2012 MLB Predictions: Guaranteed Locks for Each Team as the Season Opens

With teams just days away from opening the 2012 MLB regular season, we are seeing final tune-ups, final roster decisions and speculation about what teams are expected to do this season.

There are obviously a number of teams entering the season as favorites to continue play in October, but there will no doubt be some surprises in the mix also.

As the season gets underway, here is one player from each team that we can count on to produce in 2012.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Ian Kennedy

With an improved offense heading into the season, the Arizona Diamondbacks once again have high hopes for a repeat postseason appearance, though they'll certainly look to get past the NLDS this time around.

Ian Kennedy will no doubt play an important role in their success as he looks to build from his breakout 2011 season in which he won 21 games and posted a 2.88 ERA.

Atlanta Braves: Jason Heyward

After a very strong 2010 season that saw him finish second in NL Rookie of the Year voting, Jason Heyward dropped off sharply in his sophomore season, with his batting average dropping 50 points.

He'll look to rebound in 2012, and though he's struggled a bit in spring training, we've all seen that he has the talent and raw tools to make a big impact in any game.

Baltimore Orioles: Brian Matusz

After a disastrous 2011 season, no one was happier to turn the page to 2012 than Baltimore Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz.

He's gotten off to a strong start this spring, going 1-1 with a 3.20 ERA in five starts. He's striking out nearly a batter an inning, while walking only two in 20 innings pitched.

Boston Red Sox: Josh Beckett

With questions surrounding parts of the Boston Red Sox pitching rotation this spring, it looks like Josh Beckett is playing about as well as any other pitcher around.

He's gone 2-0 with a 0.95 ERA in six starts this spring. While he's walked almost as many batters as he's struck out, he still looks primed for a strong 2012 campaign.

Chicago Cubs: Starlin Castro

Along with the hiring of Theo Epstein, Starlin Castro is a reason that the Chicago Cubs faithful have reason to believe when looking towards the future.

Castro batted .307 in 2011 while leading the league in at-bats (674) and hits (207). He should be able to produce more of the same this year as he looks to help Theo Epstein lead the team in the right direction.

Chicago White Sox: Paul Konerko

The Chicago White Sox thought they had a version of the bash brothers heading into U.S. Cellular Field last season when Adam Dunn joined Paul Konerko in the team's lineup.

Dunn failed to hold up his end of the bargain, posting the worst season of his career. Konerko did his part, though, batting .300 and going deep 31 times while driving in over 100 runs.

Konerko's consistent track record throughout his career leaves little doubt that he'll be able to recreate his past successes once again in 2012.

Cincinnati Reds: Joey Votto

Joey Votto hasn't had the best spring training, but that didn't in any way stop the Cincinnati Reds from going all-in on him by signing him to an extension (per ESPN). 

With a new contract to his name, Votto will have 225 million reasons to give it everything he's got this season. If he can put up another season like his last two, it shouldn't be difficult to live up to his paycheck.

Cleveland Indians: Asdrubal Cabrera

Asdrubal Cabrera played an important part in the Cleveland Indians' ascent in the AL Central in 2011.

In 151 games, the All-Star batted .273 while going deep 25 times en route to 92 runs batted in. The Indians will be looking for much of the same from him once again this year after remaining mostly quiet during the offseason free-agency period.

Colorado Rockies: Drew Pomeranz

As one of the centerpieces of last year's trade of Ubaldo Jimenez, the Colorado Rockies have a great pitching prospect in camp as Drew Pomeranz toes the rubber.

He's turned a few heads this spring, going 2-0 with a 0.82 ERA in four starts and striking out nine batters in 11 innings pitched.

Detroit Tigers: Justin Verlander

Taking home both AL Cy Young and MVP honors, it's hard to think of a better player last year than Justin Verlander.

His 24-5 record were tops in the league and he continued his rate of punchouts, striking out a batter per inning while walking only two per nine.

