was 36 years old at season's end, he put up numbers reminiscent of his time with Manny.  Maybe they were not quite AS good, but there's no doubt that this stat line would make any guy happy.  

Ortiz takes No. 46 on this list because, though it is quite cliche, age is catching up to him.  The injuries that have here-and-there plagued him for the last few years may very well catch up to him, and we may see a bit less production, but he will put up numbers strong enough to not witness another Boston meltdown.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .277

HR: 27

RBI: 89

R: 72

SB: 0

OPS: .916 

 

45. Asdrubal Cabrera

David Maxwell/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .273

HR: 25

RBI: 92

R: 87

SB: 17

OPS: .792

The first Cabrera you will find on this list had a stellar year offensively and defensively in 2011.  Being a first-time All-Star and winning his first Silver Slugger shows that this 26-year-old Venezuelan is forming into a top-tier shortstop around the league.  

In his previous four seasons, Cabrera hit 18 home runs and drove in only 166.  Last year, he hit about 150 percent of his previous home runs and almost doubled the amount of RBI's. 

The new No. 3 hitter in the Tribe's lineup comes in at No. 45 because the return of Choo, and the unhealthy Sizemore may make 2012 Cabrera's best year ever, and he is in the conversation for another Silver Slugger and possibly a Gold Glove.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .289

HR: 28

RBI: 88

R: 98

SB: 22

OPS: .801

44. Pablo Sandoval

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .315

HR: 23

RBI: 70

R: 55

SB: 2

OPS: .909

Kung-Fu Panda put up a stellar year in 2011 despite the loss of star catcher, Buster Posey.  Despite missing 45 games, Sandoval was one of the few bright spots for the previous World Series Champions.  

Compared to 2009, arguably Sandoval's best year where he played 153 games, he was only 20 RBI and two HR's lower from last year's production.  The return of Posey will bring an increase to Sandoval's run total and should raise his OBP, as he is more of a power threat than Posey, and he would be more likely to get walked.  

He comes in at No. 44 because, other than Posey, Sandoval is really the only threat to a pitching staff.  Sure, Aubrey Huff hits home runs, and Angel Pagan can steal bases, but it is not enough for Sandoval to return San Fran to the World Series. 

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .306

HR: 27

RBI: 84

R: 68

SB: 4

OPS: .959 

43. Adam Jones

Rob Carr/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .280

HR: 25

RBI: 83

R: 68

SB: 12

OPS: .785

I'll be honest, I am waiting for Adam Jones to break out and become a 20/20 guy.  The Orioles five-tool threat in Jones has been under-looked for quite some time now.  Being that 2011 was the best season for the O's center fielder, Jones has a lot on his plate in trying to bring his non-contending team to some sort of recognition in 2012.  

With loads of talent in this lineup with Nick Markakis, J.J. Hardy, Matt Wieters and Mark Reynolds, Jones headlines a group of young names knocking on playoff's door.  

At No. 43, Jones, while being remarkably consistent in his previous three seasons, has not made his break out yet, and unless 2012 is not his coming out party, some teams would be thrilled to try to add Jones to their roster. 

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .302

HR: 31

RBI: 88

R: 79

SB: 18

OPS: .829

42. Carlos Santana

Jason Miller/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .239

HR: 27

RBI: 79

R: 84

SB: 5

OPS: .808

The future of the Cleveland Indians has a reputation to fill as one of the top catchers leading into the 2012 season.  Along with Alex Avila, Buster Posey and the next guy on this list, Carlos Santana has the power that the Indians have been looking for since Travis Hafner fell off the face of the Earth.  

While Santana has numbers similar to Carlos Pena, I expect Santana, only 25 years old, to finish with a career average lingering in the .260's.  As for this year, watch for a lot of rising and falling in his numbers due to Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall as new starters in the Tribe's lineup.  

Unfortunately for Santana, he is at No. 42 because the new jobs acquired by Kipnis and Chisenhall may slow down Santana's progress in 2012.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .245

HR: 29

RBI: 89

R: 75

SB: 7

OPS: .861 

41. Matt Wieters

Rob Carr/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .262

HR: 22

RBI: 68

R: 72

SB: 1

OPS: .778 

Similar to Adam Jones, I find that Matt Wieters is going to make his impact in Baltimore in 2012.  

