MLB 2011: The List of the Most Likely To...

Remember in high school, the senior class would vote to see who would be the "Most Likely to Succeed," or the "Most Likely to Marry a Millionaire," and so on?

Just before the All-Star break is an appropriate time to present a list of the “Most Likely To...”

It is all for fun and giggles, no pressure, not hard to force the gray matter into coming up with earth shattering news.

Normal lists, such as who will win the Cy Young Award or the Most Valuable Player, are usually done prior to a season’s beginning. But at the midway point of the season trends are developing and surprising things are happening.

With that said, let us look at the 2011 Most Likely To’s.

The Most Likely Player to Hit 40 and Bat Less Than .240

Mark Reynolds, Baltimore Orioles 

It doesn't seem like a real stretch, since he already has 20 dingers and is batting only .227. Reynolds will just be glad to be on a different list for a change.

Player Most Likely to Have More Strikeouts Than Hits and BB Combined

Drew Stubbs, Cincinnati Reds

This is the list I was talking about Reynolds not wanting to top.

Stubbs is looking like he means business in this category.

Currently he has 119 strikeouts, against 91 hits and 34 walks.

Most Likely Player to Get 200 Hits and Not Bat .300

Melky Cabrera, Kansas City Royals

Jimmy Rollins did it and got the MVP award.

So far, Melky is batting .291 with 109 base hits.

The Player Most Likely to Have 40+ HR and Drive in Less Than 100

Carlos Pena,  Chicago Cubs

This is usually reserved for someone like Alphonso Soriano, who hits a bunch of HR out of the leadoff slot. Looks like Pena may do it this year in the three and four-hole.

So far he has 19 HR with only 48 RBI.

Player Most Likely to Walk 100 Times and Strikeout at Least 150

Jayson Werth, Washington Nationals

So much money, so few swings.

He currently has 44 BB alongside 87 strikeouts.

The Player Most Likely to Have 40 HR and 40 2B

Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers

Fielder has a lot of muscle with no speed, or he would have 40 HR and 20 ITP HR.

Now he has 22 HR and 21 doubles.

The Pitcher Most Likely to Win 13 Games but Lose More Than That

Bronson Arroyo, Cincinnati Reds

Bronson is a workhorse and will pitch a lot of innings. Unfortunately, he will also give up his share of home runs.

Currently he is working on a 7-7 season.

Starter Most Likely to Have an ERA Less Than 2.50 with a Losing W-L Record

James Shields, Tampa Bay Rays

Occasionally something like this happens when a guy gets no support from his sluggers.

So far, James is 2.47 with an 8-6 record.

Starting Pitcher Most Likely to Strikeout 200 and Walk 100+

Gio Gonzalez, Oakland A's

More than one could do it, but in my world, the probability of goober points goes to Gio.

He currently has 111 strikeouts and 52 walks. I would have used Edinson Volquez, but I am praying he doesn't come back to the big leagues.

Pitcher Most Likely to Have 250+ Innings and Give Up Less Than 150 Hits

Justin Verlander,

Perhaps the best pitcher in baseball, his numbers so far speak for themselves: 143 IP, 95 hits.

Pitcher Most Likely to Pitch Less Than 150 and Surrender More Than 200 Hits

John Lackey, Boston Red Sox

Not the most impressive MLT list to head, but somebody has to do it.

His stats currently stand at 72 IP and 91 Hits.

The Most Likely Closer to Have 25 Saves and 12 BS

Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs

So far: 18 Saves with six blown saves.