BREAKOUT POTENTIAL

Braves - Matt Diaz - Diaz can hit, and if he is able to play regularly, he'll continue to hit .300, even if he hits lower against righthanders (he clearly murders lefties). Look for an increase in his power numbers as well.
Honorable mention: Jair Jurrjens

Mets - Mike Pelfrey - There's no way El Duque survives the season without an injury or three. Pelfrey is capable of being successful in this league. Last year was a pressure-filled season for Pelfrey. With less pressure to perform, he could show the Mets why they drafted him so high.

Phillies - Travis Blackley - He was a highly rated prospect in Seattle before hurting his arm and requiring surgery. He doesn't have a blazing fastball, but he knows how to pitch. Keep an eye on him, as he could find his way into the rotation later this season.

Nationals - Lastings Milledge - They have very good prospects, but with a crowded outfield, it's doubtful their young studs will see the majors this season. Milledge has the talent, and should thrive away from NY and their picky veterans. He will outperform Ryan Church...one of the players he was dealt for.

Marlins - Cameron Maybin - My favorite to win Rookie of the Year, he can do it all. Look for 30+ stolen bases and some decent pop.

Cubs - Geovany Soto - Could become an instant fan favorite with his power. Look for at least 20HR in his first full season with the Cubs.

Reds - Homer Bailey - Last year was to be his breakout year, but an injury set him back. He should be ready to take his explosive fastball to the mound every fifth day. He could win 12-14 games this season, if he stays healthy.
Honorable mention: Jared Burton

Astros - J.R. Towles - This guy can hit. Last year, in 40 MLB at-bats, he struck out once. He's a contact hitter who should find the gaps with regularity. Count on him to hit near .300 this season.

Brewers - Joe Dillon - The Brewers don't have room for Dillon, but he could become a decent option off the bench. He's a good hit, no glove kind of guy. He may prove to be a valuable 10th man on this team.

Pirates - Ryan Doumit - Somewhat established, but hasn't been given an opportunity to put a full season together. He may get that chance this season. Over a full season, he could easily hit 20 homeruns.

Cardinals - Brendan Ryan - If he played full time, he'd contribute good numbers for the Cardinals. He could steal 30 bases and hit 10 homeruns. He's a player who can fill in at many positions. Look for him to be a factor this season.

Diamondbacks - Yusmeiro Petit - Still only 24, he pitched fairly well last season. He was once a prized prospect, and with good reason. If he can stick in the rotation, he could surprise. He has the talent.
Honorable mention: Max Scherzer - If he sticks, he'll be deadly. He's a prize!

Rockies - Ian Stewart - Time to see if the hype was justified. He has good power, but seems to have lost some pop over the past couple of seasons. He's still young, but if he wins the 2B job, he could hit 20 homeruns.

Dodgers - Clayton Kershaw - May or may not make team out of Spring Training, but this guy has got serious stuff. Once he makes the team, his AAA days will be over. He's an impact pitcher.

Padres - Chase Headley - He'll hit many doubles in that spacious stadium. A switch to OF could slow his progress, but he can surely hit with pop. He could be in the Padres OF for some time.

Giants - Jonathan Sanchez - Dynamite arm if he can gain some command. He's a flamethrower with potential. This may be the year he gets his chance to shine. The Giants have nothing to lose during a rebuilding year.

BUSTS

Braves - Chuck James - Gives up too many hits and too many homeruns. He may not be awful, but a subpar .500 season is what I'm seeing.

Mets - Anderson Hernandez - If he temporarily gets the 2B job by default due to injuries to Castillo and Gotay, remember this one fact: He can't hit a lick.

Phillies - Kyle Kendrick - His numbers last season are extremely deceiving. He's in line to get lit up this season. Sure, he was 10-4, but don't be fooled. he gives up homeruns like he's pitching batting practice and doesn't strike out many hitters. You've been warned.

Nationals - Matt Chico - He'll get tagged more often than not. Don't be shocked if he loses his rotation spot by June.

Marlins - Scott Olsen - Walks, walks, walks, walks, walks. And he's the ace of the staff? He'll kill your ERA and WHIP.

Cubs - Felix Pie - Maybe it's just me, but just not seeing it from this guy. AAA wouldn't surprise me.

Reds - Jeremy Affeldt - He's only had a few decent seasons, and many bad ones. He's due for a bad year in a hitters ballpark to boot.

Astros - Jose Valverde - Sure he'll grab some saves, but despite 47 last season, I don't see this one working out. He may cause fans to wish they had Brad Lidge back...believe that or not.

Brewers - Guillermo Mota - A no-brainer...really.

Pirates - Byung-Hyun Kim - There's just nothing left in the tank. And now he's pitching for an awful club.

Cardinals - Cesar Izturis - How he keeps a job is beyond me. His defense is good, but is he worth carrying on a roster to play a few 9th innings here or there?

Diamondbacks - Doug Davis - Too many walks could lead to his demise.

Rockies - Aaron Cook - Not sold on him ever being a winning pitcher. Look for him to struggle this season.

Dodgers - Esteban Loaiza - If there's one pitcher to avoid, this is it! Don't be fooled by one or two good starts.

Padres - Jim Edmonds - Hate to say it, because I'm a fan, but he seems done. It's been a great career, but may be time to hang up the cleats. He'll be injured half the season.

Giants - Noah Lowry - His injury screams of disaster. He looked like Rick Ankiel before the diagnosis.