Throughout baseball there are many players that have a lot to prove after either coming of a season-ending injury, having a subpar year, or having their first breakout season in the “Bigs”. Let’s take this time to go through some question marks for the upcoming season.
David Wright, New York Mets
The New York Mets are coming off a miserable performance in 2009, an injury-plagued season. David Wright, however, was one of the few players on this team who avoided the DL, for the most part, for an extended period of time. The main concern with Wright last year was his lack of power. He hit a career low 10 home runs and only drove in 72. A big reason for his lack of power and run production was the lack of protection he had in the lineup. Many people believe the large dimensions of Citi field played a huge factor, but this team will only go as far as he will take them. Look for Wright to bounce back in the power category with the addition and protection of newly acquired Jason Bay.
Brandon Webb, Arizona Diamondbacks
Some people might be shocked to see Webb’s name on this list, but if you know anything about pitching, undergoing major season-ending shoulder surgery could have a long-term effect on one’s production. Knowing that Brandon Webb is a gamer, people are expecting him to make a full recovery and be ready to open the season for the D-Backs. Over the past five years, Webb has been one of the most consistent pitchers in all of baseball, and the Diamondbacks have relied heavily on him to be their showstopper. This year they have, potentially, one of the league’s best rotations with the addition of Edwin Jackson. With a healthy Webb for an entire season, the D-Backs will look to battle with the Giants for control of the NL West division.
Ben Sheets, Oakland Athletics
When healthy, Sheets can be one of the most dominant pitchers in all of baseball. Sheets has been on and off the disabled list for his entire career, and after missing the entire 2009 season, he was given an opportunity and perhaps clean bill of health by GM Billy Bean and the Oakland Athletics. He recently signed a one-year contract with Oakland for roughly $10 million, but could earn up to $12 million with added incentives. Look for Sheets to be healthy at the start of the season and lead a very young, but promising Oakland staff. Knowing the way Billy Bean operates, he will surely look to dump Sheets at the trading deadline to a contender, knowing that he will be entering the free agent market again next season.
Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals
The face of the Washington Nationals organization was finally able to put it all together in 2009. He hit for a career high average of .292, drove in 106 and belted a career high 33 home runs. Defensively, Zimmerman did what he has always done and played a gold glove-caliber third base. This is a very important year for him, as well as the entire Nationals organization. Many people consider the Nationals to be a low-to-mid 80-win team with the additions of Jason Marquis, Ivan Rodriguez and closer Matt Capps. Just like David Wright is to the Mets, the Nats will only go as far as Zimmerman can take them.
David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox
David Ortiz is looking to have a bounce back year after he ended the 2009 season batting a dismal .238. In the first half of the season last year, Ortiz batted .222 and was a large factor in the Sox falling behind the New York Yankees in the AL East. Ortiz finished last season slugging in 28 home runs and driving in only 99 runs. Aside from 2008, where he only played in 109 games, these are Ortiz’s lowest totals in the last seven years. With the departure of Jason Bay, it is imperative for Ortiz to step up and have a monstrous year if Boston wants to compete with the New York Yankees. The Red Sox hold a $12.5 million dollar club option for 2011, so you can say that Ortiz is playing for his job. According to a source close to the Red Sox organization, Ortiz has lost 15 pounds and is poised for a big season.
Jose Reyes, New York Mets
Jose Reyes might be considered the most important player to his team in all of baseball. Reyes acts as the New York Mets’ catalyst and must remain healthy for the entire season if the Mets are going to find their way back to October baseball. Last year, Jose only appeared in 36 games for the Mets due to an ailing hamstring. It is imperative for the Mets that he stays at the top of their batting order, gets on base and makes things happen. Aside from his offensive skills, the Mets desperately need Reyes’ defense back to control the middle of the diamond. A lot of the pitchers in the Mets rotation pitch to contact and will rely heavily on the middle of the their infield. Reyes has been rehabbing on Long Island, and says that he feels strong and ready for this upcoming season.