It's his third full season in the Majors.  And, in a lineup with a hopefully healthy Brian Roberts and offseason addition Wilson Betemit, Matt Wieters should feel comfortable surrounded by several veterans who have had great experience in power, contact, and speed.  

If healthy and productive throughout the year, I see him getting time in about 145 games, six up from 2011.  Other than that, No. 41 on this list has big shoes to fill as the clutch run producer for a team with severe struggles over the past several seasons.

 

2011 Stats:

AVG: .279

HR: 29 

RBI: 80

R: 75

SB: 3

OPS: .819 

40. Buster Posey

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .284

HR: 4

RBI: 21

R: 17

SB: 3

OPS: .756

Posey, put on a great show in 2011 despite playing in only 45 games.  Though he was not on pace to top his previous 18 home runs, his RBI total was going to finish in the 70's or 80's and his average was going to finish at a solid .280 to .300.  

The best all-around catcher in the league has an exciting year ahead.  A newer lineup complete with a wonderful pitching rotation means Buster will once again be an exciting young star in 2012.  

At No. 40, Posey will find his stride as a better power hitter this year, thus adding another big bat to the Giants' batting order.  His high average output will put him in the talks for a Silver Slugger.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .289

HR: 22

RBI: 75

R: 72

SB: 7

OPS: .868

39. Alexei Ramirez

John Gress/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .269 

HR: 15

RBI: 70

R: 81

SB: 7

OPS: .727

"The Cuban Missile" is one of the most important players for the South Siders heading into 2012.  His year-by-year batting average fluctuations have affected Alexei the past four seasons, and he will need to bring his average up to give the White Sox a boost.  

The loss of speedster Juan Pierre shows that Alexei is going to have to attempt more than 12 stolen bases, and it seems like Sox new bench coach Mark Parent is prepared to do just that.  Alexei is No. 39 because he is a very capable 20/20 player.  His power is above average for a 175 lb. shortstop, and his speed has been underutilized throughout his career. 

 

2012 Predictions

AVG: .285

HR: 24

RBI: 81

R: 88

SB: 18

OPS: .784

38. Ben Zobrist

J. Meric/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .269

HR: 20

RBI: 9

R: 99

SB: 19

OPS: .822

I am probably one of few people who have never really been sold on Ben Zobrist.  His low home run total and high RBI total shows that he is not a power hitter.  He just comes to plate with guys on base.  

B.J. Upton, Desmond Jennings, Matt Joyce, Evan Longoria and the return of Carlos Pena will see a more "filled out" stat line for the Rays' second baseman.  To this point, I have no idea what the Rays' lineup will look like as Zobrist, Joyce, Longoria and Pena could all fit into the three and four batting slots.  

He finds himself at No. 38 because I believe we will witness a season reminiscent of 2009 where he knocked out 27 home runs and hit for .297.  

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .288

HR: 26

RBI: 101

R: 95

SB: 16

OPS: .876

37. Eric Hosmer

Brian Kersey/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .293

HR: 19

RBI: 78

R: 66 

SB: 11

OPS: .799

2012 is Eric Hosmer's year to break the "sophomore slump" idea.  Eric Hosmer is in a lineup that any rebuilding team would kill to have.  The young stars in Kansas City are going to support the 22-year-old Hosmer on and off the field like a proven star.  

The Royals' first basemen will have a season as good, if not better, than his rookie season, which proved that he was perhaps the best rookie hitter in the league.  At No. 37, Hosmer, while he still has a lot to learn, has a massive 6'4", 228-lb. frame and can crush the ball as hard as anyone.  His .465 SLG shows that he is a real star-to-be.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .287

HR: 28

RBI: 87

R: 71

SB: 14

OPS: .871

36. Alex Avila

Harry How/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .295

HR: 19

RBI: 82

R: 63

SB: 3

OPS: .895

As much as I dislike the Tigers, Alex Avila is one of the many shining stars in Mo-Town.  

With the addition of Prince Fielder, Avila will have power hitters in front and behind him as far as the eye can see.  Not only is there Fielder and Miguel Cabrera, but there is Brennan Boesch, Jhonny Peralta, Delmon Young and occasionally Austin Jackson.  With a group this stacked, one can only guess where Avila will fit into the batting order. 