With a rejuvenated offense in Detroit this season, there's no reason to think Verlander can't put up another outstanding season and lead the Tigers to a World Series appearance.

Houston Astros: Carlos Lee

Carlos Lee is entering the final year of a $100 million deal with the Houston Astros this season. While he certainly won't command the same salary when he hits free agency, he could still be a valuable pickup for a team in need of a veteran bat.

During the five years Lee has spent in the Lone Star State, he's averaged 26 home runs and 101 RBI per season, while batting .286 with a .824 OPS. There's no reason to think he won't be able to put up similar numbers once again in 2012.

Kansas City Royals: Jonathan Broxton

With the recent news that Joakim Soria will end up needing Tommy John surgery and miss the 2012 season, the Royals' acquisition of Jonathan Broxton takes on increased significance. The team will look to him in important late-inning situations this season.

Broxton saved a career-high 36 games in 2009. If he shows enough in Royals camp, he could find himself closing games for Kansas City in 2012.

Los Angeles Angels: Albert Pujols

Fans of the Los Angeles Angels were flying high in December as they watched their team make blockbuster move after blockbuster move and suddenly vault themselves into the early World Series discussions for 2012.

Albert Pujols was the gem of the free-agent class, so there's little he could do to disappoint in spring training. Either way, he's lived up to expectations.

With four home runs and 11 RBI in 17 games this spring, he's batting .333 and is poised to have another MVP-caliber season.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw

Despite playing on a team facing a good amount of turmoil in 2011, Clayton Kershaw was unaffected. He put up an impressive season that ultimately won him NL Cy Young honors.

Kershaw won 21 games and posted a 2.28 ERA while striking out nearly 10 batters per nine innings and walking only two.

He'll continue to dominate in 2012, with enough tools on offense to provide the necessary run support and give Kershaw another gaudy win total.

Miami Marlins: Giancarlo Stanton

As one of the game's emerging stars, Giancarlo Stanton turned many heads with the violent swing that sent many balls deep into the Florida night.

His 34 home runs put him fifth in the National League and his .537 slugging percentage was good enough for sixth.

With a newly revamped roster joining Stanton for the trek to South Beach, he may be primed for another big year.

Milwaukee Brewers: Ryan Braun

With a career-high .332 batting average and league-leading slugging percentage and OPS (.597 and .994), Braun was able to take home the NL MVP hardware last season.

The news of a positive test for PEDs dampened some enthusiasm surrounding the honor, but his successful appeal allowed fans in Milwaukee to breathe a sigh of relief. They won't be missing both Fielder and Braun when the season gets underway.

Minnesota Twins: Justin Morneau

The Minnesota Twins want nothing more than to forget the dismal 2011 season that saw them narrowly escape 100 losses, as they finished last in the AL Central with a 63-99 record.

The health of Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer certainly contributed to their poor showing. With both players getting regular action in spring training, there's hope that they can put last season behind them.

Morneau won't be playing at first base, but since he's transitioned to the DH role, he's seen his power numbers shoot up. His confidence has gone up right along with it.

New York Mets: Johan Santana

After missing all of last season, Johan Santana will look to return to form in 2012 with the New York Mets, and he's showing some signs of recovery already.

His walk numbers this spring aren't quite as high as could be expected from a pitcher with the stuff Santana has. Expect him to work his way back and refine his mechanics once again. If he does, he should be a highly effective option for the Mets.

New York Yankees: C.C. Sabathia

Continuing to live up to his massive contract with the New York Yankees, C.C. Sabathia won 19 games last year, while posting his lowest ERA since the 2008 season.

He's been a little shaky this spring, but with at least 19 wins in each of his last three seasons, he'll likely get 2012 started off on the same note. He's a huge reason the Yankees are an early favorite to hoist the hardware in October.

Oakland Athletics: Yoenis Cespedes

The season has already technically opened for the Oakland Athletics. While there were many questions surrounding Yoenis Cespedes and exactly what he would do with the A's, he gave a glimpse at an answer.

