The 30 Best Players Baseball Fans Don't Know 2010

Last baseball pre-season, I wrote a series of articles ranking different aspects of the sport, from lead-off hitters to number one starters, and others.

They are some of my most read, and most praised articles to date, so I decided to make them recurring pieces that I will do every pre-season, and may add a few more in 2010.

The 30 Best Players Baseball Fans Don't Know  was my first article of this type last season.

In every sport, there are always players who are undervalued, underappreciated, and underrated.

In baseball, with the large roster sizes, September roster expansion, and length of the season, there are probably more chances for players to contribute seemingly out of nowhere, or with little to no recognition than in any other sport.

Some may be younger players still trying to make a name for themselves. Others may be quality veterans who happen to play in the shadow of some of the game's superstars.

Some may even get overlooked because they play on poor teams or in small markets with little exposure.

Whatever the reason, there are plenty of quality baseball players out there that even some very knowledgeable fans don't know. With that said, here are the 30 best players that fans don't know for the 2010 season.

 

Miguel Montero, C, Arizona Diamondbacks  (2009: .294, 61 R, 16 HR, 59 RBI)

The 26 year-old catcher played in his first full season in 2009, and was arguably one of the NL's best-hitting catchers.

Montero slugged 46 extra-base hits, and posted second-half numbers of a .316 batting average, 11 home runs, and 40 RBI in 65 games. Those are numbers many catchers don't reach in an entire season.

Montero replaced Chad Tracy as Arizona's starter in 2009, and he continues to improve upon his solid season last year, he'll stay the starter for a long time. (2009 pick: Mark Reynolds)

 

Jair Jurrjens, RHP, Atlanta Braves  (2009: 14-10, 215.1 IP, 152 K's, 2.60 ERA)

Jair Jurrjens is the only player from last year's list to appear here for 2010, but while other players from 2009 like Adam Lind, Mark Reynolds, and Jayson Werth had breakout seasons that earned them plenty of exposure, Jurrjens is still mostly overlooked as one of the game's premier starters.

Jurrjens improved on a solid rookie campaign, going 14-10 for Atlanta in 2009. He pitched 215 innings, good for ninth in the NL and 27 more than 2008, while leading the league in starts with 34.

His 2.60 ERA was third best in the NL, and 27 points lower than Atlanta's so-called "ace," Javier Vasquez.

Now that Vasquez is back with the Yankees, Jurrjens may finally get the spotlight he deserves as one of the NL's best starting pitchers. (2009 pick: Jair Jurrjens)

 

Luke Scott, OF/DH, Baltimore Orioles  (2009: .258, 61 R, 25 HR, 71 RBI)

While much of the spotlight in Baltimore has been on talented young players such as Nolan Reimold, Adam Jones, and Matt Weiters, Luke Scott has quietly been a very productive player now for a few seasons.

In 2009, Scott led the Orioles with 25 home runs and drove in the third most runs on the team with 77, in only 128 games played.

Out of his 116 hits, 52 went for extra bases. And while he may strike out a bit more than his team would like, 104 times in 2009, he was still able to post an on-base percentage of .340, and was second on the team in walks.

Scott will probably split time in the outfield with Reimold, and play the rest of the time at DH. If he plays more, there's no reason he can't be a 30-homer guy. (2009 pick: Nick Markakis)

 

Marco Scutaro, SS, Boston Red Sox  (2009: .282, 100 R, 12 HR, 60 RBI)

Sure the Sox signed John Lackey this offseason, but their best move may have been finally securing the shortstop position by acquiring Marco Scutaro.

While there are plenty of shortstops who get more press, few were as good as Scutaro in 2009. Setting the table for Toronto's Adam Lind and Aaron Hill last season, Scutaro scored 100 runs, tied for sixth most in the AL, and had the seventh most walks in the league with 90. His .379 on-base percentage was almost 100 points higher than his batting average of .282. (2008 pick: Hideki Okajima)

Playing a full season at shortstop for the first time in his career, Scutaro made only 10 errors, half as many as All-Star Jason Bartlett.

Playing in Boston in 2010 will greatly help Scutaro's exposure, especially if he continues from where he left off in 2009. (2009 pick: Hideki Okajima)

 

Marlon Byrd, OF, Chicago Cubs  (2009: .283, 66 R, 20 HR, 89 RBI)

A former Phillies top prospect, Marlon Byrd was the definition of late bloomer.

