Baseball Players Everyone Forgot About Who Will Surprise You In 2009

This is a group of players who were largely forgotten in 2008, whether due to injury, poor play or bad luck.  Look for each of these players to have a resurgence in 2009

Chris Ray, Pitcher, Baltimore Orioles: We last saw Ray as the closer for Baltimore in 2007.  After saving 33 games in 2006, Ray's '07 season was cut short by elbow surgery.  This surgery also cause Ray to miss the entire 2008 season.  While George Sherrill has the closer role in Baltimore under wraps, look for Ray to thrive in the bullpen in a set-up role in 2009

Jeremy Sowers, Pitcher, Cleveland Indians: Once a mega-prospect for the Indians, Sowers has failed to make a big impact on the major league level.  Sowers made his big league debut in 2006, when he looked like future star.  Unfortunately, poor play removed Sowers from Cleveland's rotation and saw him bounce between the majors and triple A. 

While Sowers struggled after his midseason call-up in 2008, look for him to be a big part of the Indians' rotation in 2009.  The departure of Sabathia and the inconsistency of Carmona will force the Indians' to rely on Sowers.

Chris Capuano, Pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers: Only a couple of years ago, Capuano was considered to be one of the premier pitchers in baseball.  He put up 18 wins in 2005 and followed that with another productive year in 2006.  Capuano fell apart in 2007, as his ERA inflated to 5.10 and he missed the entire 2008 season. 

With the departure of Sabathia and Sheets and the inevitable inconsistency of Manny Parra and Yovani Gallardo, Capuano may be asked to perform a big role in the Brewers rotation.

Anthony Reyes, Pitcher, Cleveland Indians: Reyes was once a big time prospect in the St. Louis Cardinals organization.  Unfortunately Reyes was never able to translate minor league dominance into big league success and the Cardinals gave up on him.  However Reyes seemed to finally put it together and become rejuvinated in the Indians uniform.  In his six starts to end the year with Indians, Reyes posted a 1.83.

Reyes, like Sowers, will be relied upon to provide the Indians with some stability in the back of the rotation

Travis Buck, Outfielder, Oakland Athletics: Entering the 2007 season, top prospect Buck looked poised to become a fixture in the Oakland A's outfield.  Unfortunately poor play saw Buck return to triple A quickly.  2008 marked another inconsistent year for Buck, as he struggled in 38 games with the A's.  Despite all of this, the A's really want Buck to succeed and he should get the nod on opening day in left field.

Russell Branyan, Designated Hitter, Seattle Mariners: With seasons of 20 and 24 home runs in 2001 and 2002 a distant memory, it seemed that Branyan's career was coming to an end in 2007.  However he had a come back season in 2008 with Milwaukee, hitting 12 home runs in only 50 games, earning him one last shot, with the Seattle Mariners. 

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?