MLB Predictions: Picking the 15 Biggest Busts for 2012

Spring training is just around the corner, and as team's roster moves are finally starting to take shape the question now turns to how the new additions will perform.

Free agents will head to their new destinations looking for a fresh start with something to prove in their new surroundings.

Veterans and rookies alike will be looking to build on what they've already done during their careers.

Inevitably, however, there will be a number of players who fail to perform. It's hard to say before spring training starts who will be 2012's version of Carl Crawford, but there certainly are a number of players who could be setting themselves up for similar fates.

Freddy Garcia

After putting up back-to-back 12-win seasons, Freddy Garcia is currently looking at a spot at the end of the New York Yankees' rotation once again in 2012.

The 35-year-old right-hander may not even have the chance to be a bust, though, as the Yankees may be looking for another starter that could push him into bullpen duty.

Yuniesky Betancourt

After a one year stint in Milwaukee, Yuniesky Betancourt is back in Kansas City after signing a $2 million deal.

He's currently listed as a backup shortstop on the Kansas City Royals depth chart, but he will likely see a lot of time given he'll be one of few veterans on a young team.

Jon Rauch

After a promising 2010 season with the Minnesota Twins in which he notched 21 saves, Jon Rauch found himself pitching north of the border with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011.

He didn't fare as well with the Jays, as his ERA jumped nearly two runs and he closed only 11 games. Given his shaky track record in pressure situations the New York Mets could be in for disappointment if they're hoping to see Rauch close a number of meaningful games.

Adam Dunn

Adam Dunn was supposed to be a home-run-hitting machine at U.S. Cellular Field in 2011. He went deep exactly 11 times and batted a dismal .159, a far cry from the 38 home run/104 RBI effort he put forth in 2010.

It's almost impossible for him not to improve in 2012, but if Dunn isn't able to regain confidence in his swing, he may be in for some of the same struggles.

Carl Pavano

Even after signing free agent pitcher Jason Marquis to a one year deal this offseason, the Minnesota Twins still face a number of questions in the starting rotation.

Carl Pavano has been a bright spot for the team in the past couple seasons, but with what will likely once again be a stagnant offense and even more question marks in the bullpen Pavano could end up failing to produce what would be expected from a top of the rotation starter.

Vladimir Guerrero

Vladimir Guerrero's 29 home runs and 115 RBI with the Texas Rangers in 2010 should have been enough to warrant an extension for at least another season.

His price proved to be too high for the Rangers, so he moved on to Baltimore, where he kept up a respectable batting average but saw his power numbers drop significantly.

He hasn't yet signed with a team for the 2012 season, but as he continues to age he'll likely continue to regress and could very well end up as a part time player at best.

Dontrelle Willis

In Dontrelle Willis' early years with the Florida Marlins he showed enough promise to be labeled a potential superstar in this league.

He's only averaged 10 starts per season since 2008, however, and his ERA hasn't dropped below 5.00 in any of those seasons.

With only four wins in his last 40 starts Willis may find himself struggling again in his new situation.

Delmon Young

After taking his game to the next level in 2011 after coming over from Minnesota, Delmon Young was an important part of the Detroit Tigers' push towards the postseason.

His three ALDS home runs certainly turned some heads, but having only once hit more than 13 home runs in a season, it shouldn't be expected that he continues to excel in 2012 and it's quite possible he'll revert to his old ways.

Joe Nathan

During his prime with the Minnesota Twins, Joe Nathan was a solid closer who effectively shut the door on opposing teams on a nightly basis.

After Tommy John surgery kept him out of the 2010 season, he struggled in 2011. With a move away from such a pitcher-friendly ballpark in 2012, things won't get any easier.

Cody Ross

After playing an important role in the San Francisco Giants' World Series run in 2010, Cody Ross was given an extension into the 2011 season but failed to yield the same results.

The utility outfielder has yet to sign with a team this offseason, but any organization banking on seeing another 20+ home run season from Ross could be setting themselves up for disappointment.

Chris Capuano

Chris Capuano is headed to the Los Angeles Dodgers after spending 2011 with the New York Mets.

Having started on a consistent basis only once since 2007, Capuano's 11 wins in 2011 were definitely impressive.

While he does have the stuff to be a pitcher, his less than consistent play in recent years could provide more questions than answers for Dodgers fans.

Derrek Lee

Derrek Lee's positive second half to the 2011 season will likely warrant a few dollars in 2012.

But the 36 year old has definitely regressed from his days as a Cub and as he continues to get long in the tooth don't expect him to turn things around with a new team.

Joel Pineiro

After winning 15 games in 2009 and another 10 in 2010, Joel Pineiro saw his ERA balloon in 2011 as he struggled with command and saw his strikeout numbers fall even farther.

With only three really positive seasons during his 12 year career, Pineiro won't be scaring any batters that step up to the plate in 2012.

Grady Sizemore

Having played in barely 100 games over the past two seasons, fans in Cleveland are likely anxious for the return of their star center fielder and three time All-Star Grady Sizemore.

He'll have added reason to succeed in 2012 with a contract loaded with incentives, but the rust could prove to be too much to overcome as Sizemore will likely take a year or two (if then) before regaining his power numbers.

Jose Reyes

Gauging whether or not Jose Reyes is a bust in 2012 can really come in a number of different ways.

His 2011 season was a without question his best year, as he led the NL in batting and had 54 extra base hits and 39 stolen bases despite playing in only 126 games.

After signing a massive contract with the Miami Marlins this offseason the table is being set for a letdown as Reyes in all likelihood won't be able to match his 2011 stats but will be making $10 million in the first year of a heavily back loaded contract.