No. 36 on our list will have a drop in power numbers but a rise in other places.  Adding Fielder to the group will give Avila fewer chances to drive in big numbers of runs, and he will end up hitting more solo home runs than he would like.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .308

HR: 24

RBI: 76

R: 72

SB: 6

OPS: .888 

35. Andrew McCutchen

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .259

HR: 23

RBI: 89

R: 87

SB: 23

OPS: .820

Andrew McCutchen had a huge increase in power and a huge loss in contact last season.  

An AVG drop of .027 points but an addition of seven home runs and 33 RBI's showed that McCutchen is trying to find his niche in Pittsburgh.  It is rare to find that the best hitter on a team hits for power, contact and steals lots of bases, but McCutchen does just that.  

This year you find Andrew at No. 35 because not only will we witness a slight rise in power, but also we'll see an average that we have not seen for two seasons, thus putting McCutchen in a very select talented group in the league.

 

2011 Stats:

AVG: .279

HR: 26

RBI: 94

R: 90

SB: 28

OPS: .853

34. Michael Bourn

Daniel Shirey/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .294

HR: 2

RBI: 50

R: 94

SB: 61

OPS: .674

The best leadoff man in the league went on a tear last year.  Making stolen bases look as easy as anyone, the once-Houston Astros speedster became an instant star when he arrived in Atlanta.  

Hitting .303 after the All-Star Break while swiping 26 bags made him an integral part of the Braves' run at a division crown.  Though we all know how that turned out, there is no question that Bourn will have another spectacular year.  

He is in at No. 34 because his high stolen base total, high average and high run-scoring total make him perhaps the most dangerous man on the base paths.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .296

HR: 4

RBI: 42

R: 108

SB: 58

OPS: .693

33. Brandon Phillips

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .300

HR: 18

RBI: 82

R: 94

SB: 14

OPS: .810

Consistently one of the most under-appreciated players in baseball, the Reds' second basemen has become the quiet star for a team on the rise.  Though he did not lead his squad in any major category in 2011, Phillips has become one of the best all-around players in the game.  

A great .353 OBP and a .992 fielding percentage are just a small amount of proof in showing that Phillips is one of the best second basemen in the league.  He comes in at No. 33 because with the addition of Ryan Ludwick and the shortstop job being given to Zack Cozart, the Reds have another great year coming up.

And Phillips will be right in the middle of it all.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .308

HR: 22

RBI: 75

R: 101

SB: 24

OPS: .793

32. Hunter Pence

Drew Hallowell/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .314

HR: 22

RBI: 97

R: 84

SB: 8

OPS: .871

Other than the rotation from the heavens, Hunter Pence is the new big thing in Philadelphia.  After coming over from Houston, Pence hit a remarkable .324 with 11 home runs and 35 RBI's in only 54 games.  

Grouped with Shane Victorino and Dominic Brown/Laynce Nix, the Phillies have an outfield similar to that of Victorino/Werth/Ibanez where speed and power were at a constant, and it seemed to be one of the best outfields in the league.  

Pence finds his spot at No. 32 because, like Zobrist, he has never been a home run hitter, but he makes up for it with a solid number of RBI and a solid average.

 

2012 Predictions

AVG: .308

HR: 20

RBI: 103

R: 80

SB: 11

OPS: .885

31. Jay Bruce

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .256

HR: 32

RBI: 97

R: 84

SB: 8

OPS: .814

Jay Bruce was absolutely unreal in 2011.  Other than May, when he hit .342 with 12 home runs and 33 driven in, Bruce was relatively quiet.  He never had more than seven home runs in any month and never hit over .256.  

Regardless, baseball fans have finally witnessed the coming out of Jay Bruce, and the emergence of a new power hitter in the league.  At No. 31, Bruce is only getting better from here, and I see him putting on yet another show for us in 2012.

 

2011 Stats:

AVG: .270

HR: 36

RBI: 104

R: 87

SB: 5

OPS: .902 

30. Mark Teixeira

Nick Laham/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .248

HR: 39

RBI: 111

R: 90

SB: 4

OPS: .835

Year in and year out one of the scariest lefties for pitcher, Tex has made the fierce Yankees' batting order only scarier.  With a lineup full, and I mean FULL, of power hitters, the Yankees have made a habit out of looking towards Tex for the huge home run production.  

