The 10 Most Unlikely Power Bats in MLB

The most exciting thing in a baseball game is a home run.

Typically, those long balls are courtesy of a highly touted, muscled hitter who's mere flick of the wrists propels the ball far and away.

But what's more exciting?

When that home run doesn't come from a slugger, but from a smaller less bemuscled player.

When that unlikely hero continues to hit home runs, it merely underscores the fact that baseball is about skill just as much as it is about muscles.

Jacoby Ellsbury

Ellsbury was mostly known for his speed, prior to last year.

In 2011, Ellsbury frequently sent opposing pitches to the stratosphere.

He hit 32 long balls last year and looks to repeat that in 2012.

Ian Kinsler

Ian Kinsler brings power at a typically barren position—second base.

If he's not chasing down grounders or stealing bases, Kinsler is hitting home runs.

Kinsler has 124 home runs in just six seasons and is consistently a big basher in the Rangers' lineup.

Buster Posey

Buster Posey had a lost 2011 season, but he's healthy and ready to hit in 2012.

He hit 18 home runs in a little more than a half season in 2010.

If healthy, the quick-swinging Posey could challenge 30 home runs this year.

JJ Hardy

It's sad how forgotten the Orioles are, however JJ Hardy does add one reason to watch.

He can hit a surprising number of home runs and is at least a worthwhile reason to tune in.

Dustin Pedroia

The former MVP is stepping up his power numbers over the past few seasons.

He hit 21 in 2011, and with his more powerful stance, the diminutive second baseman will continue his strong stroke.

Asdrubal Cabrera

Not much is expected from shortstops in the power department, but Asdrubal Cabrera bucks the trend.

In 2011, he hit 25 home runs after hitting 18 over his previous four seasons combined.

If last year wasn't a fluke (or steroids), Cabrera could be force to be reckoned with once again.

Dan Uggla

Another second baseman with prodigious power.

The small Uggla surprised the world in his first year in Atlanta by hitting a remarkable 36 home runs.

For his career, he has 190 home runs across six seasons.

Andrew McCutchen

Andrew McCutchen is a classic five-tool player and had a breakout season in 2011.

He refined his power stroke and hit 23 home runs pushing his career total to 51 in three seasons.

The 5-10 McCutchen took his career a step further in 2011 and should do so once again in 2012.

Hunter Pence

Pence, like McCutchen is a five-tool player who's career got a major boost by moving to Philadelphia.

He wasn't required to "be the man" and could relax being the fourth-best hitter on his team.

Pence has 114 home runs in five seasons and could push the 30 mark in 2012.

Curtis Granderson

Curtis Granderson was always a good player when he was in Detroit, in fact, he was the first ever 20/20/20 (doubles/triples/home runs).

But he was never a prodigious slugger—until he went to the Big Apple.

After hitting 24 home runs in 2010, Granderson exploded with 41 dingers in 2011.

What will 2012 hold? We shall soon see.