A quality bench player the past few seasons, Byrd had a career year in 2009, his eighth in the majors.

Byrd set career highs in games played, home runs, hits, RBI, doubles, and slugging percentage. His surprise season at the plate and in the field were a huge part of the Rangers' surprise season.

2009 was a contract year for Byrd, and he signed a free agent deal to play center field for the Chicago Cubs. it remains to be seen if 2009 was a fluke, but if it wasn't, Byrd could erase the bad memories left behind from the Milton Bradley experiment. (2009 pick: Ryan Theriot)

 

Matt Thornton, LHP, Chicago White Sox  (2009: 6-3, 70 G, 4 SV, 87 K, 2.74 ERA)

After a widely overlooked breakout season in 2008, the towering lefty got even better in 2009.

Thornton averaged an amazing 10.57 K/9 innings, and was dominant against left-handed hitters, logging 43 strikeouts in 101 at-bats. In fact, Thorton had 15 more strikeouts than innings pitched (87 and 72, respectively).

Thornton was arguably the game's best set-up man in 2009, and began closing games in Bobby Jenks' absence at the end of the season. Thornton has the stuff to close, and if Jenks falters at all in 2010, he may get his chance. (2009 pick: John Danks)

 

Drew Stubbs, OF, Cincinnati Reds  (2009: .267, 27 R, 8 HR, 17 RBI 10 SB)

The past few seasons, the Reds have shown the league some very promising young talent. From Cueto and Volquez to Bruce and Votto, Cincinnati has a quality young core to build around.

Drew Stubbs may be added to that list in 2010. The 2009 late-season call-up showed speed, defense, and surprising power after taking over center field duties for the disappointing Willy Taveras.

In only 42 games played, Stubbs hit eight home runs and stole 10 bases, so a 20 homer, 40 steal season may not be a stretch for him in 2010.

Stubbs still needs to cut down on his strikeouts; he totaled 153 in all of his stops in 2009, but he has the promise and will be given the chance to start in 2010. He could be the next big thing in Cincinnati. (2009 pick: Edwin Encarnacion)

 

Shin-Soo Choo, OF, Cleveland Indians  (2009: .300, 87 R, 20 HR, 86 RBI, 21 SB)

A disappointing season and a mid-season fire sale are enough to overshadow any player, but amidst the turmoil in Cleveland last season, Shin-Soo Choo had a very good season.

On an offense that still includes sluggers like Travis Hafner and Grady Sizemore, Choo was surprisingly Cleveland's most productive hitter in 2009.

He was second on the team with a .300 batting average, and led the Indians in runs scored, hits, home runs, RBI, triples, stolen bases, walks, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS.

The Indians are rebuilding, so it's doubtful they'll contend in 2010, but if Sizemore returns to form, Hafner can finally stay healthy, and Choo continues where he left off in 2009, the Indians will have a solid core to build around. (2009 pick: Kelly Shoppach)

 

Jorge De La Rosa, LHP, Colorado Rockies  (2009: 16-9, 185 IP, 193 K's, 4.38 ERA)

After a slow start and a managerial change, the Rockies made a surprise run to the 2009 playoffs. Their starting staff was one of the best in the league, and quietly, Jorge De La Rosa was a huge part of that.

While much of the attention was focused on All Star Jason Marquis and 15-game winner Ubaldo Jimenez, it was actually De La Rosa who led the team in wins (16), and K/9 ratio (9.4).

His performance in 2009 was one of the reasons Colorado felt comfortable letting Marquis leave as a free agent after the season.

With Jeff Francis returning from injury in 2010, De La Rosa projects to be the fourth starter for the Rockies. How many teams wish they had a fourth starter who just won 16 games?

After having three 15-game winners in 2009, it's not out of the realm of possibilities that Colorado could accomplish the feat again in 2010.

 

Scott Sizemore, 2B, Detroit Tigers  (2009 minors: .308, 88 R, 17 HR, 66 RBI, 21 SB)

The Detroit Tigers are seem committed to infusing youth with their solid veteran team. They traded Curtis Granderson to the Yankees for rookie Austin Jackson, and after letting Placido Palanco sign with the Phillies, are giving Scott Sizemore the opportunity to start at second base.

Sizemore, who wasn't even a September call-up in 2009, has performed well in the minors, and had his most productive season in 2009, splitting time between AA and AAA. He was a Futures Game selection, and was named to the AFL All-Prospect team last season.