Hitting over 30 home runs every year since 2004, Teixeira has proven that he can hit like nobody's business regardless of where he calls home.  He falls in at No. 30 because I believe we have a similar year coming up for Teixeira, and that is a huge home run and RBI total, but a low sluggish average, a new trend that began in 2010.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .251

HR: 37

RBI: 107

R: 92

SB: 3

OPS: .869 

29. Billy Butler

Brian Kersey/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .291

HR: 19

RBI: 95

R: 74

SB: 2

OPS: .822

Billy Butler has really made a name for himself over the last three years in Kansas City.  

Never playing less than 158 games in a season over that span, Butler averages a .303 average and 18 home runs and 89 driven in.  Though he is by no means a power man, Butler is one of the smartest hitters in the league, having a K/BB ratio of 1.43 over those three seasons.  

We will witness a rice in production from the Royals' DH due to the loss of Melky Cabrera, which is not so bad considering they still have other kids to take his place.  He's in at No. 29 because Butler is the heart and soul of the Royals' lineup, and very few teams can find a more intelligent cleanup hitter than he.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .308

HR: 23

RBI: 102

R: 72

SB: 1

OPS: .865

28. Melky Cabrera

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .305

HR: 18

RBI: 87

R: 102

SB: 20

OPS: .809

Posey, Sandoval and Melky.  If you ask me, that is one of the most underrated 3-4-5's in baseball today.  Sending Jonathan Sanchez to Kansas City for Cabrera was one of the best moves of the offseason.  

KC struggles with pitching, and San Fran has some hitting problems.  Losing Sanchez was not too painful for the Giants, but what they received in Cabrera is a solid power hitter who will steal a fresh amount of bases as well.  

Cabrera is in at the No. 28 spot because his bat in the Giants' lineup will make them as deadly as they were two years ago, and he is one of the most underrated five-tool players in the league.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .297

HR: 21

RBI: 93

R: 95

SB: 24

OPS: .853

27. Josh Hamilton

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .298

HR: 25

RBI: 94

R: 80

SB: 8

OPS: .882

Hate me because I put Hamilton this low, but my gut strongly tells me that his debacle in the offseason will hurt him more on the field than we think.  

Over the last few seasons, Hamilton's head was clear and focused solely on baseball.  In this upcoming season though, the media will be discussing Hamilton's screw-ups more than he would appreciate, thus getting to his head a bit more than he'd like.  

Unfortunately for them, our No. 27 will still put up fine numbers—not quite MVP fine—but solid enough to give the Rangers a third straight chance at a World Series title.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .303 

HR: 28

RBI: 92

R: 84

SB: 13

OPS: 

26. Evan Longoria

Charles Sonnenblick/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .244

HR: 31

RBI: 99

R: 78

SB: 3

OPS: .850

For playing in only 133 games, Longo had his strangest season as a major league ballplayer.  He had the lowest average in his career, lowest SLG percentage despite hitting 31 home runs and second lowest OBP in his career despite walking a career-high 80 times.

Now that Evan is finally healthy, he will undoubtedly return to top form, making the Rays an extremely deadly team in the AL East.  He's in at No. 26 because we really have no idea how well he will bounce back from his injuries from last year.   But we know for sure he will definitely come back as one of the most feared bats in the game.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .285

HR: 35

RBI: 112

R: 86

SB: 6

OPS: .931 

25. Giancarlo Stanton

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .262

HR: 34

RBI: 87

R: 79

SB: 5

OPS: .893

Stanton is one of very few players in this league who are raw power.  Mark Teixeira, Adam Dunn and Ryan Howard are three guys who are just hard hitters.  His emergence into Miami last year has had him recognized as a force to be dealt with as long as he is this powerful.  

The addition of Jose Reyes will give Stanton several more RBI and makes Stanton a guy who will be put on base a lot of times this year.  He is at No. 25 because, though his power numbers are about to skyrocket, his average struggles and his strikeout total is high, reaching 166 in 2011.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .258

HR: 36

RBI: 101

R: 84

SB: 3

OPS: .915 

24. Mike Napoli

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .320

HR: 30

RBI: 75 

R: 72

SB: 4

OPS: 1.046

I am uber excited to see what Mike Napoli does in 2012.  After an unreal year in 2011, Napoli has become the best power-hitting catcher in years.  He hit 19 solo home runs out of his total of 30, proving that for some odd reason, the sluggers in front of him were never on base when he came to the plate.  

