BREAKOUT POTENTIAL

Orioles - Brian Burress - Sure, he'll give up too many walks, but this guy has a great arm and could become a decent strikeout pitcher. He performed better last season in the rotation than coming out of the bullpen. If he wins the fifth rotation spot, he could be a decent option.
Honorable Mention: Adam Jones - A no-brainer. This kid is ready.

Red Sox - Clay Buchholz - He's already got a no-hitter under his belt. Over a full season, he could win 15 for a team as good as Boston.

Yankees - Ian Kennedy - Phil Hughes gets most of the publicity, but Kennedy will have the better season. The key will be keeping his walks to a minimum.

Rays - Andy Sonnanstine - Evan Longoria and Reid Brignac get most of the publicity, and rightfully so, but it is Sonnanstine who is poised to have a breakout season. With the Rays improving, he could have a .500 season with a bunch of strikeouts. He has great control for a young pitcher.

Blue Jays - Gustavo Chacin - Marcum and McGowen did too well last season to be considered sleepers. The Jays don't have a real obvious breakout candidate, so we'll go with Chacin here by default.

White Sox - Gavin Floyd - Time for this guy to prove he belongs. He was once a highly touted prospect who suddenly forgot how to pitch. He has the stuff, but his brain needs to catch up. This could be the year.

Indians - Tom Mastny - Quietly put together a nice season last year. He could wind up becoming a valuable pitcher on a team whose rotation is not as good as they think it is.

Royals - John Bale - If he sticks in the rotation, watch out. He's got a great arm and will strike out a ton of guys. He simply needs a chance in the rotation.

Tigers - Mike Hessman - Could be the super sub if Inge is dealt. Hessman has serious power.

Twins - Phillip Humber - Underrated by most, he can pitch. He's looked great in Spring Training. He should be up and in the rotation by June, if not sooner.
Honorable Mention: Jason Kubel - could hit 20HR this season.

Angels - Kendry Morales - Should put up decent numbers, but playing time may be tough to come by on this stacked team.

A's - Carlos González - Rookie should make an immediate impact for the rebuilding A's. He's got the tools.
Honorable Mention: Justin Duchscherer - As a starter, 10-12 wins is realistic. He'll post impressive strikeout numbers.

Mariners - Jeff Clement - He's the guy who should probably replace Richie Sexson and his .220 average. His trouble will be finding playing time. Too bad...he's a ball masher.

Rangers - Eric Hurley - Explosive stuff, but could be hurt by that ballpark. Still, he should be a major contributor this season.


Busts

Orioles - Daniel Cabrera - This guy had exactly one good year, and that's been it. He's a dud who doesn't know how to pitch. He will never be a winning pitcher.

Red Sox - Dustin Pedroia - Don't get me wrong, he's a gutsy hard-nosed player, but I'm not seeing another .300 season. He could experience your typical sophomore slump.

Yankees - Mike Mussina - Hate to say it, but he's done. He's never had outstanding stuff, but now he's got o movement on his pitches. He'll lose his rotation spot by the All Star Break.

Rays - Dioner Navarro - Not that impressive a hitter. If not on the Rays, he'd be a backup at best. Luckily for him, there's no competition.

Blue Jays - Jesse Litsch - He's far from awful, but he's got the least talent in the Jays rotation. He gives up too many hits and doesn't strike out many, which will hurt his stats.

White Sox - Joe Crede - Could be traded...and it's no wonder why. He's just too inconsistent.

Indians - Cliff Lee, Jake Westbrook - Forget past W/L records, these guys would suck if not for run support. If they pitched in Pittsburgh, they'd be in AAA. They are not reliable and are highly overrated.

Royals - Brett Tomko - Not sure how he finds a job every year. For every good game he pitches, he throws three duds.

Tigers - Dontrelle Willis - There's something wrong here. He's following Doc Gooden who dominated early in his career, then saw his fastball stop rising. Willis now goes to a tough division. He could be in for a long year. Todd Jones is a close second as he gets older and less effective.

Twins - Kevin Slowey - Gives up far too many homeruns. Doubtful he'll stay in the rotation.

Angels - Howie Kendrick - Do you see a .320 average again? I don't. He won't suck, but....

A's - Jack Cust - Has never had back to back strong seasons. I'm just saying.....could the steroid talk be a distraction?

Mariners - Richie Sexson - More and more he's looking like a guy whose career is nearing an end. His numbers continue to decline each year, which is becoming alarming.

Rangers - Jarrod Saltalamacchia - The fact that he is still being considered to be demoted is a bad sign. Reports are that his defense is getting worse.