His 17 home runs in 2009 were more than double his total in any of his other minor league seasons, so he probably will see a bit of a power drop playing in Comerica Park. Still, in a line-up like Detroit's, Sizemore has a shot to learn a lot, and become a quality MLB player. (2009 pick: Armando Galarraga)

 

Jorge Cantu, 1B/3B, Florida Marlins  (2009: .289, 67 R, 16 HR, 100 RBI)

He may be the least recognized run producer in the game, but Jorge Cantu has provento be a quality RBI guy for the Marlins.

Only 17 players have driven in at least 95 runs in each of the past two seasons, and surprisingly Cantu is one of them. In fact, Cantu was able to plate 100 runs while hitting only 16 home runs, only Bobby Abreu hit fewer. 

While Cantu has been overshadowed by some of the Marlins young talented player like Hanley Ramirez and Josh Johnson, he has proven to been a consistent professional hitter, and veteran leader of a talented young squad. (2009 pick: Rickey Nolasco)

 

Wandy Rodriguez, LHP, Houston Astros  (2009: 14-12, 205.2 IP, 193 K, 3.02 ERA)

In the Astros rotation since 2005, Rodriguez came into his own at the age of 30 last season, even with ace Roy Oswalt sidelined with injuries much of the season.

Greatly overlooked, Rodriguez had a great season for a Houston team that struggled last season.

The hard-throwing southpaw won 14 games for Houston in 2009, pitched more than 200 innings for the first time in his career, and finished in the top 10 in the league in ERA, starts, shutouts, strikeouts, and K/9 innings.

Rodriguez still needs to show more consistency, showing dominance in some months, like April, and July, and being very hittable in others, such as June and August.

Still, with Oswalt back and healthy, the Astros have a righty-lefty combination at the top of their rotation that rivals any in the National League. (2009 pick: Michael Bourn)

 

Billy Butler, 1B, Kansas City Royals  (2009: .301, 78 R, 21 HR, 93 RBI, 51 2B)

Unsure if prospect Billy Butler would develop into the middle-of-the-order hitter most scouts had predicted, the Royals acquired Mike Jacobs from the Marlins prior to 2009, to battle for the first base job.

Butler got the message, having a career year in 2009 that was greatly overshadowed by Zack Greinke's Cy Young-winning year.

Playing in all but three games for the Royals, Butler put up career numbers in every major offensive category. He finished in the top ten in the AL in games played (159), total bases (299), doubles (51), and extra-base hits (73).

Previously believed to be a defensive liability, Butler played 145 games at first base in 2009. It was the first time in his three seasons in the Majors that he played more games in the field than as a DH.

He'll only be 24 by the time the season starts, Butler should continue to develop as a player, especially in the field. If he does, KC will have a quality hitter to anchor their line-up not seen since Mike Sweeney was in his prime. (2009 pick: Joakim Soria)

 

Eric Aybar, SS, LA Angels  (2009: .312, 70 R, 5 HR, 58 RBI, 14 SB)

Over the past few years, the Angels have been one of the better teams in baseball, with plenty of quality players, and last season was no different.

Such big names like Torii Hunter and Bobby Abreu were big contributors to the Angels success in 2009, but maybe the biggest surprise was shortstop Eric Aybar.

Aybar became the Angels regular shortstop for the first time in 2009. Originally considered to be a "all glove, little stick," Aybar surprised many with his offensive output by leading the team in batting average (.312) and triples (9).

With Chone Figgins leaving for Seattle this off-season, Aybar may find himself as the Angels new lead-off hitter. If he continues to improve on last year's breakout season, the Angels offense shouldn't miss a beat. (2009 pick: Mike Napoli)

 

George Sherrill, LHP, LA Dodgers  (2009: 1-1, 72 G, 21 SV, 61 K, 1.70 ERA)

George Sherrill was awarded Baltimore's closer role when he arrived there prior to last season. Many figured he would lose that job, and in a way, they were right.

Quietly, Sherrill was having a great season as the Orioles closer, saving 20 games and making the All-Star team, but once Baltimore traded the southpaw to the Dodgers at the trade deadline, Sherrill really shined.

Sherrill was moved to set-up man for Jonathon Broxton, and was spectacular. He allowed only two earned runs in 30 appearances, for an amazing 0.65 ERA.

His dominance helped make opposing teams feel like they were playing a seven-inning game, and Sherrill is a big reason the Dodgers wound up in the post-season.

The move was overshadow by much bigger names changing teams in 2009, but it may have been the best trade made by any team in 2009.

