Baseball Players Everyone Forgot About Who Will Surprise You In 2009

Branyan should have the DH job, as long as he performs well.  Look for Branyan and Seattle's offense to surprise some people this year.

Sean Burnett, Pitcher, Pittsburgh Pirates: Burnett is probably the least recognizable name on this list.  However Burnett was once the 19th overall pick in the 2000 draft.  In 2004, Burnett looked poised to become a young star, but surgery caused him to miss the entire 2005 season.  Arm problems and poor performance plagued Burnett's 2006 and 2007 seasons. 

But a strong spring training in 2008 gave way to Burnett performing very well in the Pirates bullpen.  Look for the Pirates to enhance Burnett's role in 2009 as he becomes a lefty specialist.

Kason Gabbard, Pitcher, Texas Rangers: Gabbard was the key piece acquired from the Red Sox in the Eric Gagne deal in 2007.  While Gabbard ended that year well, he disappeared in 2008.  Gabbard struggled to start the year, and left elbow problems forced him to miss most of the season.  With the Rangers rotation in a state of flux while they wait for Feliz, Main and Beavan to reach the majors, Gabbard will be expected to take on a significant role.

Dallas McPherson, Third Base, Florida Marlins: Once a top prospect for the Angels, McPherson fell out of favor after years underachieving.  McPherson was given a second chance by the Marlins when they signed him to a minor league contract.  McPherson exceeded all expectation in triple A, hitting 42 home runs, leading the minor league. 

With the departure of Mike Jacobs and Josh Willingham, the Marlins have several open spots on their roster and they will give McPherson every opportunity to duplicate those minor league numbers.

Anderson Hernandez, Second Base, Washington Nationals: Hernandez was once considered to be the second baseman of the future for the Mets.  Unfortunately Hernandez was never able grab hold in New York and wound up in Washington in 2008. 

Hernandez was called up late in the season and posted a .333 average in 28 games.  With no real competition at second base for 2009 (sorry Belliard fans) Hernandez should surprise some people with his performance.

Noah Lowry, Pitcher, San Francisco Giants: Lowry was a picture of consistency for the Giants from 2005-2007, but a left forearm injury caused him to miss the entire 2008 season.  With the emergence of Lincecum and the constant circus that surrounds Zito, Lowry has gone overlooked. 

Lowry has been one of the most underrated players in baseball for years and he should come back fully healthy.  With Lowry bringing stability to the back of the rotation, the Giants should have the best rotation in baseball.

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