2011 MLB Predictions: 10 Players Who Will Reach Important Milestones

The NFL season is almost over, and the 2011 MLB season is getting closer and closer.

2011 MLB Predictions are all the rage, and the new year will see some of the game's top players reach some important milestones.

There won't be any Barry Bondses breaking the home run record, and no one is taking out Cal Ripken's consecutive games streak anytime soon, but that doesn't mean there won't be any milestones reached.

Here are 10 players who will do just that.

10. Jim Thome

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - AUGUST 10: Jim Thome #25 of the Minnesota Twins takes a swing against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on August 10, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Twins defeated the White Sox 12-6. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Milestone: 600 home runs

Currently at: 589 home runs

There are only seven members of the 600-home run club, soon to be eight.

9. Alex Rodriguez

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees hits a ground rule double in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers in Game Five of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium on October 20, 2010 in the Bro

Milestone: Fifth on the all-time home runs list (Ken Griffey Jr., 630)

Currently at: Sixth (613)

8. Derek Jeter

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 22: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees looks on during batting practice against the Texas Rangers in Game Six of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 22, 2010 in Arlington, Texas.

Milestones: 3,000 hits

Currently at: 2,926

Jeter will become the 28th member of the 3,000-hit club.

7. Mariano Rivera

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 22: Mariano Rivera #42 of the New York Yankees throws a pitch against the Texas Rangers in Game Six of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 22, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers won

Milestone: 1,000 games

Currently at: 978 games

Assuming Rivera makes it through the season, he'll reach 1,000 games.

6. Mariano Rivera...Again

Donald Bowers/Getty Images

GREENWICH, CT - NOVEMBER 12: Major League Baseball Players, Including New York Yankees Closer Mariano Rivera Make Appearance at Manfredi Jewels on November 12, 2010 in Greenwich, Connecticut. (Photo by Donald Bowers/Getty Images for Manfredi Jewels)

Milestone: First all-time saves (Trevor Hoffman, 601)

Currently at: Second (559)

If Rivera can convert 43 save opportunities, he'll be the all-time leader.

5. Javier Vazquez

Abelimages/Getty Images

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 29: Javier Vasquez #31 of the New York Yankees throws during a MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre September 29, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images)

Milestone: 2,500

Currently at: 2,374 strikeouts

Who would've thought Vazquez is 40th all-time in strikeouts?

4. Francisco Cordero

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI - SEPTEMBER 12: Francisco Cordero #48 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ballpark on September 12, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Milestone: 300 saves

Currently at: 290

Cordero is fourth among active players in saves and 23rd all-time.

3. Ichiro

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 29: Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on September 29, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Milestone: 2,500 hits

Currently at: 2,244

This might be a bit of a stretch, but if Ichiro can get 256 hits, he'll reach 2,500.

2. Albert Pujols

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 24: Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals hits a single in the 9th inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on September 24, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cardinals defeated the Cubs 7-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty

Milestone: 450 home runs

Currently at: 408

If Pujols hits 42 home runs, he'll reach 450 at just 31 years old.

1. Jim Edmonds

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PHOENIX - AUGUST 18: Infielder Jim Edmonds #15 of the Cincinnati Reds in action during the Major League Baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on August 18, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Reds defeated the Diamondbacks 11-7. (Photo

Milestone: 400 home runs

Currently at: 393

Edmonds hit 11 home runs last year.  Will he find enough playing time to hit seven this year?

Matt Rudnitsky is a student at the University of Michigan and a Featured Columnist/writing intern at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Mattrud.