The Dodgers now have two closer-quality relievers to finish out games, making a return to the playoffs a great possibility. (2009 pick: Blake DeWitt)

 

Casey McGehee, 3B, Milwaukee Brewers  (2009: .301, 58 R, 16 HR, 71 RBI)

Bill Hall's failures to produce at the hot corner after Ryan Braun's move to left field opened up an opportunity for Casey McGehee to take over, and he made the most of it.

Playing in 116 games, McGehee showed much offensive promise, as he was second among NL rookies in batting average (.301), slugging percentage (.499), and home runs (16). McGehee also led all NL rookies in RBI with 71.

Those numbers lead to a fifth place finish in NL Rookie of the Year voting. If McGeheeisn't hit with a sophomore jinx, the Brewers will have one of the better offenses in the NL in 2010. (2009 pick: Manny Parra)

 

Kevin Slowey, RHP, Minnesota Twins  (2009: 10-3, 90.2 IP, 75 K, 4.86 ERA)

Before his 2009 season ended in August due to a wrist injury that would require surgery, Kevin Slowey was making his case as the Twins ace.

His ERA was a bit high at 4,86, but Slowey was winning, posting a 10-3 record prior to the injury.

His control was terrific as well, walking only 15 batters in 90-plus innings, or in other words, a 1.49 BB/9 inning ratio. He showed power as well, striking out 7.44 batters per nine innings.

He did allow 15 home runs in 2009, but that number may be reduced as the Twins move into their new ballpark in 2010.

If that happens, and if Slowey is completely healthy, he's one of the brightest young pitchers in the game. (2009 pick: Denard Span)

 

Angel Pagan, OF, New York Mets  (2009: .306, 54 R, 11 3B, 6 HR, 32 RBI)

There were few bright spots that came out of the Mets plethora of injuries in 2009, but Angel Pagan was an exception.

Pagan got his chance to play when Daniel Murphy was moved from left field to first base after Carlos Delgado's injury, but once Carlos Delgado and Jose Reyes went down as well, and Fernando Martinez proved he wasn't ready for the big leagues, Pagan was forced into everyday duties as the Mets center fielder and lead-off man.

Pagan handled the duties well, playing an excellent defensive center field, batting over .300 with a .350 on-base percentage, and swiping 14 bases.

Pagan also scored 54 runs in only 88 games played, on a team that struggled offensively, and his 11 triples were fourth best in the NL.

Pagan was so good as a lead-off hitter, there were even rumors that he would remain in the top spot in the batting order even after Jose Reyes returned.

With Carlos Beltran expected to miss the beginning of the 2010 season due to knee surgery, Pagan will get another chance to show what he can do.

At the very least, he will provide the Mets with speed, defense, and a quality bat off the bench. (2009 pick: Jon Niese)

 

Brett Gardner, OF, New York Yankees  (2009: .279, 48 R, 26 SB, .345 OBP)

With the aging Johnny Damon's defense becoming a liability in left, Brett Gardner spent much of 2009 as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement.

Gardner did both extremely well. He plays shallow in the outfield, gets solid jumps on balls hit to him, and has enough speed to outrun any mistakes he makes. His arm is about average for a left fielder, but that was a huge upgrade over Damon's.

Gardner was solid at the plate, as well. He batted .279, and posted only 14 more strikeouts (40) than walks (26), leading to a very solid .345 on-base percentage.

On the bases, Gardner showed his speed swiping 26 bases in 31 attempts.

With Melky Cabrera traded, and Damon seemingly headed elsewhere, Gardner could see more playing time in left field for the world champions in 2010. (2009 pick: Austin Jackson)

 

Rajai Davis, OF, Oakland A's  (2009: .305, 65 R, 3 HR, 48 RBI, 41 SB)

Prior to 2009, Rajai Davis spent the first three seasons of his career with three different teams as a bench player who was considered a one-dimensional speed player.

But playing with only one team in a season for the first time since his rookie year, Davis was able to shed that label. In 125 games played for the A's, Davis proved to be a solid all-around player, batting .305 with a .360 on-base percentage, hitting 5 triples, scoring 65 runs.

He has stolen at least 20 bases in each of the last three seasons, and his 41 steals in 2009 were good for fifth best in the American League.

Defensively, Davis is solid, but is still learning to play center field on a regular basis, but he has enough speed to make up for most mistakes.