At No. 24, Napoli has solidified himself as another problem pitchers will have to face when throwing to the Rangers.  We will witness another great year by Napoli—but not quite as good as 2011.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .298

HR: 34

RBI: 85

R: 76

SB: 1

OPS: .907 

23. Michael Morse

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .303 

HR: 31

RBI: 95

R: 73

SB: 2

OPS: .910

Adam Dunn who?  The Nasty Nats picked up a Dunn-like player who can hit for average and can play great defensively.  After never hitting more than 15 home runs, driving in more than 41 or having more than 77 hits, Michael Morse was another one of the many breakout stars in 2011.  

Batting back-to-back with Ryan Zimmerman, the Nationals have a great future with this guy playing first base for them. At No. 23, Morse will have another fantastic year, making the NL East an exceptionally tough division to win, especially with the resurgence of Miami.  

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .296

HR: 34

RBI: 104

R: 77

SB: 3

OPS: .926 

22. Dustin Pedroia

Rob Carr/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .307

HR: 21 

RBI: 91

R: 102

SB: 26

OPS: .861

Quietly one of the best hitters in the AL last year, Dustin Pedroia put on another spectacular showing in just his fifth full year in the league.  Hitting a career high in home runs, RBI, walks, OBP and stolen bases, Pedroia is surely becoming one of the best all-around offensive players.  

In at No. 22, DP will have another great year, partially because the guys hitting in front of and behind him, who you will see later, had their best years in 2011 pushing Pedroia to have as good a season as he did.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .311

HR: 18

RBI: 96

R: 111

SB: 30

OPS: .873

21. Alex Gordon

Ed Zurga/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .303

HR: 23

RBI: 87

R: 101

SB: 17

OPS: .879

Alex Gordon wins my award for Breakout Player of the Year 2011, as he has become one of the new faces of the revamped Royals' organization.  With veterans such as Billy Butler and Jeff Francoeur, Alex Gordon is the connection between them and the youngsters that will make KC a deadly offensive team.  

His great 2011 will only get better as he will become close to a 30/30 player in the years to come, thus putting him at No. 21 on the list.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .312

HR: 26

RBI: 93

R: 94

SB: 22

OPS: .901

20. Paul Konerko

Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .300 

HR: 31

RBI: 105

R: 69

SB: 1

OPS: .906

Not many hitters get better as they get older, but that is what we are seeing with Konerko.  

Over the last two years, Konerko is hitting .306 with 35 home runs and 108 driven in.  The only downside to Konerko's numbers last year were his run total.  Yet it does not take an idiot to realize that the lack of production from Adam Dunn, Alex Rios and low RBI total from Carlos Quentin prove that PK was once again the most effective player for his team.  

In 2012, the No. 20 on our list will have another outstanding year, continuing his streak of 30 home runs and 100 RBI.  He is only 49 home runs away from the 500 club and a spot in the Hall of Fame.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .298

HR: 34

RBI: 113

R: 78

SB: 2

OPS: .935 

19. Starlin Castro

Denis Poroy/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .307

HR: 10

RBI: 66

R: 91

SB: 22

OPS: .773

The new face of the Cubbies had a year for the books in 2011.  At only 21-years-old, Castro became the youngest player to ever have 200 hits.  Leading the NL with 207 of them, Castro, known as a "free swinger" has the highest of potentials and will keep hitting like a star regardless of hitting in one of the top two spots in the order.  

He had five first inning leadoff home runs last year, proving that he is swinging to hit the ball anywhere, regardless the time of the game.  We will witness another spectacular year by the All-Star shortstop, and if his defense improves from his 29 errors, Castro will become, without a doubt, the best shortstop in the game.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .317

HR: 14

RBI: 76

R: 101

SB: 31

OPS: .812

18. Adrian Beltre

Rob Carr/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .296

HR: 32

RBI: 105

R: 82

SB: 1

OPS: .892 

Having his best power year since 2004, Beltre had an unbelievable year as a rookie in the Texas Rangers' organization.  Hitting him fourth or fifth in the batting order must have been difficult for Manager Ron Washington being that there are four or five guys who could very well take over that spot.  

