10.) Jeff Francoeur, Kansas City Royals
2011 stats: .285 avg., 20 HRs, 87 RBI, .805 OPS, 47 doubles
Francoeur played a major role in Kansas City's surprisingly effective offense last year, one that finished sixth in the AL in runs and second in doubles. Furthermore, Francoeur had the kind of season that was reminiscent of his early years with Atlanta, as he put together his best all-around year since 2007. Francoeur's 47 doubles and .805 OPS were both career highs, while his 20 home runs and .285 average were the second-highest totals of his career. Additionally, his 47 doubles were second among all AL hitters, trailing Miguel Cabrera by only one two-bagger. Despite his solid season, he can still be an incredibly erratic and streaky hitter. He also possesses one of the best arms in baseball out in right.
2011 stats (124 games): .263 avg., 29 HRs, 87 RBI, .821 OPS
Cruz, when healthy, possesses an absolutely frightening bat that features as much power as anyone else on this list. However, the statement "when healthy," carries a significant amount of weight when discussing Cruz, as he has never played in at least 130 games in any season of his seven-year career. One can only imagine the kind of numbers he would put up if he were ever completely healthy, as you can see the amount of damage he did above in just 124 games last year. Additionally, his exploits in the postseason are not to be ignored, as he has 14 homers, 27 RBI and a 1.019 OPS in just 33 career playoff games.
2011 stats: .300 avg., 22 HRs, 84 RBI, .910 OPS
Beltran split time between the Mets and Giants last year and for the first time since 2008, he played in 140 games. Beltran continues to show that he can be a significant threat at the plate when healthy, recording the third-highest OPS total of any right fielder in the game last year. Upon his arrival in San Francisco, Beltran continued to hit well, recording a .323 average and a .940 OPS in just 44 games with the club. Unfortunately, he could not carry the lineup alone, as his supporting cast around him was very ineffective (excluding Pablo Sandoval). He does not steal too many bases anymore, but he still has decent range in the outfield, and he will be looked upon to be a major contributor for the Cardinals entering 2012.
2011 stats: .285 avg., 26 HRs, 63 RBI, .866 OPS
Lost in the power show that Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder put on last year in Milwaukee was Corey Hart and his performance. You know a team's offense is powerful when a guy can have an .866 OPS and still finish third on the team, and that is exactly what happened last year with Hart. Even though he is not on the level of power hitting that teammate Ryan Braun is on, he still brings a dangerous bat to the plate with him.
2011 stats: .256 avg., 32 HRs, 97 RBI, .814 OPS
Though he may frustrate some Reds fans, Bruce had a rock-solid year last year. Although his OPS dropped by 32 points and his average dropped by 25 points, his home run and RBI totals continue to climb. For the fourth consecutive season, Bruce increased his home run and RBI output, setting new career highs in both categories. In addition to the power he displays, Bruce also brings a great throwing arm to his position. Sometimes fans can expect too much too soon, and those who are frustrated with Bruce's play need to remember that he will be 25 this year. Anybody who already has 100 career home runs and 277 RBI by the age of 25 should be looked upon with a great deal of optimism.
2011 stats: .314 avg., 22 HRs, 97 RBI, .871 OPS
Pence split time between Houston and Philly last year, and it is not surprising to see why Philly was jonesing for him so much. Pence is a consistent hitter, as you can be certain he will finish with 20-25 homers, 80-90 RBI and a .280-.300 average. He recorded a career-high 97 RBI last year, which was no doubt boosted by the fact that he joined Philadelphia's solid offense. Pence will definitely be an integral part of the Phillies offense this year and in the coming seasons. 
2011 stats: .262 avg., 34 HRs, 87 RBI, .893 OPS
When looking at raw power and nothing else, I believe Stanton is the strongest man in the majors right now. Honestly, I feel like he did not hit a single homer under 400 feet last year! Of course, I am exaggerating, but his exhilarating power impressed many who watched him play his first full season last year, leading all NL right fielders in home runs while finishing second overall to Jose Bautista. His only flaw at the plate was his high strikeout total, whiffing 166 times. If he continues to hit with the kind of power he has, people will learn to overlook that flaw. Pencil him in for 40 homers easily in 2012.
2011 stats: .301 avg., 31 HRs, 94 RBI, .959 OPS
Believe me, it feels strange putting him this high on the list, and you can be sure that he will not appear on any of my lists next year (barring an encore performance, of course). Aside from that, 2011 was a renaissance year for Berkman, as many believed he was approaching the sunset of his career with declining numbers the last several seasons. His contributions to the Cardinals were invaluable, and there is no doubt that they would not have made the postseason without the unexpected big year from him. He was one of only four right fielders to hit at least .300 last year, and his stunning .959 OPS was second among his peers at the position, trailing only the mighty Jose Bautista. Berkman will likely spend most of 2012 playing at first base. The Cardinals still have a great team even without Pujols, but if they wish to repeat as World Champions, they will likely need similar production from Berkman again.
2011 stats: .289 avg., 31 HRs, 88 RBI, .898 OPS, 21 SBs. 39 doubles
Upton was overshadowed by other big names in the NL that were a part of the MVP discussion last year, but there is no denying how valuable the young right fielder was to the Diamondbacks. With five seasons under his belt already, the 24-year-old had the best year of his career up to this point, recording career-highs in home runs, RBI, doubles and steals, while falling one point short of his career-high OPS total of .899 that he reached in 2009. He also helped lead a young Arizona team to a surprising division title, the franchise's fifth since their formation in 1998. The best has yet to come for this dynamic and talented outfielder.
2011 stats: .302 avg., 43 HRs, 103 RBI, .447 OBP, 1.056 OPS
Bautista continued his stunning rise to becoming one of baseball's elite hitters last year, as he put together an even better all-around offensive performance than his breakout 2010 season. Although he hit 11 less homers than he did in 2010, his average and OPS went up significantly, proving that he belongs in the discussion of baseball's best hitters. Not only is Bautista the best right fielder in baseball right now, you could make the argument that he is the third best hitter in the game right now, trailing Miguel Cabrera and Albert Pujols. What he did last year proved that 2010 was no fluke and at age 31, he will definitely have a few more years like this left in him.
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The struggles that Twins first baseman Justin Morneau has dealt with regarding post-concussion symptoms have been well documented. When talking with reporters from camp at Fort Myers Friday morning however, he hinted that he might consider calling it a career if he does not get better.
From the Minneapolis Star-Tribune:
"I’m obviously not going to continue to mess around with this if it continues to be a problem. There comes a point where you can only torture yourself for so long." -Justin MorneauSox/Twins rivalry aside, this is just a terrible thing to watch. Morneau, when healthy, is one of the top first basemen in the game, and the Twins expected him to be one of the franchise's cornerstones for the next several seasons, along with Joe Mauer. Sadly, this goes to show you how devastating a concussion injury can be. We know more now than ever before about the lingering effects of concussions, and teams are becoming smarter when it comes to clearing players to return. An unfortunate corollary to this is the potential for careers to end or decline prematurely, as it can be incredibly difficult to return to full strength when battling with post-concussion issues (Morneau even went as far as using the word "torture" in describing his battle).
It has been nearly two years since he suffered his concussion sliding into Blue Jays second baseman John McDonald during that unfortunate night in Toronto, and I do not blame him in the least for becoming weary from battling through this adversity. Hopefully for him, the Twins, their fans and the game, he can get better and return to his elite level.
I'm telling Kenny Williams about you wishing a Twins player well!!!
ReplyDeleteOl' Kenny better get his act together this year, or I'll be wishing him well as he moves on to another team's front office!
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