MVP
1. Albert Pujols - So good, that it would be really hard to justify listing anyone else first.
2. Ryan Braun - Quietly had a huge season last year and has not hit his peak yet.
3. Chase Utley - Howard and Rollins have the hardware, but Utley has been Philly's best player all along.
4. Troy Tulowitzki - Colorado looks like a safe bet for the post-season again and he is their best player.
5. Matt Holliday - Back in NL where he is more comfortable, and hitting behind Pujols leads to many RBI opportunities.
6. Prince Fielder - Such a monster offensively, he earns his spot even though he could be traded this year.
7. Ryan Howard - 40+ home runs, 125+ RBI practically a guarantee.
8. Justin Upton - Diamondbacks may surprise some people, but only if Upton stays healthy.
9. Pablo Sandoval - The only real threat in San Francisco's lineup carried them to contention last year.
10. Hanley Ramirez - May be pitched around too much to post gaudy stats, but is a great all-around player.
Cy Young
1. Tim Lincecum - Almost as obvious a choice as Pujols, Lincecum has proven he is the best pitcher in the NL.
2. Josh Johnson - Actually expecting bigger and better things than last year, now that he is farther removed from surgery.
3. Roy Halladay - In a hitter's park for the first time, but has a great defense behind him in the easier league.
4. Clayton Kershaw - 5th in NL ERA race last season as a 21-year-old with control problems.
5. Tommy Hanson - A full season of Hanson will help ease the loss of Javier Vazquez.
6. Dan Haren - Improves a little bit every year, how much better can he get though?
7. Ubaldo Jimenez - May have the best pure stuff in baseball and knows how to pitch at Coors Field.
Rookie of the Year
1. Jason Heyward - Ahead of schedule but has the talent to handle being rushed to the majors.
2. Alcides Escobar - I'm not a huge believer in the bat, but he could win the gold glove this year.
3. Stephen Strasburg - This year's Tommy Hanson probably won't get enough innings to make a serious run.
4. Buster Posey - Should be starting for San Francisco now, but may spend some time in the minors.
5. Aroldis Chapman - Should rack up big strikeout totals but will need innings to compete for award.
Manager of the Year
Charlie Manuel - Has never managed a bad team and may actually get some credit for it this year.
Top 5 Breakout Hitters
1. Jay Bruce - Bruce has already shown huge pop, but this year he should put together a complete season.
2. Dexter Fowler - Fowler was rushed hard to the majors and survived last year, now with a chance to catch his breath he should take off.
3. Martin Prado - A career .300 hitter in both the minors and majors, Prado has the starting job to himself this year.
4. Chase Headley - The park will drastically shrink his numbers, but Headley should develop into San Diego's second best hitter this year.
5. Colby Rasmus - I'm not sure if the breakout will come this year or next for Rasmus, but when it comes expect a huge season.
Top 5 Breakout Pitchers
1. Yovani Gallardo - Last year was supposed to be his breakout season but he tired down the stretch, this year it all comes together.
2. Jonathan Sanchez - Made a lot of progress last season and there should be more on the horizon.
3. Jorge De La Rosa - Has finally started to harness his plus stuff.
4. Mat Latos - May begin year in the minors but should be San Diego's ace before the year is out.
5. Mike Adams - Career 2.53 ERA in the majors, this year he finally starts being considered one of the best relievers in baseball.
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