Davis will get the chance to play every day for the first time in his career, and is considered one of Oakland's future stars. (2009 pick: Justin Duchscherer)

 

Ryan Madson, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies  (2009: 5-5, 77.1 IP, 10 SV, 3.26 ERA)

Ryan Madson has been a quality set-up man for the Phillies for a few years now, with little recognition. He will start 2010 as Brad Lidge's set-up man once again, but he may end up being the most important part of the team in 2010.

The Phils will start the season without reliever JC Romero, as he recovers from surgery. With the bullpen weakened by Romero's absence, and the perceived improvement of the Braves and Marlins, Philadelphia may not have the luxury of sticking with Brad Lidge as their closer if he struggles like he did in 2009.

Madson has proven to be a better set-up man than a closer, but he was able to save 10 games last year filling in for Lidge at times, so he can do the job.

If Lidge continues to blow saves left and right in 2010, like he did in 2009, a third straight trip to the World Series may rest on Madson's ability to be a closer. (2009 pick: Jayson Werth)

 

Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates  (2009: .286, 74 R, 12 HR, 54 RBI)

The fire sale in Pittsburgh during the 2009 season saw many of the Pirates more prominent players such as Jack Wilson and Nate McLouth finishing their seasons with other teams.

While it made for a bleak 2009 campaign, it did make way for some promising young talent to get a chance to play everyday.

Andrew McCutchen is one the few players to play for the Pirates all year in 2009. Even while his team floundered, and almost every quality veteran player around him was sent elsewhere, McCutchen thrived in his rookie season.

A five-tool player, McCutchen took over in centerfield and played the position better than many who have been in the league for years.

At the plate, McCutchen showed some power, belting 47 extra-base hits and driving in 54 runs in only 108 games played.

His speed was evident with his nine triples and 22 stolen bases, and McCutchen posted respectable numbers in batting and on-base, at .286 and .365, respectively.

Pittsburgh hopes to build around McCutchen, who seems to have all of the tools to be a superstar someday. (2009 pick: Ryan Doumit)

 

Everth Cabrera, SS, San Diego Padres  (2009: .255, 59 R, 8 3B, 25 SB)

Many were surprised when the Padres parted ways with shortstop Khalil Greene prior to 2009, especially since he was only one year removed from a season in which he hit 27 home runs and drove in 97 RBI.

Once Everth Cabrera began playing shortstop in San Diego, it was evident why Greene was let go.

Cabrera is an excellent field with amazing range to either side, has very good instincts, and a strong arm. Sure he had 23 errors in his rookie season, but that number should fall as he learns to play the position at the big league level.

Cabrera also has top-of-the-lineup speed as well. He was able to score 59 runs in 103 games for a terrible offensive team, and he finished in the top ten in triples (8) and stolen bases (25).

At the plate, Cabrera batted .255, a decent number for a rookie, and posted an on-base percentage of .342. Those numbers are solid for a defensive player of Cabrera's caliber, but he'll need to improve those numbers, as well as cut down on his strikeouts (83 in 103 games) if he is to be the Padres lead-off man moving forward. The potential is definitely there. (2009 pick: Adrian Gonzalez)

 

Brian Wilson, RHP, San Francisco Giants  (2009: 5-6, 72,1 IP, 38 SV, 2.74 ERA)

Overshadowed by the Giants' young studs in the rotation, Brian Wilson has been as reliable at the end of the game as Lincecum, Cain and Co. have been at the start.

Since becoming a full-time closer in 2008, Wilson has finished in the top three in the NL in saves both seasons, and only Francisco Rodriguez, Joe Nathan, and Mariano Rivera, have compiled more saves in the past two seasons than Wilson's 79. That's very exclusive company.

After a solid 2008 campaign, Wilson continued to improve in 2009, lowering his ERA from 4.62 to 2.74 and his BB/9 ratio from4.04 to 3.36, while raising his K/9 ratio from 9.67 to a terrific 10.33.

Brian Wilson's name is usually absent in most conversations about the best relievers in baseball, even though it probably shouldn't be. (2009 pick: Matt Cain)

 

Colby Rasmus, OF, St. Louis Cardinals  (2009: .251, 72 R, 16 HR, 52 RBI)

While much of the spotlight in St. Louis last year was on Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, Albert Pujols, and later Matt Holiday, 22 year-old Colby Rasmus was quietly having a great rookie season.

Playing center field for the injured Rick Ankiel, Rasmus filled in nicely in 2009.

