Which pitcher and position player do you think will break out and play better than expected this year? Of course this depends on what your expectations are.

Pitcher: Capps (Swarzak close second) -- just because my head tells me that neither will have a great year, but my heart believes otherwise.

 

Player: Casilla -- because I don't have any expectations other than mediocrity and know that Alexi can play well above par if motivated? focused? wearing 3/4 sleeves? I don't know what it takes.

Edited March 30, 201214 yr by Ultima Ratio

Danny Valencia is going to have a solid year. He worked very hard this off Season. Jarred Burton will be a solid set up man which we so desperately need.

Plouffe: Avg. 262 - HR 22 - RBI 78 (Respectable Defense in the OF & IF)

If Plouffe has those numbers, they may be better than Willinghams' -- would be a nice surprise indeed, but I doubt it.

Jason Marquis: Surpassing all expectations, he will remain in the starting rotation through mid-June, at which time his 6.43 ERA will send him to the Ramon Ortiz scrap-heap of shame.

Plouffe and (gulp) Blackburn.

Luke Hughes and Liam Hendricks, prompting awful sportscasters everywhere to refer to them as "The Thunder from Down Under"

If Liriano continues to pitch to spots, he could win 18 games. If Hughes gets extended playing time, he could hit 20 home runs, and I think he will play solid infield. I also think Plouffe is capable of playing good corner outfield, and can hit 20 taters if he gets over 400 AB.

Morneau- .285/.340/.485 22 HR 90 RBI 135 Games Played- Will over achieve bc nobody expects much of anything out of the Canadian

Blackburn- 190 IP 3.90 ERA- Will turn into a decent 4th pitcher for them this year.

Drew Butera. He will continue to draw a paycheck as a professional baseball player.

Drew Butera. He will continue to draw a paycheck as a professional baseball player.

I think you were looking to post that in the 'face palm' projections thread.

Parmelee - Possible ROTY?

Baker - If he can get his elbow figured out, should have a good year.

ROY will be tough in the AL but I think Parmalee is in for a nice Doug Mientkiewicz season (like his 02 or 03).

 

I think Willingham will learn a couple of magic tricks before the season starts so that he can bring that Cuddyer intangible to the lockerroom. Likely upping his WAR from about 2-2.5 to 3 or more.

Parmalee will have an outstanding year.

 

Duensing will be the surprise pitcher--I think he will be starting by May 15--inevitable injuries and win 12-15 games.