MLB Weekly: 2009 Breakout Players

Here are some potential breakout players for the 2009 season. I expect these guys to perform better than what we have seen from them so far throughout their careers:

Nick Markakis, OF, Orioles: Markakis is already a good player, but I think this might be the year he really breaks out and becomes a perennial All-Star. I expect him to get close to 30 home runs this season and knock in over 100 runs. There's also talk about the Orioles wanting him to run a little more.

Delmon Young, OF, Twins: A lot of people are down on Young, but he is still only 23 years old and has come to spring training with a brand new work ethic. He'll have to compete for playing time in the Twins OF, but I expect him to win a job and hit 20+ home runs this season.

Adam Jones, OF, Orioles: Jones had a decent but unspectacular rookie season. This year I expect big things out of Jones, especially on the basepaths. He has 7 steals in spring traing already, so I expect him to be running a lot this season for the O's

Felix Hernandez, P, Mariners: One of these years, King Felix is going to have a monster season on the mound. He might not put up a lot of wins for the Mariners this year thanks to their anemic offense, but I think he will dominate on the mound nonetheless.

Dallas Braden, P, A's: Braden has started throwing a cutter this year and has been effective so far in the spring. I see him as someone who could have a solid year in the A's rotation.

Chris Iannetta, C, Rockies: With a full season of at-bats, I think Iannetta makes the All-Star team and leads NL catchers in OPS. I say he gets at least 20 home runs this season and 80+ RBI as well.

Kendry Morales, 1B, Angels: Morales has been raking all spring and I love his swing and approach at the plate. He should be able to hit .290-.300 for the Angels this season without a problem. The only issue with him is how much power he can generate. Morales is a career .332 hitter in the minors.

Jason Kubel, DH, Twins: Kubel is my 2009 candidate for player who breaks out at age 27. I think he's going to live up to his potential this season and slug 30+ home runs for the Twins. The improvements of Kubel and Delmon Young are part of the reason why I'm projecting the Twins to win the AL Central.

Nelson Cruz, OF, Rangers: Pretty much everyone knows about this guy already, but he absolutely raked the ball last season in Triple-A(.342/37 HR/99 RBI/24 SB) and even hit .330 in 115 at-bats for the Rangers. He has 6 homers this spring and could have a monster season for someone who has been mostly seen as a bust throughout his professional career.

Other potential breakout candidates: Shin-Shoo Choo, OF, Indians; Ubaldo Jimenez, P, Rockies; Ryan Sweeney, OF, A's; Wladimir Balentien, OF, Mariners; Justin Upton, OF, Diamondbacks; Jay Bruce, OF, Reds; Andy LaRoche, 3B, Pirates; Johnny Cueto, P, Reds; Josh Johnson, P, Marlins; Lastings Milledge, OF, Nationals

Let me know who you got for 2009 breakout players and if you think I missed anyone.

More MLB News:

- Word on the street is that rookies Brett Anderson & Trevor Cahill will get the last two rotation spots for the Oakland A's. Both are big time pitching prospects and from what I've heard Cahill has the more dominating stuff but Anderson has the better command.

- The Angels already have a banged up rotation and now it looks like John Lackey will start the season on the DL with an elbow strain. The A's will have every chance to win this division if they can just get their pitching together.

- Kevin Gregg has been named the Cubs closer beating out Carlos Marmol. Marmol has the better stuff, so it will be interesting to see how this one plays out.

- Speaking of closers, the Mariners will use Brandon Morrow as their closer to start the season. I expect the Mariners will have 2 or 3 different closers before this season is over and Morrow will probably be in the rotation by years end.

- The Yankees will go with Brett Gardner in CF after he beat Melky Cabrera for the job. Look for Gardner to steal 30+ bases for the Yankees if he holds onto his starting job.

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