Rasmus played almost everyday, 147 games to be exact, fared well at the plate and in the field. He batted .251, and showed some power, belting 16 home runs and hitting 22 doubles. Many predict that Rasmus could blossom into a 25-30 homer-per-year hitter.

Rasmus showed great instincts in the field, and has the ability to play all three outfield positions. His versatility and promise are a huge reason why St. Louis felt comfortable letting Rick Ankiel sign with the Royals. (2009 pick: Kyle Lohse)

 

David Aardsma, RHP, Seattle Mariners  (2009: 3-6, 71.1 IP, 38 SV, 2.52 ERA)

Seattle traded it's closer JJ Putz to the Mets prior to the 2009 season, seemingly leaving a huge void in the MAriners' bullpen. Who knew the hole would be filled by a below average, much traveled reliever.

Aardmsa was once that below-average reliever, but as a closer for the first time in 2009, Aardsma was one of the best.

An All-Star snub, Aardsma posted career bests in ERA (2.52), games (73), innings (71.1), strikeouts (80), and K/9 ratio (10.1). His 38 saves in 2009 were also a career best, and the fourth most in the American League.

The Mariners surprised many by how competitive they were last season, and Aardsma surprised many by being one of the best closers in the league last season. Both have higher expectations in 2010, and if the live up to them, the Mariners may find themselves in the post-season. (2009 pick: Yuniesky Betancourt)

 

Jeff Niemann, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays  (2009: 13-6, 180.2 IP, 125 K, 3.94 ERA)

Most people figured a rookie pitcher would pitch great for the Rays in 2009, but most figured it would be David Price, not Jeff Niemann.

Niemann, who finished fourth in the AL Rookie of the Year voting, was arguably Tampa's most reliable starter a year ago. The rookie led the defending AL champs in wins (13), ERA (3.94), shutouts(2) and complete games (2). He also led all  AL rookie pitchers in innings pitch with 180.2.

Even after the Rays traded Scott Kazmir, there is still a bunch of young talented arms in Tampa's rotation, and Niemann may one day be the rotation's ace. (2009 pick: Chad Bradford)

 

Scott Feldman, RHP, Texas Rangers  (2009: 17-8, 189.2 IP, 113 K, 4.08 ERA)

Over the past few years, the Texas Rangers have had one major problem that has kept them from being a competitive team. Simply put, they lacked effective starting pitching.

That seemed to change in 2009, as the Rangers rotation, led by Scott Feldman, took a huge step forward. The result, Texas had their first winning season since 2004.

For his part, Feldman came out of nowhere to lead the Rangers in wins (17) and WHIP (1.281), and was second in ERA (4.08), innings (189.2), and strikeouts (113).

Not exactly Cy Young numbers, but Feldman proved he could be one of the few pitchers the Rangers have had over recent years who can pitch in their ballpark.

Feldman could anchor the staff for years to come, meaning the Rangers could be competitive for some time.

 

Ricky Romero, LHP, Toronto Blue Jays  (2009: 13-9, 178 IP, 141 K, 4.30 ERA)

After injuries to Dustin McGowan and Shaun Marcum left the Blue Jays searching for quality starters behind ace Roy Halladay, former first-round draft pick Ricky Romero was given his first shot at the big league level.

Romero would make 29 starts for the Jays, winning 13 of them. He pitched in 178 innings, second most on the team, and showed strikeout potential by fanning 141 batters.

Romero did struggle at times with his control, hitting ten batters and walking the second most walks in the league with 79.

He also gave up his share of hits, 192 to be exact, and opposing batters hit .284 against him, but those numbers should get better with more command and experience.

With Roy Halladay now pitching for the Phillies, Romero looks to be the Jays new No. 1 starter. His progression will be vital to the Jays' chances in 2010.

 

Nyjer Morgan, OF, Washington Nationals  (2009: .307, 74 R, 7 3B, 39 RBI, 42 SB)

After securing a power threat for the middle of their line-up by signing Adam Dunn prior to the season, Washington then secured a much-needed table setter when they traded for Nyjer Morgan during the season.

Morgan blossomed as the Nationals' lead-off hitter and center fielder after leaving Pittsburgh. In 49 games in DC, Morgan scored 35 runs, batted .351, stole 24 bases, and had an on-base percentage of .396.

In total, Morgan finished tenth in the NL in batting at .307, and second in the NL with 42 steals.

If he picks up in 2010 where he left of in 2009, Morgan could be the catalyst of a team that surprises many people.