He found his niche in the fifth spot though, hitting .319 with 14 of his 32 home runs in that spot.  The 32-year-old was drafted in 1994, and, like Konerko, is getting better with age.  Another strong year is on the horizon for the Rangers' third baseman/designated hitter, currently in the No. 18 spot.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .303

HR: 33

RBI: 109

R: 86

SB: 2

OPS: .907 

17. Ian Kinsler

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .255 

HR: 32

RBI: 77

R: 121

SB: 30

OPS: .832

One of only four guys in the league to hit for 30/30 last year, Ian Kinsler had an unbelievable season as the Rangers' leadoff hitter.  Second in the AL in runs scored, Kinsler will inevitably have a high run total for years to come as long as his lineup is kept the way it was last year.  

Though his averaged dipped from .286 from 2010, his SLG percentage and OPS both grew by over half a percent, making him the best power/speed leadoff man in the game.  Kinsler's year will be as good, if not better than last year, because not a whole lot has changed for the Rangers' offense, and No. 17 may very likely finish top 10 in MVP voting.  

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .275

HR: 28

RBI: 79

R: 118

SB: 34

OPS: .825

16. Carlos Gonzalez

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .295

HR: 26

RBI: 92

R: 92

SB: 20 

OPS: .889

It is shocking that last year's number for CarGo were not even close to his numbers in 2010.  

Despite the slight drop in nearly every category, the Rockies' center fielder put on another stellar year in all facets of the game.  Now that Michael Cuddyer has joined the lineup, Gonzalez will have a better year than last year, improving in all categories.  

A very similar player to two top-five players on this list, Gonzalez, fit at No. 16, will make the NL West a much more competitive division come the season's beginning.

 

2011 Stats:

AVG: .314

HR: 30

RBI: 98

R: 103

SB: 28

OPS: .925

15. Michael Young

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .338

HR: 11

RBI: 106

R: 88

SB: 6

OPS: .854

Most people would never guess that a slim guy like Young would be the cleanup hitter on a big and powerful Rangers team.  Driving in one more guy than Adrian Beltre, Michael Young has continued to show that he is one of the best hitters in the game.  

One of only three players in the league to have 200 hits and 100 RBI last year, Young is still improving.  Hitting for his best average last year and having the most hits since 2006, Michael Young is the glue that makes the Rangers so successful.  

In at No. 15, witnessing anything substantially worse than his numbers last year would be a shock, and I see Young putting in another stellar year, at the ripe old age of 35.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .321

HR: 14

RBI: 101

R: 95

SB: 8

OPS: .875 

14. Justin Upton

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .289

HR: 31

RBI: 88

R: 105

SB: 21

OPS: .898

The younger Upton has finally become the better Upton.  After years of B.J. holding the title among these competitive brothers, the Diamondbacks' young star lived up to the hype.  

He was one of only four players to hit 30 home runs, 30 doubles and swipe 20 bags.  Not so bad for a kid who spent most of the season as a 23 year old.  In at No. 14, Upton will follow up last year with another stellar performance, and I believe he will have a really good shot at becoming yet another 30/30 player in the league.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .296

HR: 33

RBI: 98

R: 110

SB: 31

OPS: .932

13. Robinson Cano

Nick Laham/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .302

HR: 28

RBI: 118

R: 104

SB: 8

OPS: .882

There is no way you can say that a 205 lb. second baseman would not only have the best bat, but very likely the best glove in the league at his position.  Over the last three seasons, Robby Cano has made himself perhaps the deadliest man in the Yankees' lineup.  

Being the best overall hitter, combining contact and power for his team, this 29-year-old All-Star is showing no signs of slowing down.  In 2012, our No. 13 hitter will not surprise us as he will continue to put up MVP numbers, and I believe that if he will win it, this year would be his best shot.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .310

HR: 32

RBI: 117

R: 110

SB: 11

OPS: .926

12. Jose Reyes

Marc Serota/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .337

HR: 7

RBI: 44

R: 101

SB: 39

OPS: .877

Now that Reyes has taken his talents to South Beach, he and counterpart Hanley Ramirez have made a formidable left side to the Marlins' infield.  Last year, his 181 hits, only fifth best in his career, and .493 SLG percentage, a career-high, made him one of only 10 players in the league with over a .493 SLG percentage and 180 hits.  

In at No. 12, Reyes, batting in front of Stanton will have a higher run scored total, and we will see him have a much more fierce season on the base paths now that he has lots of strength behind him to bring him in.

