MLB Players Poised to Make Big Comebacks in 2013

A new season provides every MLB veteran with a new opportunity to add to the resume they've built up throughout their careers.

In other cases, a new season is an opportunity to forget the troubles a player has had in recent seasons.

Returning from injury isn't always an easy task, but the will to succeed is something that can't be undervalued.

Here are some players setting themselves up for much better numbers than they earned just a year ago.

John Danks

Heading into last season, the Chicago White Sox had to feel good about their chances in the AL Central, with a strong starting rotation that featured John Danks.

Danks opted to stick around in the Windy City after signing a five-year, $65 million contract.

Unfortunately for Chicago, Danks' season ended after just nine starts.

If the White Sox hope to come back this season, they'll need a strong effort from Danks, preferably similar to the three consecutive 12-plus-win seasons he posted from 2008-2010.

Carl Crawford

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been one of the most active teams in the league over the past six months, with the acquisition of Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett and Adrian Gonzalez highlighting their moves.

Crawford has played in only 161 games over the past two seasons, only 31 last season.

When he is able to get on the field, Crawford has been a threat any time he sets foot on the basepaths, leading the league in stolen bases and triples on numerous occasions.

Ubaldo Jimenez

In all reality, the Cleveland Indians could find themselves going in either direction with Ubaldo Jimenez.

When the Indians traded for Jimenez during the 2011 season, they expected to immediately contend for playoff positioning.

But as Jimenez and other players haven't lived up to expectations, they seem to be resetting themselves.

They have made a couple of big signings this offseason, including Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher, so hopefully the new-look offense in the Indians lineup is enough to boost Jimenez back to the numbers he put up during his best days.

Brett Gardner

With the number of blows the New York Yankees offense has been dealt in the past few months, the team will need to get everything it can out of the players it still has in the lineup.

The power that Alex Rodriguez and Curtis Granderson provide in the lineup will certainly be missed early on, and while Robinson Cano and Mark Teixiera will help, they'll need more.

One player who will be counted on in 2013 is Brett Gardner, who has been a solid option over the past few years for the Yankees, but only played in 16 games in 2012.

Tim Lincecum

The 2012 season wasn't overly kind to Tim Lincecum, who posted career highs in losses (15) and ERA (5.18).

He's dynamic enough to overcome his struggles at any moment, and while it's worth giving him a shot at important innings, he'll remain a liability on the mound until he proves otherwise.

With a newly trimmed head of hair under his cap, 2013 could prove to be a big turning point for The Freak.

Troy Tulowitzki

Much like the rest of the teams in the league that are embarking on their rebuilding process, the Colorado Rockies don't have much in the way of veteran presence on their roster.

What they do have is a star infielder in Troy Tulowitzki, who will be the face of the franchise for the rest of the decade.

He's struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons, but when healthy he represents a powerful bat and brings Gold Glove-caliber defense to the diamond on a daily basis.

Roy Halladay

When you think about the Phillies pitching staff, it's hard to not think of Roy Halladay.

The 15-year veteran has posted a 51-24 record since coming over from Toronto after the 2009 season.

He made just 25 starts last season, something that could concern the front office and fans alike as he continues to get up there in age. But Halladay has always been able to produce, even when he's not at his best.

Keeping that in mind, the front of the rotation will continue to be in good hands if he can get back to a season like 2010, when he led the league with 21 wins en route to his second Cy Young award.

Victor Martinez

The Detroit Tigers were able to make it to the World Series in 2012 with one of their best offensive players, Victor Martinez, on the shelf for the entire season.

Having sluggers like Prince Fielder and Triple Crown-winner Miguel Cabrera definitely helped, but having a player who bats for a strong average while still posting some power will add yet another element to the Tigers offense, as they look to get back to the World Series once again in 2013.

Mariano Rivera

When Mariano Rivera was lost for the season while shagging fly balls this spring, the closer vowed to return in 2013, despite the fact that he just turned 43 this winter.

The team was able to make due with Rivera gone, as Rafael Soriano stepped up to the tune of 42 saves, but having the best closer of all time back in the ninth inning role will help the Yankees earn important wins in the tough AL East.

Justin Morneau

After struggling through concussion problems and other injuries over the past couple of seasons, Justin Morneau appears to finally be hitting his stride.

He went deep 19 times in 134 games in 2012. With his numbers up in virtually every category from last season, Morneau will look to remain healthy in 2013 as he enters the final year of his contract.

Should he put up strong numbers early in the season, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Twins look to trade Morneau, as they continue to rebuild their roster to contend in the AL Central.