He drove in a couple of runs and went deep once during the team's two-game stint in Japan to kick off the season.

Philadelphia Phillies: Roy Halladay

Coming up just short of consecutive NL Cy Young awards, Roy Halladay was his usual self in 2011. He'd finish the season with a 19-6 record and 2.35 ERA.

Halladay's WHIP was his lowest in six seasons and his command remained impeccable, as he walked only one batter per nine innings.

With the Phillies primed to contend once again in 2012, Halladay will play an integral role in the team's success in the resurgent NL East.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Andrew McCutchen

Andrew McCutchen is certainly emerging as one of the stars on the Pittsburgh Pirates as he continues to build on his 2009 rookie season.

As a player the Pirates are looking to build their franchise on, McCutchen will no doubt hope to prove he's worthy of the six-year, $52 million contract extension he signed this offseason.

San Diego Padres: Cameron Maybin

Cameron Maybin will be an important contributor towards any success the Padres have this season. He'll no doubt look to improve on the .213 batting average and slightly inflated strikeout numbers he's put up this spring.

Maybin is a career .255 hitter, though 2011 was his best season as he batted .264 and drove in 40 runs in 137 games for the Padres.

San Francisco Giants: Matt Cain

For a while, it seemed as though the contract situation surrounding Matt Cain would be a cloud that hung over the San Francisco Giants all season long.

Just days before the start of the season, however, the Giants have paid up, with Cain receiving the richest contract ever handed out to a right-handed pitcher (per USA TODAY).

With that distraction out of the way, Cain can get down to business and have himself the most productive season yet.

Seattle Mariners: Dustin Ackley

During the short two-game set against the Oakland Athletics in Japan last week, Dustin Ackley emerged as one of the top performers for the Seattle Mariners.

Ackley went deep once and drove in two runs in the series, hopefully leading to some momentum for the rest of the regular season for the Mariners.

St. Louis Cardinals: Adam Wainwright

Having not made a start for the St. Louis Cardinals since 2010, there's certainly pressure to return to All-Star form for the world champions in 2012. Based on his spring performance, he may be up to the challenge.

He's currently 2-0 with a 1.45 ERA this spring and has given up only six free passes in 19 innings pitched.

Tampa Bay Rays: Jeremy Hellickson

Last year's AL Rookie of the Year winner Jeremy Hellickson will certainly hope to continue to build on his impressive 2011 campaign with the Tampa Bay Rays as he heads into the season as the team's third starter.

Hellickson went 13-10 last season, posting a 2.95 ERA in 189 innings for the Rays.

Texas Rangers: Josh Hamilton

Between the off-the-field issues surrounding Josh Hamilton this offseason and the contract situation that will no doubt be magnified this season, there are plenty of questions surrounding the Texas Rangers slugger.

He's off to a bit of a rough start this spring, with no home runs and only a handful of RBI to his name in 17 games. You would have to believe he'll be looking to prove to everyone that he's worthy of a formidable extension.

Toronto Blue Jays: Jose Bautista

Jose Bautista is certainly one of the most feared hitters in the league, and rightfully so.

He was tops in the league with 43 home runs and an OPS of 1.056, and was second with a .447 OBP.

Being on a .500 team that finishes fourth in their division swayed some votes away from him during MVP voting, but it's hard to argue his value to the Blue Jays when you think about where they would've been without him.

The Blue Jays didn't get the pitcher they were seeking during the offseason, but Bautista should help lighten the burden on the staff as he continues to torment AL East pitching.

Washington Nationals: Stephen Strasburg

The Washington Nationals have high hopes for the 2012 season, and for good reason. They've signed Edwin Jackson and traded for Gio Gonzalez to bolster their rotation. On top of that, they have ace Stephen Strasburg back in the Opening Day saddle after returning from Tommy John surgery.

Strasburg hasn't had the strongest spring from a statistical perspective, but seeing him healthy in spring training after missing the majority of 2011 is a great sign in itself.