 

2011 Stats:

AVG: .327

HR: 11

RBI: 56

R: 116

SB: 42

OPS: .887

11. Joey Votto

Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .309

HR: 29

RBI: 103

R: 101

SB: 8

OPS: .947

While Votto's numbers had a slight dip from his NL MVP season in 2010, his 2011 campaign was no less spectacular.  Walking 110 times and hitting a remarkable 40 doubles proves that 2010 was just the beginning for this Canadian.  

Fortunately, not having to be the power hitter in 2011 gave Votto the chance to not have to swing for the fences and trust the guy hitting behind him, Jay Bruce, to do a lot of the RBI load.  

In 2012, No. 11 will have another MVP run because, well, Albert Pujols is gone.  The only guy who may have beaten out Votto in 2010 is on the other side now and will give Votto a chance to once again prove that he is the best hitter in the National League.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .315

HR: 32

RBI: 108

R: 97

SB: 11

OPS: .916

10. Troy Tulowitzki

Jack Dempsey/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .302

HR: 30

RBI: 105

R: 81

SB: 9

OPS: .916

Do you all remember Tulo's July and August?  He combined a .354 average, 13 home runs, 41 driven in and 68 hits in 52 games.  It honestly seemed like every single day that Tulo was putting on another spectacular show.  

Dazzling Rockies' fans with the bat and with the glove, at age 27, Tulo has a few more years in his prime in the Mile High City.  I see another wonderful year for No. 10 on our list, but instead of two months being packed with stats, I believe it will be more spread out throughout the season.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .311

HR: 32

RBI: 108

R: 88

SB: 7

OPS: .926

9. Prince Fielder

Elsa/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .299

HR: 38

RBI: 120

R: 95

SB: 1

OPS: .981

Lots of people think that this team offensively will be the best in the league.  The only problem I find with that is having two hard sluggers hitting back-to-back does not necessarily make your team that much more potent.  

Regardless, Fielder had one of the three best seasons in his career, and it was thanks to the production in every single category.  He was the only player in the entire league to play 162 games and has averaged 159.8 games a season over the past six years.  

With him and Miguel playing 155-plus games together, the American League has a problem.  At No. 9, Fielder will make an impact in his hometown and bring his Tigers almost a sure division crown.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .287

HR: 37

RBI: 117

R: 100

SB: 3

OPS: .970 

8. Ryan Braun

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .332

HR: 33

RBI: 111

R: 109

SB: 33

OPS: .994

While I do believe that Braun should not have won the MVP last year, he did make us Jews proud.  Leading a pack of him, Kinsler, and Kevin Youkilis, Braun put on a show through 150 games last year.  

Ranking second in the NL in average, fourth in RBI, fifth in hits, sixth in home runs and seventh in stolen bases, Braun had one of the best seasons over the last decade.  Aside from his offseason scandal, Braun will have to make up for the production lost by Prince Fielder and Casey McGehee and will have a real chance to defend his MVP title, as No. 8 on our list.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .328

HR: 36

RBI: 117

R: 102

SB: 31

OPS: .979

7. Curtis Granderson

Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .262

HR: 41

RBI: 119

R: 136

SB: 25

OPS: .916

Hitting over 75 RBI for the first time in his career, Curtis Granderson was a star on and off the field in 2011.  One of the smartest and hard-working players on the field and one of the kindest and respectful players off the field, Granderson is definitely the league's mensch.  

While having a tough year on the base-paths with 10 CS and a huge K total at 169, Granderson was in the top five for almost every other category.  This year, the long-swinging, smile-giving, Yankees' All-Star will drop that strikeout total and will have his best season yet, in his third season as a Yankee.

 

2011 Stats:

AVG: .282

HR: 38

RBI: 118

R: 141

SB: 31

OPS: .973

6. Adrian Gonzalez

Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .338

HR: 27

RBI: 117

R: 108

SB: 1

OPS: .957

Though his home runs were his lowest since 2006, A-Gon, for a long time last year, was the sure winner for the MVP.  Hitting .354 pre-All-Star break, with a 1.006 OPS, Gonzalez was a lock to be the best hitter in the league.  

By the time the second half rolled around, his average dipped to a still stellar .317 over that half, but he had only 40 RBI in the second half compared to 77 in the first.  No. 6 on our list will get his groove in the second half of 2012 and bring the Red Sox a sure division crown because, after last year, there are not many things they want more.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .328

HR: 34

RBI: 123

R: 105

SB: 2

OPS: .975 

5. Albert Pujols

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .299

HR: 37

RBI: 99

R: 105

SB: 9

OPS: .906

If he were still in Cardinal red, I would have no problem putting him as No. 1 on this list.  Moving to the AL where pitching is the toughest, in a division where pitching is getting better, Albert will have a bit of a trickier year not facing pitchers on the Pirates and Astros.  

