1. Matt Kemp – Dodgers
2. Dexter Fowler – Rockies
3. Aaron Rowand – Giants
4. Chris Young – Diamondbacks
5. Tony Gwynn – Padres
Kemp had a breakout season in ’09, and will look to be one of the leaders for the Dodgers this year. He’s always had a great glove, and was rewarded with his first Gold Glove. At the plate, he hit .297 with 27 homers, 101 RBIs, and 34 stolen bases. He still strikes out too much, but has the look of a star in the making.
Fowler can fly, as he stole 27 bases while anchoring the top of the Rockies’ lineup. He’s not at all a power threat, but uses his speed very well with some mashers behind him. Entering only his second full season, he’s another young player that’s worth getting excited about.
Rowand is the old man in this spot, but still produces well. He’ll forever be known for his defense, as he’s had plenty of big plays in his career. He made the All-Star team with the Phillies in 2007, but his offensive numbers haven’t been the same since. The Giants will need him to pick it up more to get their offense more productive.
Young is a hard guy to figure out. His average has always been pathetic, but he still hit 32 homers three years ago. Then he hit 22 two years ago. Then he his 15 last year. See a trend? In addition, his normally bad average was even worse last year at .212. The Diamondbacks have been successful before, but they’ll really need him to get back on track to get there again.
Gwynn is competing with Scott Hairston to start for the Padres. Does it really matter? I think not. Anyway, Gwynn hit .270 last year and stole 11 bases. And that’s about it. Like I’ve said before, it must be hard to be a Padres fan. Zero light at the end of the tunnel. Ouch.
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