Now that he will have to see Felix Hernandez, and Colby Lewis and Co., Pujols may take a couple weeks to get into the swing of things in the American League.  

In at No. 5, Pujols has been the best hitter in the league over the past decade, and you cannot argue it.  When it is all said and done, he will probably be recognized as the greatest hitter of all time, and his new journey starts now.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .305

HR: 39

RBI: 108

R: 100

SB: 7

OPS: .942 

4. Jacoby Ellsbury

Rob Carr/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .321

HR: 32

RBI: 105 

R: 119

SB: 39

OPS: .928

The only player in 2011 with a 30/30 year and 40 doubles, Jacoby Ellsbury got robbed in the MVP race.  Putting up perhaps the best numbers in the league, Ellsbury had to have been shocked when he realized his efforts went hardly recognized.  

AL Comeback Player of the Year, Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers are all nice, but the big individual hardware should have gone to Ellsbury.  In 2012, he will put on another show for Boston and give them another huge thing to cheer about.  At No. 4, he will do as good, if not better, than last year due to all the motivation from not winning the MVP.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .331

HR: 35

RBI: 111

R: 125

SB: 44

OPS: .975

3. Jose Bautista

J. Meric/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .302

HR: 43

RBI: 103

R: 105

SB: 9

OPS: 1.056

It is a shame that 43 home runs got Bautista only 103 RBI.  He hit 27 solo home runs last year, meaning that of the 16 home runs he had with runners on, he could have had only a max of 64 RBI from home runs with runners on base.  That is 62 percent of his total RBI total which is very high.  

To put that in perspective, Ryan Howard last year hit 33 home runs and drove in 116 runs.  

Nineteen of those home runs were solo shots, meaning that with the leftover 14 home runs, a max of 56 RBI would be made with home runs with runners on base.  That is 48 percent.  

What does this mean?  

The guys hitting in front of Bautista are not as good as the guys in front of Howard.  If they step up, Bautista will finally win an MVP after two seasons of shocking the baseball world.  

Can he keep this hitting tear alive while at No. 3?  

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .313

HR: 46

RBI: 117

R: 110

SB: 12

OPS: 1.068

2. Miguel Cabrera

Harry How/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .344

HR: 30

RBI: 105

R: 111

SB: 2

OPS: 1.033

Take a guess what Cabrera's average numbers were over the past three seasons.  Try a .332 average, 34 home runs, 111 driven in and 192 hits.  

Playing in a career high 161 games and hitting a league high 48 doubles, Cabrera, like Ellsbury, got robbed in the MVP race.  His .344 average was the best in the league and only 78 of his 197 hits were not singles, proving that he does not have to swing for power every time.  

At No. 2 on our list, having Fielder by his side throughout the season will give Cabrera more pitches to see cause personally, I would rather face Fielder than Cabrera.  His OBP will rise and his power numbers may take a bit of a slip, but nonetheless, our No. 2 hitter has proven he is the deadliest hitter in the American League.

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .329

HR: 33

RBI: 103

R: 117

SB: 2

OPS: 1.006 

1. Matt Kemp

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

2011 Stats:

AVG: .324

HR: 39

RBI: 126

R: 115

SB: 40

OPS: .986

Remember hearing that Kemp said he wanted to go for 50/50 this year?  Why not?  In his two worst months of May and July last year, he hit only 11 home runs and 12 stolen bases.  

Bring that up and raise the rest of the months a little bit, and you have yourself an MVP.  

Hitting a remarkable .319 against righties and .341 against lefties, Kemp has finally become more than the power hitter we saw before last year.  His previous best season in 2009 when he hit .297 with 26 home runs and 101 RBI went relatively unnoticed

And, while 2010 was pretty poor, he made sure the Dodgers did not do wrong with their sixth-round pick in 2003.  In at No. 1, Kemp is a for sure 40/40 guy and will make a great chase for 45/45 or even 50/50.  

 

2012 Predictions:

AVG: .331

HR: 42

RBI: 130

R: 122

SB: 46

OPS: 1.064